Opening a bank account with no deposit and bad credit can be challenging, but there are banking options available specifically for people with poor credit.
Without a checking account, managing your finances can be tough, as these accounts make it easier to pay your bills and receive your paychecks. In addition, checking accounts are often required when applying for car loans, personal loans, or mortgages. Without one, it can be almost impossible to qualify for these loans.
9 Banks Accounts That Don’t Require a Minimum Opening Deposit
If you’re struggling to get approved for a checking or savings account due to ChexSystems or bad credit, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Not only do the bank accounts below accept bad credit, but they also come with no minimum deposit, and you can open an account online in less than 5 minutes.
1. SoFi
Features & Benefits
- Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
- No monthly fee
- Earn up to 3.80.00% APY on savings
- Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
2. Current
Features & Benefits
- Build credit just by using your debit card
- No credit check or ChexSystems
- No minimum balance or hidden fees
- 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
- Get paid up to 2 days faster
3. Chime
Features & Benefits
- Over 22 million downloads
- No credit check or ChexSystems
- No minimum opening deposit
- Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs
4. GO2bank
Features & Benefits
- No ChexSystems or credit check
- 4.50% APY on savings
- Over 19,000 fee-free ATMs
- $5 monthly fee can be waived
5. Chase
Features & Benefits
- No credit check or ChexSystems
- $100 bonus after 10 purchases in 60 days
- Over 16,000+ fee-free ATMs
- Over 4,700 branches nationwide
- $4.95 monthly service fee
6. Upgrade
Features & Benefits
- Up to 4.02% APY on savings
- Up to 2% cash back
- No minimum balance requirement
- No monthly fees or overdraft fees
7. Navy Federal Credit Union
Features & Benefits
- 4 free checking accounts to choose from
- No monthly service fees
- No minimum balance
- Up to $20 in ATM fee rebates per statement period
8. Varo
Features & Benefits
- No monthly fees
- No minimum opening deposit
- Online banking with mobile deposits and bill pay
- 55,000+ fee-free ATMs
9. Huntington National Bank
Features & Benefits
- No monthly fees
- No minimum opening deposit
- Online banking with mobile deposits and bill pay
- 55,000+ fee-free ATMs

Can I open a bank account without a credit check?
While most banks do run a credit check or pull your ChexSystems report, some of them do not. Most banks use ChexSystems, which allows them to see your banking history.
This may make opening an account a little challenging for those with bad credit. However, the bank accounts we’ve listed above are just as good or better than any account you can get with good credit.
Can I open a bank account with no money?
Yes, you can open a bank account with no money. Some banks and credit unions offer checking and savings accounts that require no deposit, and you can open one online easily.
However, some banks may charge monthly fees, so you may want to choose one that doesn’t. Before choosing a bank or credit union, carefully review all of their fees.
How to Choose a Bank Account with Bad Credit
When choosing a bank account with bad credit, there are several key features to consider:
- No credit check: Look for a checking or savings account that does not require a credit check to open. This is important because having bad credit may make it difficult to qualify for a traditional bank account.
- Low or no minimum deposit: Some bank accounts require a minimum deposit to open, but it’s best to look for one that has a low or no minimum deposit requirement to help you get started.
- No or low monthly fees: Avoid bank accounts that have high monthly fees, which can quickly add up and make it difficult to maintain your account balance.
- Online banking and mobile apps: Look for an account that offers online banking and mobile app services. This allows you to easily access your account and manage your finances on the go.
- Early direct deposit: Look for a checking account that offers early direct deposits. With this feature, you can receive your paycheck, government benefits, or other payments directly into your account up to two days early.
- Debit card: Make sure to choose a checking account that comes with a debit card. A debit card allows you to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs.
- ATM access: Find a bank account that allows you to access a large network of ATMs. This will make it easy for you to withdraw cash, avoid ATM fees, and check your account balance.
- Overdraft protection: Look for a checking account that offers overdraft protection. This will help you avoid costly fees if you accidentally spend more money than you have in your account.
- Customer service: Choose a bank that offers good customer service. This will make it easy to get help if you have any questions or concerns about your account.
By considering these features, you can choose a bank account that will work best for you, even with bad credit.
Steps for Opening a Bank Account Online with No Deposit and Bad Credit
Opening a bank account online is a convenient and easy way to manage your finances. And, it’s possible to do it even if you have bad credit or no deposit. Here are the steps to follow to open a bank account online with no deposit:
- Research different bank options. Before you start the process of opening an account, make sure you research different banks and credit unions to find one that fits your needs. Look for bank accounts that offer online account opening, no deposit requirements and no credit check. Some online banks are more flexible in this regard.
- Gather the required documentation. Most banks will require some form of identification to open an account. This may include a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and proof of address, such as a utility bill.
- Complete the online application. Once you’ve found a bank or credit union that meets your needs, you can begin the process of opening the account. You’ll need to fill out an online application, which will typically include personal information such as your name, address and contact information.
- Wait for approval. After you’ve completed the application, the bank will review it and make a decision. If you’re approved, you’ll receive instructions on how to access your new account and any additional steps you need to take to complete the process.
- Fund your account. As you open an account with no deposit, you’ll eventually want to fund it. You can do this by transferring money from another account, receiving direct deposit from your employer, or depositing cash or check via mobile deposit.
Alternative Banking Options for Individuals with Bad Credit
Having bad credit can make it difficult to open a traditional bank account. However, aside from the great options listed above, there are other alternative options available.
Prepaid Debit Cards
A prepaid debit card is a type of payment card that can be loaded with money and used to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs. They work just like a regular debit card and can be used wherever the card’s network is accepted.
Some prepaid cards come with features such as direct deposit, online bill pay, and text or email alerts. Many of them have no monthly service charge. They are a suitable option for people who have been denied a traditional bank account due to bad credit.
Second Chance Checking Accounts
Second chance checking accounts are another alternative banking option for individuals with bad credit. These checking accounts are specifically designed for individuals who have been denied a traditional bank account because of a negative banking history.
They typically come with fewer restrictions and lower fees compared to traditional accounts, and may offer features such as online and mobile banking, cash deposits, mobile check deposits, and more.
Electronic Transfer Services
Electronic transfer services, such as PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App, allow users to transfer money electronically. They can be a convenient alternative for making payments or sending and receiving money.
Digital Wallets
Digital wallets, such as Google Wallet or Apple Pay, allow you to store your debit or credit card information on your phone, and use it to make purchases or pay bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a no-credit-check bank account?
No-credit-check bank accounts are accounts that don’t require a credit check when opening the account. This means that a person who has a negative ChexSystems report or poor credit can still open and use the account. These types of accounts provide a way for people who may have difficulty obtaining a traditional bank account to access banking services.
Can I open a free online checking account with no opening deposit?
Yes, some banks and credit unions offer the option to open an account online with no deposit required. This can be a convenient option for those who may not have a lot of money to put into an account right away, but still need access to deposit accounts.
What types of accounts can I open online with no deposit and bad credit?
You can open a checking or savings account or even a brokerage account with no deposit and bad credit. Many of them have all the same perks as a regular deposit account. In the past, people with a negative banking history had very limited options available to them. But, things have changed.
The banking industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the emergence of online banking as a major player in the market. Online banks, also known as digital banks or internet banks, are financial institutions that operate primarily through the internet.
These institutions have become increasingly popular among customers due to their convenience, ease of use, and attractive perks such as high-interest savings accounts and low or no fees.
This has led to increased competition in the banking industry, as traditional brick-and-mortar banks have had to adapt and offer similar perks to remain competitive. The result is a more dynamic and innovative banking landscape, with customers having more options and better deals to choose from.