Everyone has made mistakes in life, but if you have a negative history in ChexSystems, you may have difficulty getting a bank account.
That’s where non-ChexSystems and second chance checking accounts come in. Certain banks cater directly to individuals who are trying to rebuild their banking relationships. You may find limits on the account features you can access or might have to pay a higher fee than usual. However, these accounts are a good way to get back on your feet.
Non-ChexSystems & Second Chance Banks in Pennsylvania
Here’s the list of credit unions and banks in Pennsylvania that don’t use ChexSystems or offer second chance checking accounts to people who have a ChexSystems history. We have also included some great online options that you can apply for immediately from the comfort of your own home.
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 Spending 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 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.
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 banking account includes fee-free overdraft protection of up to $100. You 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.
Sable
on Sable's secure website
Sable allows you to open a bank account with a debit card and secured credit card in just 5 minutes.
There are no credit checks, no fees, and no minimum deposit required. You can also get an unsecured credit card in about 4 months after using your secured card. That’s 3x faster than what traditional banks offer.
The Sable credit card offers 2% cashback on your favorite brands.
To open a Sable account, you don’t need a social security number or U.S. credit history. You can also send money to 55+ countries and get multilingual customer support.
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, worshipping, 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.