Being denied a checking account because of your ChexSystems history doesn’t have to be the end of your banking journey. You might think that just because your record in ChexSystems has negative entries like excessive overdrafts or bounced checks that you can’t get approved for another account. Luckily, that’s simply not true.
There are quite a few credit unions and banks that don’t use ChexSystems in North Carolina. And some of them that do could still approve you for a second chance checking system. Either one of these options can not only help you rebuild your financial history but can also provide you with the convenience of hassle-free modern banking.
Before you give up on applying for another checking account, try one of these North Carolina banks or credit unions that could very well give you the second chance you need.
BBVA Compass ClearConnect Checking
For an online bank that’s accessible anywhere in North Carolina, try BBVA Compass and their ClearConnect Checking account. They don’t use ChexSystems so you could get approved for an account even if you have negative entries there. One of the biggest benefits of the ClearConnect account is that it truly is free. There’s no monthly fee or minimum balance required, and you just need an opening deposit of at least $25.
Since BBVA Compass is an online bank, you get access to online banking, a mobile app and check deposit, and more. There’s even a cash back rewards program for using your debit card. If ATM access is important to you, there are over 55,000 Allpoint and BBVA Compass ATMs across the nation that you can use for free.
Alliance Federal Credit Union
You can apply for Fresh Start Checking at Alliance Federal Credit Union, although you’ll need to stop by a branch to find out if you qualify. The monthly service fee is $10 and you’ll need a $50 opening deposit. After that, though, there’s no minimum balance that needs to be maintained. In addition to your Visa debit card, you’ll also get free online banking, bill pay, text, and mobile banking.
Before you apply for the Fresh Start Checking account, you need to qualify for membership with Alliance Federal Credit Union. They require that you live, work, worship, or attend school in one of the following North Carolina counties: New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick. Alternatively, you can be employed by one of 400 partner companies to qualify for membership or have a family member who is an existing member of the credit union.
Bank OZK
If you’ve been turned down by other banks, you could get approved for Pathway Checking from Bank OZK. The monthly service fee is $10 and the minimum opening deposit is $50. Once you’ve opened the account, you’re not required to keep a certain balance.
Pathway Checking comes with a Visa debit card, plus unlimited check writing, online banking, and mobile banking. You also get bill pay, with 15 free payments a month and each one costing $0.50 after that. You can also elect to use a mobile wallet through Bank OZK.
There are multiple Bank OZK locations throughout North Carolina. Branch locations include Raleigh, Lawndale, Forest City, Shelby, Lincolnton, Kings Mountain, Bessemer City, Gastonia, Cornelius, Belmont, Charlotte, Landis, Mocksville, Concord, Harrisburg, Advance, Lexington, Winston Salem, and Asheboro.
Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union
Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union uses a credit report check instead of ChexSystems, so you might be able to qualify for a checking account with them. There’s only one checking account option available, but it doesn’t require any monthly fee or minimum balance requirement. You can also qualify for Carolinas Telco’s checking rewards program and earn interest if you make 12 debit purchases each month, sign up for direct deposit or bill pay, and receive e-statements.
Who qualifies for membership at Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union? You or a family member must be employed in the telecommunications industry in either North Carolina or South Carolina. It even counts if you’re self-employed or an independent contractor in the industry. Branch locations in North Carolina include Charlotte, Gastonia, Cornelius, and Raleigh.
Carter Bank & Trust
Carter Bank & Trust also reportedly uses a credit check rather than ChexSystems. Their Lifetime Free Checking account comes with no monthly service fee or minimum balance requirement. You also get unlimited check writing on top of your MasterCard debit card.
Since it’s not a credit union, you don’t have to worry about qualifying for membership with Carter Bank & Trust. There are multiple branch locations throughout North Carolina, so there’s a strong chance you’ll be able to find one near you.
Champion Credit Union
Instead of ChexSystems, Champion Credit Union uses TeleCheck to evaluate new applicants. There are three checking account options to choose from: Champion Checking with Rewards, Free Checking, and Senior Rewards Checking. The most basic option is Free Checking, which gives you a Visa debit card with no monthly fee or minimum balance. Plus you get online banking with bill pay and mobile banking.
To qualify for membership with Champion Credit Union, you must live, work, worship, or go to school in one of the following North Carolina counties: Haywood, Buncombe, Henderson, Graham, Swain, Jackson, Madison, Macon, or Transylvania Counties. You must also keep at least $5 in your savings account.
Charlotte Metro Credit Union
Located in and around Charlotte, this credit union offers Fresh Start Checking. There is a monthly service fee of $10.95 but that drops to $7.95 if you sign up for direct deposit. You do, however, get overdraft protection to go along with your free Visa debit card. Also, there’s no minimum balance requirement to worry about either.
To qualify for membership with Charlotte Metro Credit Union, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, or Union Counties. There are 11 branches throughout the Charlotte area.
Chime Bank
Chime Bank is an online bank that is available to residents of North Carolina. Instead of going to a branch, you can manage your account entirely through the Chime app. There’s no monthly fee and if you have direct deposit, you could get your paycheck two days earlier than usual. It’s designed to be a modern and convenient second chance banking experience.
Another benefit is that you can link a free savings account to your checking account. Then you can have purchases rounded up to the next dollar, and that change gets deposited automatically into your savings. It’s stress-free to start growing your savings. For ATM access, you can use the MoneyPass and Visa Plus Alliance networks for free.
Corporate America Family Federal Credit Union
The Fresh Start Checking account from Corporate America Family Federal Credit Union can help you rebuild a positive checking history in ChexSystems. To qualify, you’ll need to be a member of CAFFCU and keep at least $100 in your savings account there. There’s also a $10 monthly fee associated with Fresh Start Checking.
You can apply either over the phone or at a branch. North Carolina has a branch located in High Point.
F&M Bank
F&M Bank uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems, which could help you qualify for a checking account. There are five checking account options available, with the most basic option being Simply Yours. The minimum opening balance is $50 and the $3 monthly charge can be eliminated if you choose e-statements. You also get all the typical amenities like a debit card, online banking, mobile banking, and text alerts.
There are branches located in Granite Quarry, Salisbury, Rockwell, China Grove, Faith, Kannapolis, and Concord, North Carolina.
Fort Sill National Bank
You might be able to avoid a formal checking history check when you apply with Fort Sill National Bank. Try the Basic Checking account which requires a $50 opening deposit and has no credit check required. There’s a modest monthly fee of $5.50 but that can be eliminated if you keep your account balance above $75.
You get a free Visa check card, unlimited check writing, and free basic online banking. Your account could even earn interest if your balance reaches $500 or more.
Members Credit Union
Instead of ChexSystems, Members Credit Union runs a credit report on new members. There’s only one checking account option, but it offers everything you need, including a free Visa debit card, direct deposit, online and mobile banking, and online bill pay. You also get unlimited check writing and overdraft protection if you choose. However, if you don’t have $25 in your account by the last day of the month, you’ll be charged a low balance fee.
To join Members Credit Union, you must either work at a sponsor company or live, work, worship, or attend school in or around Hopes Mill, or in Surry, Wilkes, Yadkin, Sampson, or Duplin counties.
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo has locations throughout the state of North Carolina and offers Opportunity Checking to those who are having trouble getting approved for a traditional checking account. It comes with standard features such as a Visa debit card, checks, and bill pay. Plus, it only takes a $25 opening deposit to get started. There’s a $10 fee each month, but you can easily get that waived by meeting just one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Posting 10 or more debit transactions each month
- Signing up for at least $500 in direct deposits each month
- Keeping a minimum daily balance of at least $1,500
Woodforest National Bank
Woodforest National Bank usually has its branches in Walmarts, with multiple locations throughout all of North Carolina. Their Second Chance Checking account can get you back in the banking system while rebuilding your financial history.
The minimum deposit to open your account is $25 and you’ll also pay a one-time fee of $9. There’s also a recurring monthly fee. If you have direct deposit, it’s just $9.95; without direct deposit, you’ll pay $11.95. There’s also a monthly paper statement fee of $3 but that can be waived if you pick e-statements.