Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in North Dakota

Struggling to open a checking account in North Dakota 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 North Dakota

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of North Dakota 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 $400 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 $400 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
  • Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through October 31, 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 4.69% 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 4.69% 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 4.30% 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 4.30% on their savings and 0.50% 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

  • Earn up to 4.00% APY
  • No monthly fees
  • 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 4.00% 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.

American Federal Bank

American Federal Bank requires a credit score of 680 or higher to qualify for a checking account, rather than using ChexSystems.

Their most basic option, American Free Checking, has no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and offers unlimited check writing. You’ll also get a debit card, free direct deposit, online banking, bill pay, and 16 free checks when you open your account.

American Federal Bank has multiple locations, including Fargo, Grand Forks, Northwood, and Wahpeton.

Capital Credit Union

Capital Credit Union pulls your credit instead of using ChexSystems, and you may qualify for an account if you have a credit score of 600 or higher.

Their Simple Checking account is free with no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement. You’ll also get free features like a debit card, online banking, mobile banking with check deposit, and bill pay.

Capital Credit Union has locations in Bismarck, Mandan, Fargo, Flasher, Beulah, Hazen, and New Salem. To become a member, you must live within 50 to 75 miles of one of these branches.

Dakota Community Bank

Dakota Community Bank uses a credit report for approving new applications, which may allow you to qualify. If not, you can start with a savings account and then open a checking account after six months.

They offer several checking options, including Free, Now, Relationship, Relationship+, Student, and Money Market. For a simple option, Dakota Free Checking is a great choice.

Once approved, you’ll receive a free check card, unlimited check writing, and no minimum balance requirement. You can also earn interest on the account.

Dakota Community Bank has branches in Bismarck, Bowman, Dickinson, Glen Ullin, Hebron, Lincoln, Mandan, Mobridge, New Leipzig, Richardton, and Taylor.

Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union

Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems for approving new applications. They offer two checking options: Kasasa Cash and Kasasa Cash Back.

The Kasasa Cash Back account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and allows you to earn 3% cash back on debit card purchases (up to $7.50 per month). You can also link this account to a Kasasa Saver savings account.

To join, you must live within a 75-mile radius of their home office in Edgeley or qualify as an immediate family member of an existing member.

Dakota Plains has branch locations in Bison, Faith, Hettinger, Lemmon, and Pierre.

First Community Credit Union

First Community Credit Union accesses your Experian credit report instead of using ChexSystems to determine eligibility for an account.

With five checking options available, E-Z Checking is a popular choice, offering no monthly service fees, no minimum balance, and no minimum opening deposit.

To be eligible for membership, you must live within specific location parameters, such as a 75-mile radius of Jamestown, Devils Lake, or Portland, or within a 50-mile radius of other cities in North Dakota.

First Community has branches in the following North Dakota cities: Bismarck, Devils Lake, Fargo, Grand Forks, Hankinson, Jamestown, Larimore, Mandan, Oakes, and Wahpeton.

Gate City Bank

Gate City Bank uses Choice Point for identity verification instead of ChexSystems, allowing for easy account opening. There are multiple checking account options, and Totally FREE Checking is the simplest to maintain.

After an initial $50 deposit, there is no minimum balance requirement or monthly fee. Additional features include an instant debit card, online and mobile banking, Popmoney, and a money management tool.

You also receive $25 when bringing in your check card and unused checks from another institution, along with a free gift when you open an account and refer a friend.

Gate City Bank has locations in Bismarck, Carrington, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Hettinger, Jamestown, Mandan, Minot, and more throughout North Dakota.

Hometown Credit Union

Hometown Credit Union doesn’t use ChexSystems, but they may check your credit to open an account.

To get started, you must open a member share savings account and maintain a $5 balance. Each checking account comes with a Visa debit card.

To become a member, you must live within a 75-mile radius of their Kulm office or within a 50-mile radius of their Hazelton office.

Hometown CU has branches in Ashley, Lincoln, and Medina.

Town and Country Credit Union

To open an account with Town and Country, you’ll need a credit score of 600 or higher. Once approved, you can choose from Perks, Progress, or Premium Checking, which are based on your average daily balance.

Perks Checking is ideal if your balance is less than $300, and you may also qualify for courtesy pay and overdraft protection with credit approval.

This account comes with a free debit card, online banking with bill pay, and no monthly fees or minimum balance.

You can become a member if you live within a 75-mile radius of Minot, or within a 50-mile radius of Kenmare, Fargo, or Moorhead.

Branches are located in Fargo, Kenmare, Minot, Stanley, and West Fargo.

United Savings Credit Union

When you apply with United Savings, your credit report will be pulled instead of your ChexSystems record.

You can choose between Basic Checking or Advantage Checking, both of which come with no minimum balance, unlimited check writing, online bill pay, and a MasterCard debit card.

Advantage Checking, which costs $3.95 per month, also includes identity theft protection.

To qualify for membership, you must live within a 75-mile radius of United Savings’ Fargo branch.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo offers the Clear Access Banking account for individuals who may not qualify for traditional accounts due to financial history.

This checking account has a $25 minimum deposit and a $5 monthly fee, which is waivable for account holders aged 13-24.

The account also provides online bill pay, mobile banking, and access to over 13,000 ATMs nationwide.

In North Dakota, Wells Fargo has branches in Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Mandan, Minot, Valley City, Wahpeton, and West Fargo, with additional locations throughout the state.

Western State Bank

When you apply with Western State Bank, they perform a credit check instead of using ChexSystems.

You can choose from four checking accounts, including Free Checking, which has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

This account comes with a debit card, check writing, and online and mobile banking. Additionally, all accounts include free identity theft protection.

Western State Bank has branch locations in Devils Lake, Fargo, and West Fargo.