Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Rhode Island

Getting denied for a bank account in Rhode Island? ChexSystems might be the reason. Many banks rely on it to flag past account closures, overdrafts, or unpaid fees.

But there are alternatives. Rhode Island has second chance checking options—and some banks that don’t use ChexSystems at all—so you can get back to managing your money without roadblocks.

9 Banks in Rhode Island That Don’t Use ChexSystems

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.

Current

Our Top Pick

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 doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so approval is easy—even with a rough banking history.

There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you get access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit by using your debit card—no loans, credit pulls, or interest charges.

Current includes fee-free overdraft protection up to $200 and lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Optional Savings Pods earn up to 4.00% APY.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

SoFi doesn’t use ChexSystems and offers a no-fee checking and savings account with solid perks.

You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings, access over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

There are no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges. You can also earn a sign-up bonus of up to $300 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • Credit Builder Card with no interest, fees, or credit pull
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

Chime doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so anyone can open an account.

There’s no monthly fee, no minimum opening deposit, and access to over 60,0001 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card—no annual fees, interest charges1, or credit pull required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early2, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

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.

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.