If you’ve been repeatedly turned away from a bank or credit union because of your ChexSystems report, you may feel as if you don’t have options. ChexSystems is used by over 80% of banks or credit unions and finding one that doesn’t use it can be difficult. Banks don’t usually disclose how they screen applications and if they do it’s often hidden somewhere on their website.
Luckily, we’ve done the groundwork on banks in Montana that don’t use ChexSystems. However, some banks, as you’ll see, don’t use any of the above, but instead simply run a credit report or require two forms of ID.
Another option is to find ChexSystems banks or credit unions that offer a second chance checking account. For a low monthly fee, these kinds of accounts allow you to slowly rebuild your checking history. They usually come with all of the features of a standard checking account and allow you to transfer into a regular checking account after 6 to 12 months. To be eligible, you must have kept your account in a positive balance for the entire time.
There are also some great online banking options that you can access with a smartphone, tablet, or computer for all of your checking needs.
Non-ChexSystems & Second Chance Banks in Montana
Here’s a list of non-ChexSystems and second chance checking accounts in Montana.
Chime
on Chime's secure website
Chime is a non-ChexSystems bank that offers a zero-fee online checking account. Chime is unique from other online banks in that you can get paid up to two days earlier than your coworkers when you sign up for direct deposit. They also offer convenient ways to save if you’re building up your savings account.
Zero fees means you never have to pay any monthly fees or overdraft fees with Chime. You also aren’t required to have a minimum balance. The checking account comes with a free Visa debit card, bill pay, and online and mobile banking (including free remote mobile deposit).
Chime is also partnered with the Alliance ATM network, which means you can access your account, withdrawal cash, and deposit cash at over 30,000 worldwide ATMs for free. If you ever need to write a check, Chime will print and mail you one for free.
First Security Bank
on First Security Bank's secure website
First Security Bank does not use ChexSystems to screen new applications. The only thing they require is two forms of identification, one of which must be government issued.
There are four types of checking products available: Totally Free Checking, Easy Interest Checking, 50+ Interest Checking, and Premier Interest Checking.
Totally Free Checking only requires a $50 opening deposit but does not have any fees associated with the account, including zero balance requirements. It comes with a free Visa debit card, online banking, mobile banking, and bill pay.
You’ll find First Security Bank locations in Bozeman, Belgrade, Three Forks, West Yellowstone, and Big Sky.
Garfield County Bank
on Garfield County Bank's secure website
Garfield County Bank is a non-ChexSystems bank. The only thing it needs from you is two forms of ID. You’ll need to provide a government-issued ID, as well as your social security card so Garfield can verify your identity. They’re located in Jordan, Montana.
Garfield offers three types of checking products: Standard Checking, Payless Checking, and Money Market Checking. Payless Checking comes in two formats.
The first doesn’t have a monthly fee but also doesn’t include check images with your statement. The second has a monthly fee of $6.75 but does include check images with your monthly statement. For either option, there is not a required minimum balance.
Valley Bank of Helena
on Valley Bank of Helena's secure website
Valley Bank of Helena doesn’t use ChexSystems, EWS, or Telecheck. They also don’t refer to your credit report when screening your application. Simply provide two forms of ID and you should be able to open an account with them. Valley Bank of Helena has locations in 12 locations in Helena and six locations in Butte.
There are four checking products available: Totally Free Checking, Easy Interest, 50+ Checking, and Premier Interest Checking. Totally Free Checking doesn’t have any monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. The only thing it does require is an opening deposit of $50. It comes with all of the following services for free:
- Visa debit card
- Check images with eStatements
- Mobile Banking and remote mobile deposit
- Online banking
- Bill pay
Valley Federal Credit Union
on Valley FCU's secure website
Valley Federal is a ChexSystems bank, but it offers a second chance checking account if you want to repair and rebuild your ChexSystems credit history.
They have locations in Billings, Bozeman, Columbus, and Roundup. However, they’re also a part of the Co-Op Shared Branch Network, which gets members free access to their account at over 5,000 locations nationwide.
You can open an Opportunity Checking account with only a $50 opening deposit. Without direct deposit, the monthly fee is $7.50, but with direct deposit, it’s only $5.
Opportunity Checking comes with every modern banking tool you could ever need. These include free online and mobile access, e-statements, and bill pay.
To become a member, you must make a deposit of $25 into a savings account. To be eligible you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Carbon, Big Horn, Golden Valley, Gallatin, Park, Musselshell, Sweet Grass, Stillwater, Treasure, or Yellowstone County. You may also join if you have an immediate family member who is already a member.
Wells Fargo
on Wells Fargo's secure website
Wells Fargo is a nationwide bank with many locations throughout Montana. They’re a ChexSystems bank, but they offer a second chance checking account for anyone looking to rebuild their checking credit history.
To open an account you must first have been denied a regular checking account with Wells Fargo. To open Opportunity Checking, you must make a $25 opening deposit and pay a monthly fee of $10. That can be waived provided you meet one of three conditions. They are:
- Maintain a minimum of a $1,500 daily balance
- Have $500 or directly deposited
- Have 10 or more debit card purchases/ payments a month
Opportunity Checking comes with free online and mobile access, bill pay, a debit card, and unlimited check writing.