Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Tennessee

Struggling to open a checking account in Tennessee 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 Tennessee

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

U.S. Bank

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to $450 bonus
  • Minimum opening deposit of $25
  • Monthly service fee: $0 or $6.95
  • Over 40,000 surcharge-free MoneyPass ATMs

U.S. Bank is now inviting new customers to take advantage of a special online promotion:

  • Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
  • Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through December 30, 2024. Member FDIC.
  • Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.

The checking account comes with a free debit card and the option to lock or unlock the card if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Plus, you’ll never have to worry about ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs or surcharge fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass Network ATMs.

U.S. Bank uses ChexSystems, but it has a history of being more lenient with records than most banks.

As long as you don’t have a history of fraud, or you don’t owe any money to U.S. Bank, you may be able to open a checking account with them.

The minimum opening deposit for this account is just $25, and the monthly service fee is $6.95. However, you can avoid the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance of $1,500 or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000.

Upgrade

Our Second 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

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.

Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union

Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union offers a Fresh Start checking account for those with a ChexSystems history.

The account requires a $50 initial deposit and comes with a $10 monthly service fee.

To qualify for membership, applicants must live, work, worship, or attend school in Carter, Hawkins, Sullivan, Unicoi, or Washington County. Alternatively, you can join if you’re a member of H/Ead or have a family member who is already an ACFCU member.

Branch locations are available in Johnson City, Jonesborough, Kingsport, and Rogersville.

Cadence Bank

Cadence Bank offers several checking accounts that don’t require ChexSystems.

The minimum opening deposit for these accounts ranges from $25 to $1,000, and some accounts allow you to waive the monthly fee by meeting certain conditions.

Each account includes essential features such as a free debit card, online banking, and bill pay.

Cadence Bank locations can be found in the following cities: Bartlett, Brentwood, Chattanooga, Franklin, Jackson, Memphis, Milan, Nolensville, Selmer, and Trenton.

Commercial Bank and Trust

Commercial Bank and Trust reviews each applicant’s credit report and requires a credit score of at least 600 for approval, as long as the report doesn’t have too many negative entries.

They offer three checking options. The Simply Free Checking requires a $50 opening deposit, but has no minimum balance requirement.

It includes free eStatements, bill pay, online and mobile banking with remote deposit, and a free debit card.

Commercial Bank and Trust operates in Jackson, Memphis, Paris, and Union City.

First South Financial Credit Union

First South Financial Credit Union uses a credit report instead of ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS for new applications.

They offer several checking options. The Standard Checking account includes free online and mobile banking, eStatements, bill pay, a debit card, and overdraft protection options.

There is a low minimum balance requirement to avoid monthly fees, but for specific details, applicants should consult with a member representative.

First South Financial has branches in Atoka, Bartlett, Collierville, Cordova, Dyersburg, Jackson, Memphis, Millington, and Nashville.

FSNB

FSNB allows account opening without ChexSystems or credit checks, making it easy to start with a $5 deposit.

Checking accounts come with a Visa check card, free online and text banking with bill pay, and an interest-bearing option if a minimum balance is maintained.

Other perks include fee-free ATM transactions at FSNB locations, mobile banking, free e-statements, and no charge for cashier checks and money orders. Customers also receive one free box of standard checks each quarter.

FSNB has locations in Antioch, Clarksville, Collierville, Cookeville, Cordova, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville.

Greater Eastern Credit Union

Greater Eastern Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking, tailored for members who need a second chance at managing their finances.

The account comes with a $10 monthly service charge, limited check writing (20 per month), and no minimum balance requirement. Complimentary features include checks, bill pay, cashier’s checks, and money orders.

Members also benefit from free online and mobile banking, access to the EZConnect ATM network, and a Visa check card with no debit card usage fees. Direct deposit and payroll deduction options are also available.

Branches are located in Johnson City and Jonesborough.

Hearthside Bank

Hearthside Bank offers the Square One Checking account for individuals who have had financial challenges in the past.

With this account, members can get a fresh start with features like free online banking with bill pay, check images, free telephone banking, and overdraft privilege.

The account requires a $50 deposit to open, has a one-time setup fee of $10, and includes a monthly maintenance fee of $12.99 with direct deposit or $19.99 without direct deposit.

Hearthside Bank has branches in New Tazewell, Jacksboro, Harrogate, and Knoxville, Tennessee.

Highland Federal

Highland Federal does not use ChexSystems, Telecheck, EWS, or a credit report to evaluate new applications.

As long as you can provide two forms of ID, one being government-issued, and have no outstanding debt with Highland, your application may be approved.

They offer four checking account options, with Free Choice Checking being the most popular. This account has no monthly fees and includes a free first box of checks.

You’ll also get free online banking, free bill pay, and a free MasterCard debit card. A $100 minimum deposit and an email address are required to open the account.

Highland Federal operates two locations in Crossville.

Hope Credit Union

Hope Credit Union reviews ChexSystems, but is more lenient with negative entries compared to other banks. Applicants with a credit score of at least 600 and no outstanding debt to Hope Community are generally approved for an account.

They offer five different checking account options, with some requiring a $25 minimum balance and a $9.95 monthly fee, which is waived if the account maintains a balance of $200 or more.

All checking accounts come with unlimited paperless transactions, free online and mobile banking, free eStatements, and overdraft protection options.

Hope CU has four locations in Memphis.

Home Federal Bank

Home Federal Bank offers a second chance checking account called Fresh Start Checking, designed to help individuals restart their financial journey.

It requires a minimum opening deposit of $50 and includes a one-time setup fee of $10. The monthly fee is $19.99 without direct deposit, but it reduces to $12.99 if direct deposit is established.

The Square One account provides free online and telephone banking, free eStatements, and optional overdraft protection.

Home Federal Bank has locations in Farragut, Gatlinburg, Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Pigeon Forge, Powell, Sevierville, and Seymour, and elsewhere throughout the state.

Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union

Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union doesn’t use ChexSystems, but instead runs a credit report for each application.

To open an account, you can apply online with a minimum deposit of $5. There’s no monthly service fee unless the account holder opts for paper statements, in which case it’s $2 per month.

This account comes with free mobile and online banking, remote deposit, free bill pay, and free access to over 64,000 ATMs worldwide.

Branches are located in the following cities: Alcoa, Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, Knoxville, Lenoir City, Maryville, Morristown, Powell, and Sevierville. There are also additional locations in other areas.

Liberty Federal Credit Union

Liberty Federal Credit Union offers the Opportunity Checking account for those who’ve had trouble opening a new account due to past issues.

This second chance account provides a fresh start with access to free online services and a choice between an ATM or debit card.

After maintaining your account in good standing for 12 consecutive months, you may be eligible to upgrade to one of their other checking accounts.

Liberty Federal has branches in several Tennessee locations, including Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nolensville, Spring Hill, and Thompson’s Station.

Republic Bank

Republic Bank offers a second chance checking account called the Checking Builder Account. To open the account, you’ll need a $50 deposit, a Social Security number, and government ID.

If you’re listed in ChexSystems, you may need to provide documentation showing that any past debt with a former financial institution has been satisfied.

The monthly fee for the account is $12.95, but this can be reduced if you enroll in direct deposit or complete at least 20 debit transactions each month.

The account has no minimum balance requirement and includes free internet banking, free bill pay, and unlimited check writing. You’ll also enjoy free ATM transactions at Republic Bank, Presto, Sum, MoneyPass, or Allpoint ATMs.

Branches are located in Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Nashville.

Renasant Bank

Renasant Bank uses ChexSystems, but it has built a reputation for being more lenient with negative records than other banks.

As long as there isn’t a history of fraud and the applicant does not owe any money to Renasant, you may open an account.

Checking accounts come with online and mobile banking (including remote deposit), bill pay, a free Visa debit card, and Renasant’s Mobile Wallet, which currently works with Zelle, Apple Pay, Apple Pay Cash, and Google Pay.

Renasant Bank has branches in Bartlett, Collierville, Franklin, Germantown, Hermitage, Johnson City, Knoxville, Maryville, Memphis, and Nashville. They also have other locations across the state.

Select Seven Credit Union

Select Seven Credit Union offers Second Chance Checking to help those who may have faced challenges with past accounts, such as overdraft issues.

The account comes with a $10 monthly service fee, but after 12 months of maintaining good account history, the fee is removed.

It includes a free Visa check card, and low-cost checks are available. Courtesy Pay is optional, and the account requires a minimum deposit of $50 to open.

Branches are located in Johnson City and Kingsport.

Staley Credit Union

Staley Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called Renew Checking, designed for those looking to repair their checking history. To open the account, a $50 deposit is required, and there is a $7 monthly service fee.

With Renew Checking, members enjoy free online and mobile banking, bill pay, a free debit card, and access to over 5,000 free ATMs nationwide.

Overdraft protection options are also available. If you maintain a positive balance for the first year, you can transfer to a standard checking account.

Staley Credit Union has one branch in Loudon, TN.

TENCU

TEN Credit Union offers Restart Checking, designed for those who have experienced credit or overdraft issues. This account aims to help you rebuild your financial history and achieve a stable financial future.

It includes a free debit card and carries an $8 monthly service fee. Additionally, a $25 deposit into a savings account is required when opening the account.

TEN Credit Union has branches in Cookeville, Franklin, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Johnson City, and Nashville.

United Southeast Federal Credit Union

United Southeast Federal Credit Union uses Telecheck to screen applicants, which can be helpful for those who have had trouble opening accounts at banks that use ChexSystems.

Their Premier Checking account offers benefits like identity theft protection, accidental death insurance, travel discounts, warranty protection, shopping rewards, and health savings discounts.

Additionally, you get free online and mobile banking with remote deposit, bill pay, eStatements, and one free box of checks each year.

While there’s no minimum balance requirement, the account has a $5.95 monthly fee. United Southeast has locations in Bristol and Johnson City.