Second Chance Checking Accounts in Tennessee

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 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.

The account gives members a way to keep access to checking while working through past financial issues. It can help with deposits, payments, debit card spending, and basic money management.

Fresh Start Checking may be a good fit if your account history or score has made it harder to qualify for a standard checking account elsewhere.

Bowater Credit Union has branches in Athens, Calhoun, and Cleveland.

The account has no minimum opening deposit and a $5.29 monthly fee. It is Bank On certified and includes semi-annual credit counseling, giving customers added support while they work toward better financial footing.

First National says this account may help if your e-funds score is below 586. It can be a practical option if past banking or credit issues have made it harder to qualify for a standard account.

First National Bank of Pulaski has branches in Ardmore, Fayetteville, Lewisburg, Lynnville, and Pulaski.

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.

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.

The account is designed as a second chance for members who want to build a more successful financial future. Heritage South also references ChexSystems and past account-closure issues, making this a clear second-chance option.

Rally Checking includes a path to move forward. After one year of good account history, you may be able to convert to a regular checking account.

Heritage South Community Credit Union has branches in Fayetteville, Lewisburg, Manchester, Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, and Smyrna.

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.

The account is built around giving members another chance, rather than holding past mistakes against them. It has a $10 monthly fee and gives members a way to rebuild with a local credit union.

Redemption Checking also includes a path forward. After six months of good account history, members may be able to move into Koin’s Rewards Checking account.

Koin Credit Union has branches in Brentwood and Nashville.

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.

The account has a $14.95 monthly fee and requires a $120 initial deposit. Direct deposit is also required.

Square One gives members a way to return to regular banking while rebuilding a stronger account record. It can help with everyday deposits, payments, and spending while you work toward better financial footing.

Methodist Healthcare Federal Credit Union is based in Memphis.

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.

Branches are located in Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Nashville.

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.

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.

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.

The account gives members another way to access checking services and rebuild a stronger account history. It can help with deposits, payments, debit card use, and everyday money management while you work toward better financial habits.

Fresh Start Checking may be useful if past financial issues have made it harder to qualify for a standard checking account.

Tennessee Members 1st Federal Credit Union has branches in Knoxville and Oak Ridge.

The account is designed to help members regain access to useful checking features, including a debit card and unlimited check writing each month. It has a small monthly service fee.

The Liberty Account can be a good fit if you need a second-chance-style account that still gives you practical tools for everyday banking.

tnConnect Credit Union has branches in Knoxville and Seymour.

The account requires $25 to open. The monthly fee is $6.95 with direct deposit or $9.95 without direct deposit. It is designed as a stepping stone back to a more traditional banking relationship.

After 18 months, customers may be able to upgrade to one of Wellworth Bank’s other checking accounts. That gives SmartStart Checking a clear path forward if you maintain the account responsibly.

Wellworth Bank has branches in Alexandria, Carthage, Celina, Cookeville, Gainesboro, Gordonsville, Lafayette, and more.