Second Chance Checking Accounts in South Carolina

Getting turned down for a checking account can be frustrating, especially if old banking mistakes are still following you. Many banks in South Carolina use tools like ChexSystems to screen applicants, which can make it harder to open an account after overdrafts, unpaid fees, or negative marks.

Some banks and credit unions in South Carolina offer second chance checking accounts to help you rebuild your banking history and get back on track. These accounts can give you access to basic banking while working toward a clean record.

11 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in South Carolina

Here’s a list of banks and credit unions in South Carolina that can help you open a checking account—even if your banking record isn’t perfect.

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.

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.

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.

Caro Federal Credit Union

Caro Federal Credit Union offers Rebound Checking for people looking to rebuild their banking history.

You’ll need a one-time deposit of $25 to open the account. There’s no minimum balance requirement, but direct deposit is required, along with a $15 monthly service fee.

After keeping the account in good standing for a set period, you may qualify to switch to a standard checking account.

Caro Federal Credit Union has two branches in Columbia and one in Greenville.

Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union

Refresh Checking from Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union is designed for people who need a second chance at banking.

The account comes with free online banking, bill pay, and a free Visa debit card. There’s no minimum balance requirement, but direct deposit is required. A $9.99 monthly fee applies.

This account also includes identity theft resolution services with credit file monitoring. Registration and activation are required to access these features.

Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union has locations in Gaffney, Greenville, Mauldin, and Spartanburg.

Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union

Carolina Trust FCU offers Encore Checking to help you reestablish a positive banking history.

There is a monthly service fee, but after keeping your account in good standing for 12 months, you can upgrade to a free checking account. You can also switch from an ATM card to a Visa debit card after six months.

Carolina Trust has branches in Conway, Johnsonville, Lake City, Little River, Myrtle Beach, and Surfside Beach.

HopeSouth Federal Credit Union

HopeSouth Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for people who have struggled with their banking history in the past.

This account has a monthly fee. You’ll need to contact a HopeSouth representative to learn more about the current requirements and costs.

After keeping your account positive for a set time, you may be able to move to their standard checking account, which has no minimum balance requirement or monthly fee.

HopeSouth has one branch in Abbeville.

Skyla Credit Union

Skyla Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking to help people rebuild their banking history.

There’s a $10.95 monthly service fee, which can be reduced to $7.95 with qualifying direct deposit.

The account includes overdraft protection, free online and mobile banking, a Visa debit card, and no minimum balance requirement.

Skyla Credit Union has a branch in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Upstate Federal Credit Union

Upstate Federal Credit Union provides Fresh Start Checking for those working to rebuild their financial profile.

You’ll need at least $100 to open the account and must maintain that balance to avoid a monthly fee.

This account includes an ATM card only, making it a simple option for getting back on track with your banking.

Upstate Federal Credit Union has branches in Anderson, Honea Path, Starr, and Williamston.

Vital Federal Credit Union

Vital Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking with a $15 monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement.

Direct deposit is required. After keeping your account positive for a set time, you can switch to a basic checking account. All deposits are federally insured up to $250,000.

Membership is open to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Spartanburg County, or who have a family member that’s already a member.

Vital Federal Credit Union has one location in Spartanburg.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank offers a second chance checking account for people who need help reestablishing their banking history.

It requires a $25 opening deposit and a one-time $9 setup fee. There’s an $11.95 monthly maintenance fee, but this can drop to $9.95 if you enroll in direct deposit.

If you choose paper statements, there’s a $3 fee, but that can be waived by switching to e-statements.

Woodforest National Bank has branches in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Rock Hill, Spartanburg, Summerville, and Sumter.