Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Montana

U.S. Bank is now inviting new customers to take advantage of a special online promotion:

• Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
• Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through December 30, 2024. Member FDIC.
• Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.

The checking account comes with a free debit card and the option to lock or unlock the card if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Plus, you’ll never have to worry about ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs or surcharge fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass Network ATMs.

U.S. Bank uses ChexSystems, but it has a history of being more lenient with records than most banks.

As long as you don’t have a history of fraud, or you don’t owe any money to U.S. Bank, you may be able to open a checking account with them.

The minimum opening deposit for this account is just $25, and the monthly service fee is $6.95. However, you can avoid the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance of $1,500 or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000.

Upgrade doesn’t pull your ChexSystems report, but they do look at your credit report.

The Upgrade Rewards Checking account has no monthly fees and no ATM fees. You’ll also get a free Visa debit card, and up to 2% cash back on everyday debit card purchases.

The Upgrade Premier Savings account delivers an impressive 4.14% APY, giving you a remarkable opportunity to grow your savings faster.

Upgrade is partnered with Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, and your funds are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. With an Upgrade checking account, you can also get up to 20% lower rates on Upgrade loans and credit cards.

The SoFi Checking and Savings account provides a multitude of benefits, including no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges.

For a limited time, there’s an enticing sign-up bonus of up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits.

In addition, account holders can utilize 55,000 ATMs free of charge via the Allpoint® Network. Those establishing direct deposit can earn up to 4.00% APY on their savings and 0.50% APY on checking accounts.

Direct deposit users also get the added benefit of early access to their paychecks – up to 2 days ahead.

Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. The company does not use ChexSystems or pull your credit report, and they have a lot to offer.

With Current, your everyday purchases can now shape your financial future. Simply by swiping your debit card, you can build credit. No loans or credit checks needed. There are also no monthly or annual fees for this service.

A Current mobile bank account includes fee-free overdraft protection of up to $200. Account holders also get access to over 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs with your Current debit card, and there is no minimum balance or hidden fees.

You can also get paid up to two days early with direct deposit with a Current Premium account. Plus, Current offers up to 4.00% APY with Current Savings Pods.

With Chime, bad banking history is not an issue. They offer an award-winning financial app, a checking account with a debit card, and a savings account, all with no credit check.

When you open a Chime Checking Account, you won’t have to worry about monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, or minimum balance fees.

You can also start building your credit⁷ with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card. It’s a secured credit card with no annual fees, no credit checks, and no interest charges¹.

Chime has over 60,000¹ fee-free MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance ATMs. Plus, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit². You can also deposit cash for free at over 8,500 Walgreens.

First Tech Federal Credit Union offers an attractive banking solution that goes beyond traditional constraints, providing members with a combination of high-yield interest and multiple financial incentives across its platforms.

With the First Tech Rewards Checking & Savings accounts, there are no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees.

These accounts offer competitive interest rates, with the potential to earn up to 3.50% APY on both checking and savings accounts, depending on the balance—significantly higher than many conventional banks.

Additionally, First Tech offers extensive accessibility with over 30,000 CO-OP network ATMs nationwide for fee-free withdrawals.

The credit union also ensures enhanced financial security and flexibility with features like real-time fraud monitoring and free overdraft transfers.

This account eliminates the risk of overdraft fees, works like a debit card, and provides an affordable way for previously unbanked people to access essential banking services.

To open a SmartSpend account, all you need is a $50 deposit. The account provides access to features like online banking, mobile banking, and bill pay at about one-third of the cost of other alternatives.

Clearwater Credit Union has branches in several Montana cities, including Bozeman, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Missoula, and Stevensville.

They offer four types of checking accounts: Totally Free Checking, Easy Interest Checking, 50+ Interest Checking, and Premier Interest Checking.

Totally Free Checking is a popular option with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and only requires a $50 opening deposit. It also includes a free Visa debit card, online banking, mobile banking, and bill pay.

First Security Bank has branches in several Montana cities, including Belgrade, Big Sky, Bozeman, Three Forks, and West Yellowstone.

They offer three types of checking accounts: Standard Checking, Payless Checking, and Money Market Checking. Payless Checking gives you two options.

The first has no monthly fee but doesn’t include check images with your statements. The second option costs $6.75 per month and provides check images in your statement. Neither option requires a minimum balance.

Garfield County Bank is located in Jordan, Montana.

They offer four checking accounts: Totally Free Checking, Easy Interest, 50+ Checking, and Premier Interest Checking.

Totally Free Checking is a great option if you’re looking for no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, with only a $50 opening deposit needed.

You’ll also get services like a Visa debit card, check images with eStatements, mobile and online banking, remote deposits, and bill pay at no extra cost.

Valley Bank of Helena has branches in several Montana cities, including Anaconda, Butte, East Helena, Helena, and Whitehall.

You can open the account with a $50 deposit. The monthly fee is $7.50, but if you set up direct deposit, it drops to $5.

The account comes with essential modern banking tools like free online and mobile access, e-statements, and bill pay.

To become a member, you’ll need to deposit $25 into a savings account. Eligibility is based on living, working, worshiping, or attending school in Carbon, Big Horn, Golden Valley, Gallatin, Park, Musselshell, Sweet Grass, Stillwater, Treasure, or Yellowstone County, or having a family member who is already a member.

Valley Federal has branches in several cities, including Billings, Bozeman, Columbus, Miles City, and Roundup.

Clear Access Banking has a monthly fee of $5, which is waived if the primary account holder is between 13 and 24 years old. The account requires a $25 minimum deposit to open and comes with features like online bill pay and mobile banking.

You’ll have access to over 13,000 Wells Fargo ATMs for free, making it convenient to manage your money while rebuilding your banking record.

Wells Fargo has branches in several Montana cities, including Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Glasgow, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, and Sidney.