Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Pennsylvania

Being listed in ChexSystems can create a major roadblock when trying to open a bank account in Pennsylvania. Even one mistake could get your application rejected.

Fortunately, there are second chance banks in Pennsylvania—and some that don’t use ChexSystems—so you can find a checking account that fits your situation.

12 Banks in Pennsylvania That Don’t Use ChexSystems

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Pennsylvania banks and credit unions that allow anyone to open a checking account, regardless of their banking history.

Current

Our Top Pick

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

Current doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so approval is easy—even with a rough banking history.

There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you get access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit by using your debit card—no loans, credit pulls, or interest charges.

Current includes fee-free overdraft protection up to $200 and lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Optional Savings Pods earn up to 4.00% APY.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • Credit Builder Card with no interest, fees, or credit pull
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

Chime doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so anyone can open an account.

There’s no monthly fee, no minimum opening deposit, and access to over 60,0001 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card—no annual fees, interest charges1, or credit pull required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early2, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

SoFi doesn’t use ChexSystems and offers a no-fee checking and savings account with solid perks.

You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings, access over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

There are no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges. You can also earn a sign-up bonus of up to $300 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

Allegent Community Federal Credit Union

Allegent Community Federal Credit Union offers a Fresh Start Checking program for those looking to improve their banking history.

With no minimum balance requirement, a low monthly service fee of $4.95, and a debit card, this account is designed to provide an opportunity for a financial reset.

After maintaining a good standing for one year, your account may be upgraded to one of their standard options.

Allegent serves several locations across Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, Cranberry Township, Wexford, McKeesport, and Penn Hills.

Clearview Federal Credit Union

Clearview Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start and Fresh Start Pro checking accounts, providing solutions for those who need a second chance at managing their finances.

Both accounts come with no minimum balance requirement, unlimited ATM transactions at Clearview ATMs, and digital banking access. The monthly service charge is $9.95, but this can be reduced to $7.95 with direct deposit.

After maintaining a good account standing for 12 months, you may qualify to upgrade to a standard checking account. Fresh Start Pro offers additional benefits like unlimited check writing.

Clearview serves several communities across Pennsylvania, including key locations like Pittsburgh, Butler, McKeesport, Monroeville, Moon Township, and Wexford, among others.

Juniata Valley Bank

Juniata Valley Bank

Juniata Valley Bank (JVB) offers Fresh Start Banking, which includes both Fresh Start Checking and Fresh Start Basic accounts, designed to help rebuild credit and reestablish healthy financial habits.

To open a Fresh Start Checking account, a minimum deposit of $50 is required, with no ongoing minimum balance. The account provides debit card access, free online and mobile banking, and unlimited check writing.

Additionally, maintaining the account in good standing for 18 months may qualify you for an upgrade to JVB’s full-featured idLOCK checking accounts.

Fresh Start Basic accounts offer ATM and debit card access but do not allow check writing or online bill pay. Both accounts come with a $2 monthly fee reduction for enrolling in direct deposit.

JVB serves various Pennsylvania communities, including Lewistown, Coudersport, Port Allegany, Burnham, Lillibridge, McAlisterville, Liverpool, Port Royal, Mifflintown, and Millerstown.

Mid Penn Bank

Mid Penn Bank’s Simply Free Checking is a great option for those who have faced banking challenges, as it doesn’t require ChexSystems approval.

This account has no monthly fees or minimum balance, allowing you to manage your finances with ease.

Along with being free, it includes mobile banking with features like mobile check deposit and bill pay. You also get surcharge-free access to over 37,000 ATMs nationwide, offering convenience for cash withdrawals.

Mid Penn Bank has locations in Allentown, West Chester, Camp Hill, Carlisle, Pottsville, Wyomissing, and other communities across Pennsylvania.

Penn East Federal Credit Union

Penn East Federal Credit Union offers a second chance checking account for those looking to rebuild their financial record.

After maintaining the account in good standing for 12 months and completing the BalanceTrack Program Modules, you may be eligible to upgrade to a Regular Checking Account.

The account comes with a Mastercard Debit Card, check-writing capabilities, and access to eStatements, online banking, and mobile banking.

However, there’s a $7 monthly service fee, and certain restrictions apply, such as no Courtesy Pay, Bill Pay, or Mobile Deposit.

Penn East Federal serves various locations across Pennsylvania, including Clarks Summit, Factoryville, Scranton, and Tunkhannock.

Sun Federal Credit Union

Sun Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking, designed to help you rebuild your financial standing.

The account carries a $10 monthly fee, and after keeping it in good standing for 12 months, you can request an upgrade to Regular Checking.

You’ll also need to complete the CheckRight online course, which teaches essential money management skills.

Sun Federal branches are located in Philadelphia, St. Davids, and West Lawn.

Utilities Employees Credit Union

Utilities Employees Credit Union offers a second chance account called Advantages Green Light Checking, requiring a $25 minimum deposit and a $12 monthly fee.

One of the standout perks of this account is free credit counseling to help you rebuild both your credit score and checking history. You’ll also receive a cash card for ATM access, plus a monthly $8 reimbursement for ATM surcharges.

After six months without any non-sufficient funds fees, you can upgrade to Advantages Checking.

Membership is available to employees in the utility or energy industry, as well as their families. UECU is based in Wyomissing and has a broad ATM network across Pennsylvania.

West Branch Valley Federal Credit Union

West Branch Valley Federal has a Back on Track Checking account for anyone who has a history in ChexSystems, bad credit, or a bankruptcy.

As long as you don’t have a history of fraud, you could qualify.

You get a Visa check card, online banking, and you can access ATMs, and use other typical checking features.

The most common path to membership is by living, working, conducting business in, worshiping, volunteering, or going to school in Lycoming County. Their branch is located in Williamsport.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank offers a second chance checking account to help individuals rebuild their banking history.

With over 700 branches across 17 states, including Pennsylvania, Woodforest provides accessible banking solutions for those looking to start fresh.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and includes a one-time setup fee of $9. The monthly maintenance fee is $11.95, but this can be reduced to $9.95 with direct deposit.

Additionally, there’s a $3 fee for paper statements, which can be waived by opting for e-statements, giving customers the ability to manage their accounts digitally at a lower cost.

Woodforest National Bank serves several locations throughout Pennsylvania, including Beaver Falls, Bechtelsville, Butler, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Coal Township, Cranberry Township, Delmont, Dickson City, and Duncansville, and more across the state.