Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in North Carolina

Getting a bank account in North Carolina can be tough if you’ve had issues in the past. A ChexSystems record—even from years ago—can result in an automatic denial.

But you still have options. Some banks in North Carolina don’t use ChexSystems, while others offer second chance checking accounts that make it easier to get approved.

11 Banks in North Carolina That Don’t Use ChexSystems

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of North Carolina 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.

Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union

Carolinas Telco Federal conducts a credit check instead of using ChexSystems, which might help you qualify for a checking account.

The single checking option available has no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement.

Additionally, you can earn rewards and interest by making 12 debit purchases monthly, signing up for direct deposit or bill pay, and opting for e-statements.

To qualify for membership, you or a family member must work in the telecommunications industry in North or South Carolina, including self-employed or independent contractors.

Carolinas Telco Federal has branches in Charlotte, Cornelius, Gastonia, and Raleigh.

Carter Bank & Trust

Carter Bank & Trust does not use ChexSystems to screen applicants.

Instead, it relies on a standard credit check, which may make it easier to qualify if you’ve had issues with past banking accounts.

The Lifetime Free Checking account has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and unlimited check writing. It also includes a MasterCard debit card and access to online and mobile banking.

Carter Bank & Trust has branch locations across North Carolina, including Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, Mooresville, Reidsville, Roxboro, Sanford, Shelby, Wilkesboro, Wilson, and other cities throughout the state.

Champion Credit Union

Champion Credit Union uses TeleCheck instead of ChexSystems to evaluate new applicants. They offer three checking options.

The Free Checking option includes a Visa debit card with no monthly fees or minimum balance, as well as online banking with bill pay and mobile banking.

To qualify for membership, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Haywood, Buncombe, Henderson, Graham, Swain, Jackson, Madison, Macon, or Transylvania Counties.

You’ll also need to maintain at least $5 in a savings account.

Champion Credit Union has branches in Asheville, Arden, Canton, Hendersonville, Mills River, and Waynesville.

F&M Bank

F&M Bank uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems, making it easier to qualify for a checking account.

They offer five checking options, with Simply Yours being the most basic.

You can open the account with a $50 deposit, and the $3 monthly fee can be waived by opting for e-statements. The account also includes a debit card, online banking, mobile banking, and text alerts.

F&M Bank has branches in China Grove, Concord, Faith, Granite Quarry, Kannapolis, Raleigh, Rockwell, and Salisbury.

FSNB

FSNB allows easy account opening without ChexSystems or credit checks, starting with just a $5 deposit.

They offer various checking options: Advanced Checking comes with a $10.95 monthly fee, while Career Checking and 50+ Checking are free with a direct deposit. Basic Checking has a $6.50 fee if the balance falls below $100.

All accounts include a Visa check card, free online and text banking with bill pay, and the possibility of earning interest, depending on your balance.

Customers also enjoy fee-free ATM transactions at FSNB locations, mobile banking, free e-statements, and no charge for cashier checks or money orders. Additionally, one free box of standard checks is provided every quarter.

FSNB branches are located in Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Jacksonville, Raleigh, Rockingham, Spring Lake, Wake Forest, and Wilmington.

Members Credit Union

Members Credit Union conducts a credit report for new members instead of using ChexSystems.

They offer a single checking account with essential features like a free Visa debit card, direct deposit, online and mobile banking, and online bill pay.

You also get unlimited check writing and the option for overdraft protection. However, a low balance fee is charged if your account balance is below $25 by the last day of the month.

Membership is available to those who work for a sponsor company or live, work, worship, or attend school in or around Hopes Mill, or in Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin, Sampson, or Duplin counties.

Members Credit Union has branches in Elkin, High Point, Thomasville, and Winston-Salem.

North Carolina Community Federal Credit Union

North Carolina Community Federal Credit Union offers a second chance FreshStart Checking account, designed for those with a record of unfavorable accounts at other financial institutions.

With a $10 monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, FreshStart Checking provides a clean slate for members to rebuild their financial history.

Benefits include a free Visa debit card, e-statements, bill pay, and no check cashing or check writing fees.

To qualify, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Wayne County, NC. Alternatively, a $5 donation to Your Community Foundation grants eligibility for those residing within North Carolina.

NCCFCU has two locations in Goldsboro.

Skyla Credit Union

Skyla Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking with a monthly service fee of $10.95, which drops to $7.95 if you sign up for direct deposit.

The account includes overdraft protection and a free Visa debit card, with no minimum balance requirement.

To qualify for membership, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, or Union Counties.

You can find branches in Asheville, Belmont, Charlotte, Greensboro, Harrisburg, Huntersville, Kings Mountain, Matthews, Salisbury, and Spindale.