Second Chance Checking Accounts in Ohio

Getting denied for a checking account in Ohio is often the result of a negative ChexSystems record, unpaid fees, or account closures. Many banks use these reports to screen applicants, making it tough to open a new account if you’ve had past issues.

Second chance checking accounts offer an opportunity to rebuild your banking history and regain access to essential financial services.

15 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Ohio

Below is a list of banks and credit unions in Ohio offering second chance checking options to help you get back on track.

Current

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Build credit automatically with your debit card activity
  • No monthly fees or minimum deposit required
  • Over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide
  • Early direct deposit—get paid up to 2 days sooner

Current gives you a simple way to open a checking account without ChexSystems or credit checks. You can start building credit by using your debit card for everyday purchases—no loans, hard inquiries, or interest involved.

There’s no minimum balance to maintain, no hidden fees, and access to thousands of fee-free ATMs across the U.S.

Current’s Premium account also includes early direct deposit and Savings Pods that earn up to 4.00% APY, helping your money grow without sacrificing flexibility.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to $300 with qualifying direct deposit
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances
  • Access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs

SoFi’s Checking and Savings account is designed to help you keep more of your money. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimums to worry about.

Set up direct deposit, and you can unlock a sign-up bonus of up to $300, plus earn a competitive 3.80% APY on your savings. Checking accounts earn 0.50% APY as well.

You’ll also have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and the ability to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems checks or credit pull
  • Open an account with no minimum deposit
  • Access over 60,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
  • Optional secured credit card to help build credit

Chime makes it easy to open a checking account, even if your banking history isn’t perfect. There are no monthly fees, no foreign transaction charges, and no minimum balance required.

You can also boost your credit with the Chime Credit Builder Visa®—a secured card with no credit check, no annual fee, and no interest charges.

Chime gives you access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

BMI Federal Credit Union

BMI Federal Credit Union provides Starting Over Checking, a second chance account for individuals rebuilding their financial stability.

The account has a $10 monthly fee and includes online banking, mobile access, a Visa debit card, and shared branching nationwide. After 12 months of positive account management, you may upgrade to Free Checking.

BMI Federal operates branches in Columbus, Dublin, and Westerville.

Buckeye State Credit Union

Buckeye State CU offers Second Chance Checking, a solution for members working to improve their banking history.

The account requires a $40 opening deposit and completion of a checking management course. It includes a debit card, online banking, no minimum balance, and up to $1,000 in overdraft protection.

After six months with no overdrafts, you may qualify for an ATM card.

Branch locations include Akron, Alliance, Canton, Cleveland, and Hartville.

Cardinal Credit Union

Cardinal CU provides Second Chance Checking, a basic account designed to help rebuild banking access.

There’s no minimum balance required, and the account has an $8.95 monthly fee. It includes free online banking, a debit card, and requires direct deposit.

After 12 months of good account management, you may upgrade to standard checking.

Branches are located in Ashtabula, Austintown, Kirtland, Mayfield Heights, Mentor, and Willoughby.

City National Bank

City National offers Bounce Back Checking, a second chance account for those needing to reestablish banking services.

There’s no minimum balance, and the monthly fee is $6.99 with direct deposit or $8.99 without.

You’ll get two NSF fee waivers, free online and mobile banking, bill pay, text banking, and mobile deposit.

City National has Ohio branches in Chesapeake, Ironton, Proctorville, and Worthington.

Eaton Family Credit Union

Eaton Family Credit Union offers Refresh Checking, a second chance account designed for members working to rebuild their banking history.

The account requires direct deposit and has a $10 monthly service fee. It includes a Mastercard debit card, access to surcharge-free MoneyPass ATMs, online banking, mobile access, and paper check privileges.

After 12 months of responsible use, members may be eligible to upgrade to Advantage Checking.

Eaton Family Credit Union has branches in Columbus, Dublin, and Westerville, Ohio.

Hopewell Federal Credit Union

Hopewell Federal provides Rebound Checking, designed for members rebuilding their banking history.

The account carries an $8 monthly fee and does not include overdraft protection.

After 12 consecutive months in good standing, you may request to upgrade to a regular account.

Hopewell has locations in Heath, Newark, and Johnstown.

Kemba Financial Credit Union

Kemba Financial offers Fresh Start Checking, a second chance option for those with previous banking challenges.

The account includes unlimited check writing, a debit card, no minimum balance, and a $10.95 monthly fee, reduced to $8.95 with $500 or more in direct deposits.

After meeting specific criteria, you may upgrade to Hassle Free Checking.

Kemba has branches in Clintonville, Gahanna, Grove City, Hamilton Quarter, Hilliard, Lewis Center, Pickerington, Powell, Reynoldsburg, Westerville, and Whitehall.

LCNB National Bank

LCNB National Bank provides Second Chance Checking, designed for those working to rebuild their financial profile.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit and carries an $8 monthly fee with no ongoing balance requirement. Features include online banking, mobile access, bill pay, debit card services, and eStatements.

After 12 months of good standing, you may transition to a standard account.

Branches are located in Centerville, Cincinnati, Fairfield, Hamilton, Lebanon, Loveland, Mason, Middletown, Monroe, Springboro, and additional Ohio cities.

Members Trust Federal Credit Union

Members Trust offers Second Chance Checking through its TRUST and Alternative Checking options for individuals with prior banking issues.

Both accounts include debit card access, online banking, and direct deposit. Account eligibility depends on your banking history, reviewed by their Member Service team.

The main office is located in Mason, Ohio.

Sun Federal Credit Union

Sun Federal CU provides Fresh Start Checking, designed for members rebuilding their financial history.

The account carries a $10 monthly fee and includes online banking, mobile access, a debit card, and direct deposit.

After completing the Check Right program, avoiding excessive NSF fees, and maintaining a positive balance for 12 months, you may upgrade to Regular Checking with no monthly fee.

Sun Federal has branches in Maumee, Oregon, and Toledo.

Superior Federal Credit Union

Superior CU offers Fresh Start Checking, a second chance account for individuals with a ChexSystems record.

The account includes a debit card, online banking, mobile access, and fee-free withdrawals at MoneyPass and Alliance One ATMs. It carries a $5 monthly fee with no minimum balance required.

Checks, courtesy pay, and ATM deposits are excluded. After 12 months of good standing, you may upgrade to standard checking.

Superior CU has locations in Defiance, Fostoria, Lima, St. Mary’s, Sylvania, Tiffin, Toledo, Troy, Van Wert, Wapakoneta, and additional Ohio cities.

Universal 1 Credit Union

Universal One provides Find Stability Checking, a second chance account for those with prior banking issues.

The account includes check-writing, a free Visa debit card, and nationwide access to shared branches and ATMs. The monthly fee is $15.

Branches are located in Beavercreek, Chillicothe, Dayton, Huber Heights, Miamisburg, Sidney, Sugarcreek Township, and Vandalia.