Are you trying to open a checking account in Rhode Island, but can’t get approved? It’s probably because you have a negative listing in ChexSystems. Most banks in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
Take a look at this comprehensive list of banks and credit unions in Rhode Island 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 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.
Rhode Island Credit Union
on Rhode Island CU's secure website
You could get approved for an account with RICU even if you have a history in ChexSystems. The two key requirements you must meet are that any debts on there are paid and there is no history of fraud. If you get approved, consider starting off with Basic Checking.
The monthly fee is $5 but you can get that waived if you keep a daily balance of at least $300. The account also comes with a debit card, unlimited check writing, and free online banking and bill pay.
Membership requirements are broad. You simply must live or work in Rhode Island, or do so within 50 miles of the state’s border. There are several branch locations, including Providence, Cranston, Bristol, Pascoag, and Kingston. They also participate in shared branching throughout the country.
Rockland Trust
on Rockland Trust's secure website
Rockland Trust also approves account holders in ChexSystems, as long as you meet certain requirements. Your debt in ChexSystems must be paid and you can’t have any records on there that are related to fraud.
Once approved, there is a Free Checking option from Rockland Trust. As the name implies, there’s no monthly fee and you don’t need to maintain a certain minimum balance in your account.
You’ll receive a MasterCard debit card in addition to one free order of checks when you open your account. There’s also online and mobile banking available through Rockland Trust. While primarily located in Massachusetts, they do have one branch in Providence.
Wells Fargo
on Wells Fargo's secure website
Wells Fargo
As a national bank with a physical presence in Rhode Island, Wells Fargo offers Opportunity Checking to those who can’t get approved for one of their traditional accounts. It comes with quite a few benefits to take advantage of.
You get access to a debit card, check writing, and online bill pay. You can also receive account alerts to track your finances and stay protected with liability protection against unauthorized purchases from your account.
It requires a $25 deposit and there’s a $10 monthly fee you have to pay unless you meet one of three requirements that will waive that expense. The first option is to use your debit card for at least 10 purchases each month.
You can also sign up for direct deposit, which must amount to least $500 monthly. The last option to get your fee waived is to maintain a daily balance of at least $1,500.