Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Minnesota

A negative ChexSystems report can make opening a bank account in Minnesota feel impossible. Most banks use it to screen applicants, and one misstep could lead to a denial.

The good news? Minnesota has several second chance banks, along with options that don’t use ChexSystems at all—so you can get an account without perfect history.

9 Banks in Minnesota That Don’t Use ChexSystems

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Minnesota banks and credit unions that allow anyone to open a checking account, regardless of their banking history.

Current

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Build credit just by using your debit card
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees
  • 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
  • Get paid up to 2 days faster

Current doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so approval is easy—even with a rough banking history.

There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you get access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit by using your debit card—no loans, credit pulls, or interest charges.

Current includes fee-free overdraft protection up to $200 and lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Optional Savings Pods earn up to 4.00% APY.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

SoFi doesn’t use ChexSystems and offers a no-fee checking and savings account with solid perks.

You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings, access over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

There are no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges. You can also earn a sign-up bonus of up to $300 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • Credit Builder Card with no interest, fees, or credit pull
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

Chime doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so anyone can open an account.

There’s no monthly fee, no minimum opening deposit, and access to over 60,0001 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card—no annual fees, interest charges1, or credit pull required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early2, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

American Federal Bank

American Federal Bank may offer you a checking account by running a credit check instead of reviewing ChexSystems records.

Their American Free account has no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements, though it does require a $100 opening deposit.

With this account, you’ll enjoy unlimited check writing and the option of a cash card or ATM card.

American Federal Bank operates in both Minnesota and North Dakota, with Minnesota branch and ATM locations in Ada, Crookston, East Grand Forks, Fergus Falls, Fosston, Hallock, Moorhead, and Warren.

Gate City Bank

Gate City Bank uses Choice Point to verify identity rather than ChexSystems. They offer several checking account options.

The Totally FREE Checking is the most accessible option with no monthly fees or balance requirements, though a $50 minimum deposit is required to open the account.

Upon opening the account, you’ll receive a free ATM and check card, access to online and mobile banking, remote check deposit, and a money management tool.

New account holders also receive a “Thank You” gift, and up to $25 when you bring in old check cards and checks from another bank or credit union.

Gate City Bank has branch locations in Alexandria, Elk River, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud, and Waite Park, Minnesota.

Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union

You can get a Second Chance Checking account directly through Minnesota Valley Federal. There’s a minimum balance requirement of $100; otherwise, you’ll be charged a $2 monthly fee.

You can also get overdraft protection from your savings account. Other than those requirements, you get the same perks as any other checking account at Minnesota Valley FCU.

To become a member, you must live, work, worship, attend school, or volunteer in Blue Earth, Nicollet, or Le Sueur counties.

There are two branches located in Mankato, one uptown and one downtown office.

United Savings Credit Union

United Savings reportedly uses a credit check instead of ChexSystems.

In addition to their Basic Checking account, there’s also Advantage Checking, and Cha Ching Checking (which is interest-bearing).

Both Basic and Advantage Checking include no required minimum balance and unlimited check writing. The only difference is that Advantage Checking includes identity theft protection services.

To become a member of United Savings, you must live within a 75-mile radius of their home office in Fargo, North Dakota. They have Minnesota locations in Detroit Lakes and Dilworth.

Unity One Credit Union

Unity One Credit Union

Unity One Credit Union offers the Clean Start Checking account, designed for people seeking to rebuild their financial standing.

With a $50 opening deposit, no minimum balance requirements, and low monthly service fees, this account provides members with an opportunity to start fresh.

Account holders also gain access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and over 5,000 Credit Union Service Centers nationwide.

After maintaining good account history for 12 months, members can apply for an upgrade to the Best Free Checking account.

Unity One Credit Union serves members in Texas, Minnesota, and Kansas, with a Minnesota branch located in Maplewood.

Wells Fargo

If you’re unable to open a standard checking account with Wells Fargo, you may still qualify for their Clear Access Banking account.

This option is designed for individuals who might not meet the requirements for traditional banking due to past financial challenges.

The account has a $5 monthly fee, which can be waived if the account holder is between 13 and 24 years old. A $25 deposit is required to open the account.

Once set up, you’ll enjoy features like online bill pay, mobile banking, and access to over 13,000 ATMs nationwide without additional fees, helping you manage your finances while rebuilding your banking history.

Wells Fargo has branch locations in over 120 Minnesota cities, including Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Eagan, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and St. Paul.