Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Rhode Island

Struggling to open a checking account in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island

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

Upgrade

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.14% 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 ATM 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 4.14% APY, giving you a remarkable opportunity to grow your savings faster.

Upgrade is partnered with Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, and your funds are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. With an Upgrade checking account, you can also get up to 20% lower rates on Upgrade loans and credit cards.

SoFi

Our Second Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 4.00% 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 4.00% 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
  • No credit check or ChexSystems

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.

With Current, your everyday purchases can now shape your financial future. Simply by swiping your debit card, you can build credit. No loans or credit checks needed. There are also no monthly or annual fees for this service.

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.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • Over 14.5 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.

First Tech Federal Credit Union

Features & Benefits

  • Up to $300 sign-up bonus with direct deposit
  • Earn up to 3.50% APY
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Over 30,000 fee-free ATMs

First Tech Federal Credit Union offers an attractive banking solution that goes beyond traditional constraints, providing members with a combination of high-yield interest and multiple financial incentives across its platforms.

With the First Tech Rewards Checking & Savings accounts, there are no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees.

These accounts offer competitive interest rates, with the potential to earn up to 3.50% APY on both checking and savings accounts, depending on the balance—significantly higher than many conventional banks.

Additionally, First Tech offers extensive accessibility with over 30,000 CO-OP network ATMs nationwide for fee-free withdrawals.

The credit union also ensures enhanced financial security and flexibility with features like real-time fraud monitoring and free overdraft transfers.

Berkshire Bank

Berkshire Bank’s MyFreedom Checking is a great option for those with credit or banking history issues, as it is part of the BankOn initiative, which helps individuals get access to affordable, safe banking. BankOn certified accounts are designed to offer banking services to those with past financial challenges.

The MyFreedom Checking account comes with no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft charges, and offers free mobile banking with mobile deposit, a free debit card, and access to Berkshire Bank ATMs. It requires just a $10 deposit to open and also provides access to GreenPath Financial Wellness resources.

Berkshire Bank has several branch locations in Rhode Island, including Middletown, Newport, Wakefield, and Westerly.

Centreville Bank

Centreville Bank offers EmPower Banking, a BankOn-certified account designed to provide financial access for those looking to rebuild their banking history.

This account comes with a low $5 monthly maintenance fee, free online and mobile banking, and customizable account alerts to help you stay on top of your finances.

Opening the account requires just a $10 deposit, and it includes additional perks like free access to Centreville ATMs and a debit card.

Centreville Bank operates branches in several cities across Rhode Island, including Coventry, Cranston, Middletown, Newport, North Kingstown, Providence, Smithfield, Warwick, and West Warwick.

Navigant Credit Union

Navigant Credit Union offers its New Beginnings Checking account for those looking to rebuild their financial history.

With just a $10 opening deposit, it provides essential banking tools like online and mobile banking, mobile deposits, and bill pay.

The monthly maintenance fee can be reduced by enrolling in Direct Deposit. Additionally, you can pair this checking account with a New Beginnings Savings account for easy ATM access to your funds.

Navigant Credit Union serves multiple cities throughout Rhode Island, including Cranston, Cumberland, Lincoln, North Kingstown, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Smithfield, Warwick, Woonsocket, and more.

Rhode Island Credit Union

You may still qualify for an account with Rhode Island Credit Union (RICU) even with a history in ChexSystems, as long as any listed debts are paid and there’s no record of fraud. If approved, Basic Checking is a good starting point.

The account has a $5 monthly fee, which can be waived by maintaining a daily balance of at least $300. It also includes a debit card, unlimited check writing, free online banking, and bill pay.

Membership is open to those who live or work in Rhode Island or within 50 miles of its border. Branches are located in Bristol, Cranston, Kingston, Pascoag, and Providence, with access to shared branches nationwide.

Rockland Trust

Rockland Trust may approve your account even if you’re listed in ChexSystems, provided your debts are paid and there are no records of fraud.

If approved, you can opt for their Free Checking account, which has no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement.

You’ll receive a MasterCard debit card and one free order of checks when you open your account. Additionally, you can take advantage of online and mobile banking services.

Though Rockland Trust is primarily based in Massachusetts, they also have a branch in Providence, Rhode Island.

TD Bank

TD Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, making it a great choice for those with past banking challenges.

They provide three checking accounts: TD Complete Checking, TD Beyond Checking, and TD Essential Banking.

  • TD Complete Checking has a $15 monthly fee that can be waived through direct deposits or other qualifying criteria.
  • TD Beyond Checking offers premium perks like interest and no ATM fees, with a $25 monthly fee that can be waived by maintaining a minimum daily balance.
  • TD Essential Banking, with a $4.95 monthly fee, is a checkless account ideal for those with simpler banking needs.

TD Bank has branch locations in many cities in Rhode Island, including Barrington, Cranston, Johnston, Middletown, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Rumford, and Warwick.