Second Chance Checking Accounts in Pennsylvania

If you’ve been denied a checking account in Pennsylvania, it’s often due to negative marks like overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures showing up on your ChexSystems record. Many banks use this system to screen applicants, making approval harder if you’ve faced past banking problems.

Second chance checking accounts can give you another opportunity to rebuild your banking history and access essential financial services.

11 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Pennsylvania

Below is a list of banks and credit unions in Pennsylvania offering second chance checking accounts to help you get back on track.

Current

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Build credit automatically with your debit card activity
  • No monthly fees or minimum deposit required
  • Over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide
  • Early direct deposit—get paid up to 2 days sooner

Current gives you a simple way to open a checking account without ChexSystems or credit checks. You can start building credit by using your debit card for everyday purchases—no loans, hard inquiries, or interest involved.

There’s no minimum balance to maintain, no hidden fees, and access to thousands of fee-free ATMs across the U.S.

Current’s Premium account also includes early direct deposit and Savings Pods that earn up to 4.00% APY, helping your money grow without sacrificing flexibility.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems checks or credit pull
  • Open an account with no minimum deposit
  • Access over 60,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
  • Optional secured credit card to help build credit

Chime makes it easy to open a checking account, even if your banking history isn’t perfect. There are no monthly fees, no foreign transaction charges, and no minimum balance required.

You can also boost your credit with the Chime Credit Builder Visa®—a secured card with no credit check, no annual fee, and no interest charges.

Chime gives you access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to $300 with qualifying direct deposit
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances
  • Access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs

SoFi’s Checking and Savings account is designed to help you keep more of your money. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimums to worry about.

Set up direct deposit, and you can unlock a sign-up bonus of up to $300, plus earn a competitive 3.80% APY on your savings. Checking accounts earn 0.50% APY as well.

You’ll also have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and the ability to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

Allegent Community Federal Credit Union

Allegent Community FCU offers Fresh Start Checking for those rebuilding their banking history.

The account has no minimum balance requirement, a $4.95 monthly fee, and includes a debit card and digital banking tools. After 12 months of good standing, you may qualify for a standard account upgrade.

Branches are located in Cranberry Township, McKeesport, Penn Hills, Pittsburgh, and Wexford.

Clearview Federal Credit Union

Clearview FCU provides Fresh Start and Fresh Start Pro Checking for members needing a second chance.

The $9.95 monthly fee drops to $7.95 with direct deposit. Both accounts offer unlimited ATM access at Clearview machines and digital banking.

Fresh Start Pro also includes unlimited check writing. After 12 months, members may upgrade to standard checking.

Clearview has locations in Butler, McKeesport, Monroeville, Moon Township, Pittsburgh, and Wexford.

Juniata Valley Bank

Juniata Valley Bank

Juniata Valley Bank offers Fresh Start Checking to help rebuild your banking history.

The account requires a $50 deposit to open, no minimum balance, and provides debit card access, mobile banking, and unlimited check writing.

After 18 months in good standing, you may qualify for an upgrade to idLOCK Checking.

JVB has branches in Burnham, Coudersport, Lewistown, Lillibridge, Liverpool, McAlisterville, Mifflintown, Millerstown, Port Allegany, and Port Royal.

Penn East Federal Credit Union

Penn East FCU offers Second Chance Checking for those looking to reestablish a positive banking record.

The account includes a debit card, check writing, eStatements, and mobile and online banking. It has a $7 monthly fee.

After 12 months of responsible use and completing the BalanceTrack Program, members can upgrade to Regular Checking.

Penn East has branches in Clarks Summit, Factoryville, Scranton, and Tunkhannock.

Sun Federal Credit Union

Sun Federal CU provides Fresh Start Checking for individuals rebuilding their financial profile.

The account has a $10 monthly fee, includes debit card access, online banking, and bill pay.

After 12 months of good standing and completing the CheckRight program, members may upgrade to Regular Checking.

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

Utilities Employees Credit Union

Utilities Employees CU offers Advantages Green Light Checking, designed for members working to repair their financial record.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and a $12 monthly fee. Members receive free credit counseling, a cash card for ATM use, and $8 in monthly ATM surcharge reimbursements.

After six months without NSF fees, members can upgrade to Advantages Checking.

Membership is available to employees and families in the utility or energy industries. UECU is based in Wyomissing.

West Branch Valley Federal Credit Union

West Branch Valley FCU offers Back on Track Checking for individuals with ChexSystems history or previous banking challenges.

The account includes a debit card, ATM access, and online banking tools. As long as there’s no history of fraud, you may qualify.

Membership is available to those who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Lycoming County. The branch is located in Williamsport.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank provides Second Chance Checking for those working to rebuild their banking access.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit, a $9 setup fee, and an $11.95 monthly fee, reduced to $9.95 with direct deposit.

Paper statement fees of $3 can be avoided with e-statements. The account includes a debit card and online banking.

Woodforest operates in Beaver Falls, Bechtelsville, Butler, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Coal Township, Cranberry Township, Delmont, Dickson City, Duncansville, and other locations across Pennsylvania.