Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in New Mexico

ChexSystems can be a major roadblock if you’re trying to open a bank account in New Mexico. Many banks rely on it to spot past banking issues and reject high-risk applicants.

But not all banks do. In New Mexico, you’ll find second chance accounts and banks that don’t use ChexSystems—making it easier to get back on your financial feet.

11 Banks in New Mexico That Don’t Use ChexSystems

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.

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.

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.