Second Chance Checking Accounts in Tennessee

Getting denied for a checking account can make everyday banking feel out of reach—especially if past mistakes are still showing on your record. Many banks in Tennessee rely on screening tools like ChexSystems, which flag negative marks such as overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures.

Luckily, some banks and credit unions across Tennessee offer second chance checking accounts to help you rebuild your banking history and take control of your finances.

12 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Tennessee

Below you’ll find second chance checking options in Tennessee designed for people who need a fresh start with their banking.

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.

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.

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.

Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union

Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for individuals with a ChexSystems record who need help rebuilding their banking history.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit and includes a $10 monthly service fee.

Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Carter, Hawkins, Sullivan, Unicoi, or Washington County. You can also qualify if you’re part of H/Ead or have a family member who is already a member.

Branch locations include Johnson City, Jonesborough, Kingsport, and Rogersville.

Greater Eastern Credit Union

Greater Eastern Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking to help members who need a second chance at managing their finances.

The account comes with a $10 monthly service fee and no minimum balance requirement. You can write up to 20 checks per month, and the account includes free bill pay, cashier’s checks, money orders, and basic checks.

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

Branches are located in Johnson City and Jonesborough.

Hearthside Bank

Square One Checking from Hearthside Bank is designed for people who have struggled with their banking history and need a fresh start.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit and a one-time $10 setup fee. The monthly fee is $12.99 with direct deposit or $19.99 without it.

Square One Checking includes free online banking with bill pay, free telephone banking, check images, and optional overdraft coverage.

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

Home Federal Bank

Home Federal Bank offers Fresh Start Checking for individuals who need to reestablish their banking history.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit and a $10 setup fee. The monthly fee is $12.99 with direct deposit or $19.99 without.

Features include free online and telephone banking, eStatements, and the option for overdraft protection.

Home Federal Bank has branches in Farragut, Gatlinburg, Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Pigeon Forge, Powell, Sevierville, Seymour, and other Tennessee cities.

Liberty Federal Credit Union

Liberty Federal Credit Union offers Opportunity Checking to help those with past banking issues open a new account.

The account includes free online services and a choice between an ATM card or debit card.

After 12 months of positive account history, you may be eligible to upgrade to another checking option.

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

Republic Bank

Republic Bank offers the Checking Builder Account as a second chance option for people who have been flagged in ChexSystems.

To open the account, you’ll need a $50 deposit, a Social Security number, and government-issued ID. You may also need to show proof that any previous bank debt has been paid.

The account carries a $12.95 monthly fee, which can be reduced with direct deposit or by completing at least 20 debit card transactions per month.

There’s no minimum balance requirement, and the account includes free online banking, bill pay, and unlimited check writing. You’ll also get free ATM access at Republic Bank, Presto, Sum, MoneyPass, and Allpoint ATMs.

Branches are located in Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Nashville.

Select Seven Credit Union

Select Seven Credit Union offers Second Chance Checking to help individuals with past account issues, like overdrafts, rebuild their banking record.

The account comes with a $10 monthly service fee, which is waived after 12 months of positive account history. It includes a free Visa check card, and low-cost checks are available. Courtesy Pay is optional.

A $50 minimum deposit is required to open the account.

Select Seven Credit Union has locations in Johnson City and Kingsport.

Staley Credit Union

Staley Credit Union offers Renew Checking for people looking to repair their banking history.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit and includes a $7 monthly service fee. It comes with free online and mobile banking, bill pay, a free debit card, and access to more than 5,000 ATMs nationwide.

Overdraft protection is available, and after 12 months of maintaining a positive balance, you can upgrade to a standard checking account.

Staley Credit Union has one branch in Loudon.

TENCU

TEN Credit Union provides Restart Checking to help individuals with past banking issues get back on track.

The account includes a free debit card and carries an $8 monthly service fee. You’ll also need to make a $25 deposit into a savings account when opening the account.

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