Are you trying to open a checking account in Pennsylvania, but can’t get approved? It’s probably because you have a negative listing in ChexSystems. Most banks in Pennsylvania use ChexSystems to review your banking history.
Fortunately, you still have options. There are several banks that don’t use ChexSystems during the application process, and others that offer second chance checking.
Non-ChexSystems & Second Chance Banks in Pennsylvania
Take a look at this comprehensive list of banks and credit unions in Pennsylvania that either don’t use ChexSystems, or offer second chance checking accounts.
Chime
on Chime's secure website
With Chime®, bad banking history is not an issue. They offer an award-winning financial app, a debit card, and a credit-builder Visa credit card, all with no credit check.
The Chime Checking Account is 100% free and has no monthly fees:
- no overdraft fees
- no monthly maintenance fees
- no foreign transaction fees
- no minimum balance fees
They’ll even spot you up to $200 on debit card purchases with no overdraft fees.
You can also start building your credit 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 charges.
Chime has over 60,000 fee-free MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance ATMs. Plus, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit. You can also deposit cash for free at over 8,500 Walgreens.
You can see why Chime is our #1 choice.
Aspiration
on Aspiration's secure website
Aspiration’s Spend & Save Account hybrid checking and savings account that is entirely online. There’s a $10 minimum opening deposit to get started.
With an Aspiration debit card, you get unlimited fee-free withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs and one out-of-network ATM reimbursement per month. You can also get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.
You can earn up to 5.00% APY when you spend $1,000/month and deposits are FDIC insured.
Current
on Current's secure website
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.
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.
Corporate America Family Credit Union
on Corporate America FCU's secure website
You could qualify for Fresh Start Checking from Corporate America Family as long as you keep $100 in your Regular Share account. The monthly fee is $10 and you can also sign up for a free online course called Get In Balance, which helps you learn how to better manage your checking account.
There’s a CAFCU location in Towanda and you can also take advantage of multiple co-op-shared branches throughout the state.
Sun Federal Credit Union
on Sun's secure website
Fresh Start Checking is available at Sun Federal. The fee is $10 a month. Once you keep your account in good standing for a full 12 months, you can request your account be reviewed and considered for an upgrade to Regular Checking.
In order to qualify, you’ll also need to complete CheckRight, which is a self-study online course that helps you learn how to better manage your money.
You won’t find a Sun Federal branch in Pennsylvania, but there are plenty of co-op-shared branches as well as fee-free ATMs throughout the state.
Utilities Employees Credit Union
on Utilities Employees CU's secure website
Utilities Employees has a second chance account called Advantages Green Light Checking. The minimum opening deposit is $25 and the monthly fee is $12.
This account comes with a few unique perks, including free credit counseling to help you rebuild your credit score along with your checking history. You also get a cash card to use at ATMs, plus a monthly $8 reimbursement for ATM surcharges.
After you use the account for six months without incurring any non-sufficient funds fees, UECU allows you to upgrade your account to Advantages Checking.
Membership is open to any employee in the utility or energy industry, as well as their families. They’re located in Wyomissing with a wide ATM network across the state.
West Branch Valley Federal Credit Union
on West Branch Valley FCU's secure website
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
on Woodforest's secure website
With multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania, Woodforest National Bank provides an accessible Second Chance Checking account. There’s a $9 setup fee that you pay once, then you’ll also need $25 for your opening deposit.
If you sign up for direct deposit, your monthly fee is $9.95; if not, the fee jumps to $11.95. There’s also a $3 fee for paper statements, but you can get that waived by signing up for eStatements.