Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Pennsylvania

Struggling to open a checking account in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

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.

SoFi

Our Top Pick

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

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 3.80.00% APY on their savings and 0.50% APY 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

Current lets you open a mobile bank account without ChexSystems checks or credit pulls. It’s built for speed, flexibility, and getting your finances back on track.

You can build credit just by using your Current debit card—no loans, credit checks, or interest charges involved. There are no monthly or annual fees for this feature.

Current also offers fee-free overdraft protection up to $200, access to over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs, and no minimum balance requirements.

With a Premium account, you can get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Current also offers up to 4.00% APY through its Savings Pods, which lets you earn interest while keeping your money accessible.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • Over 22 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.

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

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 overdraft 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 4.02% APY, giving you a remarkable opportunity to grow your savings faster.

You’ll get access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network, including Walgreens and CVS locations. Plus, checking account customers can qualify for up to 20% lower rates on Upgrade loans and credit cards.

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.