Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Texas

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 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.

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 are entitled to an annual percentage yield (APY) of 4.50% on their savings and 0.50% on checking accounts.

Direct deposit users also get the added benefit of early access to their paychecks – up to 2 days ahead.

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.

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 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.

The account has a $25 minimum deposit and a $10 monthly fee, or $7.50 with direct deposit.

This account provides essential services such as unlimited check writing, e-statements, and a free initial ATM card, though it does not offer overdraft protection or debit card access.

Members can transition to Free Checking after 12 months of maintaining the account in good standing.

4U Credit Union has branches in Collinsville, Gainesville, Lake Kiowa, and Whitesboro.

The account comes with a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, and a feature called iSave that rounds up your debit purchases to help build savings.

The $10 monthly service fee can be waived if you have a direct deposit of $500 or more or maintain a business account with Alliance.

AFCU has branches in several Texas cities, including Amarillo, Big Spring, Lubbock, and New Home.

This account is a good option for rebuilding your checking history, and it includes online account management and mobile banking.

The monthly fee is $12.75, but if you sign up for direct deposit, you can reduce it to $9.75. While checks aren’t available with this account, you’ll need to complete a free credit education course to qualify.

American Airlines Credit Union has branches in several Texas cities, including DFW Airport, Euless, Fort Worth, Hurst, Irving, and Southlake.

With a $25 minimum opening deposit and no monthly balance requirement, this account helps members rebuild their financial standing.

It includes features like a free debit card, unlimited check writing, and a $100 Courtesy Pay limit. Members also enjoy free online banking, bill pay, mobile banking, e-statements, and remote deposit.

After establishing good account history, you can take steps to regain financial freedom.

Associated Credit Union of Texas has branches in several cities, including Alvin, Brenham, Cypress, Deer Park, La Marque, League City, Pearland, Santa Fe, and Texas City.

With a low $5 monthly fee and a $25 minimum opening deposit, this checkless account includes a free Visa debit card, free online and mobile banking with bill pay, and access to more than 32,000 ATMs nationwide.

Additionally, the account offers no overdraft fees and features like QuickSave, which helps members save money with each qualifying transaction.

Bank of Texas has branches in several cities, including Allen, Bellaire, Coppell, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Houston, Hurst, Katy, McKinney, Plano, Richardson, Sherman, Spring, and Sugar Land.

With a minimum opening balance of $25 and a monthly fee of $12, this account provides helpful features like a free debit card, electronic bill pay, and direct deposit.

Members also receive coverage for up to five insufficient funds fees within a six-month rolling period and can complete the free “Debit in Focus” financial education program.

Beacon Federal Credit Union has branches in several Texas cities, including Baytown, Deer Park, La Porte, and Seabrook.

Minimum opening deposits range from $25 to $1,000, depending on the account.

Many of the accounts come with features like a free debit card, online banking, and bill pay, and you can even have the monthly fees waived by meeting specific criteria.

Cadence Bank has branches in several cities across Texas, including Austin, Copperas Cove, Dallas, Fort Worth, Georgetown, Houston, Killeen, Longview, Plano, and Temple, and more throughout the state.

You can choose from Free Kasasa Cash Back Checking and Free Kasasa Tunes Checking, both of which come with no monthly maintenance fees and offer up to a $25 refund on ATM fees each month.

The minimum opening deposit for either account is just $25, with occasional promotions that may waive this amount.

Chemcel FCU has branches in several Texas cities, including Alice, Bay City, Bishop, Corpus Christi, Kingsville, and Pasadena.

With a $25 minimum opening deposit and a low $9 monthly fee, this account provides all the essentials, including a free Visa debit card, instant transfers via Zelle, and early paydays with direct deposit.

After six months of good account management, members can upgrade to the Daily Cash Back Checking account. Funds are also federally insured up to $250,000.

First Service Credit Union has branches in several Texas cities, including Houston, Humble, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands.

The account has a $20 monthly service fee and requires a $25 opening deposit. You can also get direct deposit up to two days early.

To convert your Fresh Start Checking to another account, you’ll need six months of good account history and completion of the CheckRight educational workshop.

Neighborhood Credit Union has branches in several cities across Texas, including Anna, Arlington, Coppell, Dallas, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Highland Village, Lancaster, Mesquite, and Waxahachie.

Their checking account comes with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements and includes features like automatic overdraft protection, free check safekeeping, and 24/7 access through online and mobile banking.

You can earn interest on your average daily balance, and there are no fees per check. Opening an account requires just $50.

Members also have access to eight local ATMs and over 64,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide through the Allpoint network.

Pantex FCU has branches in Borger, Fritch, and Pampa.

The account has a monthly service fee of $15, which can be reduced to $10 with direct deposit. There’s no minimum balance requirement, and members get access to features like free bill pay, online banking, unlimited check writing, and free ATM withdrawals.

After six months of good account standing, members can apply for a standard checking account.

Prestige Community Credit Union has branches in Dallas and McKinney, Texas.

With a $10 monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement, this account helps individuals rebuild their financial standing.

Members receive a free instant-issue RRCU Visa debit card, access to online and mobile banking, and the ability to upgrade to other checking options after 12 months of good account management.

RRCU has branches in several Texas cities, including Atlanta, Clarksville, Greenville, Marshall, New Boston, Paris, Sulphur Springs, Texarkana, and Wake Village.

This account requires only a $1 initial deposit and has a $10 monthly service charge. Members enjoy features like a free debit card, free overdraft protection, free digital banking, and no minimum balance requirement.

Additionally, members have access to free ATM withdrawals through the Allpoint network and Shell FCU branches.

Shell FCU has branches in several Texas cities, including Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Humble, Katy, La Porte, Pasadena, Pearland, Spring, and Tomball.

Each account requires a different minimum deposit, but all include modern conveniences like bill pay, mobile and online access, and remote deposit.

The monthly service charge is $10, which can be waived with a direct deposit of $500 or more each month.

Smart Financial Credit Union has branches in several cities across Texas, including Conroe, Houston, Katy, Kingwood, Magnolia, Pearland, Spring, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands.

There’s no minimum deposit required to open the account, and no monthly service fees. The account includes free online banking and bill pay, a free MasterCard debit card, unlimited check writing, and access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.

To be eligible, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Tarrant County. If you meet the requirements, you can join with a completed application and a $5 savings deposit.

Tarrant County Credit Union has branches in Fort Worth, Hurst, and Lake Worth, Texas.

Their checking account is entirely free and includes perks like free mobile and online banking, remote deposit, a free debit card, and Apple Pay.

Members also have access to the Allpoint Surcharge-free ATM network, which has over 64,000 ATMs worldwide.

Texas Bay Area Credit Union has branches in several cities across Texas, including Cypress, Houston, Katy, League City, Pasadena, Pearland, and Richmond.

With a $25 initial deposit and a $10 monthly fee, members receive benefits like a free MasterCard debit card, unlimited check writing, and 24/7 online access.

If you maintain a good standing with the account for 12 months, you’ll be eligible to upgrade to a no-fee checking account.

United Texas has branches in several cities, including Boerne, Fort Worth, and San Antonio.

With just a $50 opening deposit and a $10 monthly fee (with direct deposit), this account has no minimum balance requirement.

Clean Start Checking includes features like free Bill Pay, overdraft protection (up to six per month), access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs, online and mobile banking, free e-statements, and e-alerts.

After 12 months of good standing, members can upgrade to a free checking account.

Unity One has branches in several locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Keller, and North Richland Hills.

There is a one-time $10 fee to open the account, followed by a $15 monthly service fee.

After maintaining a good account for 12 months, members can upgrade to one of Velocity’s other checking accounts, like Totally Free Checking or Check Plus, which have no monthly fees.

Velocity Credit Union has branches in several cities, including Austin, Cedar Park, and Round Rock.