Second Chance Checking Accounts in South Carolina

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 $400, plus earn a competitive 3.30% 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.

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, with 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 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®. It’s a secured card with no credit check, no annual fee, and no interest charges.

Chime gives you access to over 47,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

The account has no minimum balance requirement and a $5.95 monthly fee. AllSouth will waive the fee if you use your card 15 or more times per month.

Basic Checking includes online and mobile banking, plus access to more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs. It is designed for people who want to rebuild their banking history while keeping access to everyday account tools.

AllSouth Federal Credit Union has branches in Batesburg-Leesville, Camden, Cayce, Columbia, Irmo, Lexington, Newberry, and more.

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.

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.

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.

The account has a $10 monthly maintenance fee and fewer restrictions than many second-chance accounts.

Family Trust also says check-cashing services and overdraft protection may be available.

Fresh Start Checking gives members a way to return to everyday banking while rebuilding a stronger financial base. It can be useful if past account issues have made it harder to qualify for a standard checking account.

Family Trust Federal Credit Union has branches in Clover, Fort Mill, Greenville, Rock Hill, and York.

This account is narrower than some second-chance options. Founders’ disclosure says members must have repaid any prior loss to the credit union and be otherwise eligible under its account rules.

Fresh Start Checking gives qualifying members a way to open a new checking relationship and work back toward stronger account history with a large South Carolina credit union.

Founders Federal Credit Union has branches in Boiling Springs, Cheraw, Chester, Columbia, Duncan, Gaffney, Great Falls, and more.

The account is designed to help members rebuild their financial foundation with tools for responsible money management. It can be a good fit if past account problems have made it harder to open a regular checking account.

New Horizon Checking gives members a local credit union option for deposits, spending, and daily account use while working toward better banking habits.

Greenville Heritage Federal Credit Union has branches in Greenville and Simpsonville.

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.

The account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. It includes a free Visa debit card, unlimited transactions, check reordering through online banking, and access to free convenience services.

Basic Checking can be a good fit if you need a local credit union account after past banking issues. It gives you a way to handle deposits, payments, and everyday spending while getting back into regular banking.

Mid Carolina Credit Union has branches in Camden, Columbia, Elgin, and Lugoff.

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.

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.

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.