Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in North Carolina

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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. Additionally, you need to maintain at least $5 in a savings account.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.