Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in New Mexico

Struggling to open a checking account in New Mexico due to a negative ChexSystems listing?

While most banks use ChexSystems to review your banking history, there are some that don’t. Additionally, some banks offer second checking accounts.

Non-ChexSystems & Second Chance Banks in New Mexico

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

U.S. Bank

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to $450 bonus
  • Minimum opening deposit of $25
  • Monthly service fee: $0 or $6.95
  • Over 40,000 surcharge-free MoneyPass ATMs

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

Our Second Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.14% APY on savings
  • Up to 2% cash back
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No monthly fees or overdraft fees

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.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 4.00% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

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

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
  • No credit check or ChexSystems

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.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • Over 14.5 million downloads
  • No credit check or ChexSystems
  • No minimum opening deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

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

Features & Benefits

  • Up to $300 sign-up bonus with direct deposit
  • Earn up to 3.50% APY
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Over 30,000 fee-free ATMs

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.

1st Convenience Bank

1st Convenience Bank does not use ChexSystems, making it a solid option if you’ve had trouble opening an account elsewhere.

Their most basic account option is the e-Account, which doesn’t allow check writing but includes a MasterCard debit card and access to online and mobile banking.

The account comes with a $7 monthly fee, but this can be reduced to $5 by signing up for e-statements. You can use Gold Key ATMs for free, but there’s a $2.50 fee for out-of-network ATMs.

1st Convenience Bank has branches inside Walmarts throughout New Mexico, including locations in Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Roswell.

Bank of Albuquerque

If you’ve made banking mistakes in the past, Bank of Albuquerque offers a second chance with their Opportunity Banking account. The account has a monthly fee of $14.95, which can be reduced to $9.95 if you have direct deposits totaling at least $300.

With this account, you’ll receive a free Visa debit card and access to online and mobile banking. You also get free access to over 24,000 ATMs nationwide.

Additionally, you can request one overdraft fee refund per year. If you prefer paper statements, there’s a $1.50 monthly fee, but e-statements are available for free.

You’ll need $50 to open the account, and Bank of Albuquerque has locations in Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe.

Bank of the Southwest

Bank of the Southwest has more flexible approval guidelines for those with a ChexSystems history. If you’ve settled any outstanding fees and don’t have any recent records, you might be able to open a checking account.

They offer a single personal checking account, and you’ll need to speak with a customer service representative for approval.

Bank of the Southwest has branches in several locations, including Bloomfield, Elephant Butte, Farmington, Hatch, Kirtland, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Truth or Consequences.

First American Community Credit Union

First American Community Credit Union offers Second Chance Checking, which comes with a few restrictions but also some great benefits.

There’s no minimum monthly balance, and you get access to online and mobile banking, bill pay, and free e-statements.

The account has a $10 monthly fee and requires a $50 opening deposit. You’re limited to 50 free transactions per month, with a $0.20 fee for each additional one. After 12 months of maintaining your account in good standing, you can upgrade to a different checking account.

You can visit the Tse Bonito branch to learn more or apply online. Membership is required before accessing the Second Chance Checking.

Jemez Valley Credit Union

Jemez Valley Credit Union may approve you for a checking account with just a valid photo ID. However, you’ll need to qualify for membership first.

You’re eligible if a family member is already a member, or if you live, work, or own property in the Jemez Valley or Rio Rancho School district.

To begin, you’ll need to open a regular share savings account with a $25 minimum deposit. Once that’s set up, you can open a draft checking account, which has no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirement. If you maintain a balance of $2,000 or more, you’ll earn 0.20% interest.

Jemez Valley has branches in Jemez Springs and San Ysidro, New Mexico.

Lea County State Bank

Lea County State Bank offers LCSB Second Chance Checking, which requires a $100 minimum opening deposit.

The account includes unlimited check writing, online banking, bill pay, mobile banking, and the option for e-statements. If you prefer paper statements, there’s a $5 monthly fee. The account has a flat monthly fee of $10.

Lea County State Bank has branches in Hobbs and Lovington.

US Eagle Federal Credit Union

US Eagle Federal Credit Union offers FlexChecking, a check-free account that doesn’t rely on your credit history. It’s a great option for those looking to repair or build their credit, or for those who have been turned down for traditional checking accounts.

The account comes with a $3 monthly fee and no overdraft fees. It includes a free debit card, which gives you access to over 30,000 CUAnytime, surcharge-free ATMs.

You also get access to free banking tools, including Zelle, online banking with bill pay, and mobile banking. With free direct deposit, you can receive your paycheck up to two days early.

US Eagle Federal Credit Union has branches in Albuquerque, Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Farmington.

Wells Fargo

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

This second chance account is designed for those who might not qualify for traditional banking options due to past financial difficulties.

The account comes with a monthly fee of $5, which can only be waived if the primary account holder is between the ages of 13 and 24.

To open the account, a minimum deposit of $25 is required. Once established, you’ll have access to a range of convenient features, including online bill pay and mobile banking.

Additionally, customers can take advantage of Wells Fargo’s vast network of over 13,000 ATMs, available free of charge.

Wells Fargo has branches in several New Mexico cities, including Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Anthony, Artesia, Carlsbad, Farmington, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Roswell, and Santa Fe.