Second Chance Checking Accounts in Montana

Past banking issues can make it harder to open a new checking account in Montana, but they don’t have to keep you from banking altogether. If ChexSystems shows unpaid fees, overdrafts, or closed accounts, some banks may be more hesitant to approve your application.

Second chance checking accounts give you a way to rebuild while still using basic banking tools. These accounts may include debit card access, online banking, mobile banking, and other services that help you manage money day to day.

9 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Montana

Here are the Montana banks and credit unions offering second chance checking for those working to rebuild their financial standing.

You can also review banks that don’t use ChexSystems in Montana for another way to open a new checking account.

SoFi

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to $400 with qualifying direct deposit
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Up to 3.30% APY on savings balances
  • Access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs

SoFi’s Checking and Savings account is designed to help you keep more of your money. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimums to worry about.

Set up direct deposit, and you can unlock a sign-up bonus of up to $400, plus earn a competitive 3.30% APY on your savings. Checking accounts earn 0.50% APY as well.

You’ll also have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and the ability to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

Current

Features & Benefits

  • Build credit automatically with your debit card activity
  • No monthly fees or minimum deposit required
  • Over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide
  • Early direct deposit lets you get paid up to 2 days sooner

Current gives you a simple way to open a checking account without ChexSystems or credit checks. You can start building credit by using your debit card for everyday purchases, with no loans, hard inquiries, or interest involved.

There’s no minimum balance to maintain, no hidden fees, and access to thousands of fee-free ATMs across the U.S.

Current’s Premium account also includes early direct deposit and Savings Pods that earn up to 4.00% APY, helping your money grow without sacrificing flexibility.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems checks or credit pull
  • Open an account with no minimum deposit
  • Access over 47,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
  • Optional secured credit card to help build credit

Chime makes it easy to open a checking account, even if your banking history isn’t perfect. There are no monthly fees, no foreign transaction charges, and no minimum balance required.

You can also boost your credit with the Chime Credit Builder Visa®. It’s a secured card with no credit check, no annual fee, and no interest charges.

Chime gives you access to over 47,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

Stash

Features & Benefits

  • No hidden fees
  • Earn stock as you spend with Stock-Back® rewards
  • Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit
  • 55,000+ fee-free ATMs through Allpoint®

Stash offers a checking account with no ChexSystems review or credit check. This makes it accessible if you’ve had trouble opening accounts in the past.

Each time you use the Stash debit card, you earn Stock-Back® rewards in the form of small pieces of stock from the brands where you spend.

You can also receive your paycheck early through direct deposit. The account has no overdraft fees.

Everything is managed through the Stash mobile app, which also includes investing and budgeting tools.

Clearwater Credit Union

Clearwater Credit Union offers SmartSpend Checking, a second chance account with no overdraft fees and basic debit access

It’s designed for individuals working to rebuild their banking history.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit and includes online banking, mobile access, and bill pay services.

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

First Interstate Bank

First Interstate Bank offers Simple Banking, a low-cost account for everyday banking without overdraft surprises.

Keep in mind this isn’t a dedicated second chance account. It’s a Bank On certified account with no overdraft, and the bank doesn’t publish a policy on approving applicants with a past banking record, so approval isn’t guaranteed for everyone with prior marks.

It takes $25 to open and is check-free and overdraft-free, so any transaction you can’t cover is declined rather than charged a fee.

You get a Mastercard debit card, online and mobile banking, free eStatements, and surcharge-free withdrawals at First Interstate and MoneyPass ATMs.

Headquartered in Billings, First Interstate is the largest bank based in Montana, with branches across the state including Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Livingston, and Cut Bank.

Sky Federal Credit Union

Sky Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking, an account for members working to rebuild their financial standing after past banking trouble. As the credit union puts it, it’s never too late to start over.

What sets it apart is a clear qualification: it’s open to members who have $500 or less in checking collections at another institution, so you know up front whether you’re a fit.

It takes $25 to open, has no minimum balance, and carries a $10 monthly fee, with free online, mobile, and telephone banking, bill pay, and eStatements.

After six months of solid performance with no NSF fees, you can move up to a standard checking account. Sky serves south-central Montana, with branches in Belgrade, Big Timber, Bozeman, Ennis, and Livingston.

Valley Credit Union

Valley Credit Union provides Opportunity Checking for members with a ChexSystems record.

You can open the account with $50, and the $7.50 monthly fee is reduced to $5 with direct deposit.

The account comes with free online banking, mobile access, bill pay, and e-statements. Membership requires a $25 savings deposit and is open to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in eligible counties.

Valley Credit Union has locations in Billings, Bozeman, Columbus, Miles City, and Roundup.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo offers Clear Access Banking for those rebuilding their financial standing.

It requires a $25 deposit to open, with a $5 monthly fee that’s waived for account holders aged 13 to 24.

The account includes mobile banking, online bill pay, and free access to over 13,000 Wells Fargo ATMs nationwide.

Wells Fargo operates branches in Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Glasgow, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula, and Sidney.

Know of a second chance account we missed?

If you know of a bank or credit union that offers a second chance account, tell us. We'll verify it, and if it checks out, we'll add it to the list.

Did you open the account with a ChexSystems record? (optional)