Second Chance Checking Accounts in Texas

Opening a checking account isn’t always simple if your banking history shows unpaid fees, overdrafts, or account closures. Many banks in Texas rely on systems like ChexSystems to screen applicants, which can make it harder to get approved after financial mistakes.

Fortunately, several banks and credit unions across Texas offer second chance checking accounts to help you rebuild your banking record and regain access to everyday financial tools.

27 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Texas

Below you’ll find second chance checking options in Texas for those who need a fresh start with their finances.

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.

4U Credit Union

Fresh Start Checking from 4U Credit Union is designed for people who may not qualify for a traditional account.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $10 monthly fee, reduced to $7.50 with direct deposit. It comes with unlimited check writing, e-statements, and a free initial ATM card, but no debit card access or overdraft protection.

After 12 months of good account history, you can switch to Free Checking.

Branches are located in Collinsville, Gainesville, Lake Kiowa, and Whitesboro.

Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union

Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union offers Restart Checking for individuals who have had trouble managing a checking account in the past.

The account has a $5 monthly service fee and includes many of the same features as a standard checking account.

After 12 months of positive account history, you can request to upgrade to an Everything Checking account.

To open Restart Checking, you’ll need to visit an Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union lobby location.

Alliance Federal Credit Union

Alliance Federal Credit Union provides Revive Checking, designed for members who need help rebuilding their finances.

There’s no credit score requirement, and you can open the account with a $50 deposit. You’ll receive a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, and iSave, which rounds up debit card purchases to help grow your savings.

The $10 monthly fee is waived if you set up at least $500 in direct deposits or maintain a business account with Alliance.

Branch locations include Amarillo, Big Spring, Lubbock, and New Home.

Associated Credit Union of Texas

Associated Credit Union of Texas helps members get back on track with their 180 Checking account.

You’ll need a $25 opening deposit, but there’s no ongoing balance requirement.

The account features a free debit card, unlimited check writing, a $100 Courtesy Pay limit, online banking, bill pay, e-statements, and mobile deposit.

Branch locations include Alvin, Brenham, Cypress, Deer Park, La Marque, League City, Pearland, Santa Fe, and Texas City.

Bank of Texas

Bank of Texas offers Opportunity Banking, a second chance account for individuals with a troubled banking history.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $5 monthly fee. It comes with a free Visa debit card, online banking, mobile bill pay, and QuickSave to help grow your savings. Checks and overdraft protection are not included.

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

Baptist Credit Union

Baptist Credit Union offers Draft Builder Checking to help individuals with past banking issues reestablish their financial footing.

The account includes standard features like a free debit card, online banking, and bill pay.

After building a positive account history, you may be eligible to upgrade to a different checking option.

To open Draft Builder Checking, you’ll need to visit a Baptist Credit Union branch in San Antonio.

Beacon Federal Credit Union

Beacon Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking to help individuals rebuild their banking history.

You’ll need a $25 deposit to open the account. It includes a free debit card, electronic bill pay, and direct deposit.

Members also get coverage for up to five insufficient funds fees within six months and can complete the free “Debit in Focus” education program.

Branches are located in Baytown, Deer Park, La Porte, and Seabrook.

Chocolate Bayou Community Federal Credit Union

Chocolate Bayou Community Federal Credit Union provides Clean Slate Checking for those looking to recover from past banking challenges.

The account has a $5 monthly fee and includes unlimited check writing, a debit card with cash-back rewards, and the ability to earn dividends when your balance reaches $50.

Online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, and direct deposit are also included.

Branch locations are available in Alvin and Pearland.

First Service Credit Union

First Service Credit Union helps members rebuild their finances with Fresh Start Checking.

The account has a $25 opening deposit and a $9 monthly fee. It comes with a free Visa debit card, instant Zelle transfers, and early access to direct deposits.

After six months of good account history, you may qualify to upgrade to Daily Cash Back Checking.

Branches can be found in Houston, Humble, Katy, Spring, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands.

Kelly Community Federal Credit Union

Kelly Community Federal Credit Union offers Smart Choice Checking for individuals with a ChexSystems record or NSF history who need help rebuilding their banking standing.

Anyone with less than $800 in unpaid ChexSystems records is eligible to open the account. It includes standard checking features and has an $8 monthly service fee.

After 12 months of positive account history—with no NSF charges, negative balances, delinquent loans, or legal issues—you can request to upgrade to a free checking account.

Certified financial counselors are available to help members improve their finances.

Kelly Community Federal Credit Union has two branches in Tyler, Texas.

Members Trust of the Southwest

Members Trust of the Southwest offers New Start Checking for those looking to rebuild their banking history.

This account provides basic checking features, including a debit card and access to online banking. It’s designed for those who may not qualify for traditional checking due to past financial challenges.

Members Trust of the Southwest has branches in Houston and Stephenville, Texas.

Neighborhood Credit Union

Neighborhood Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for individuals with ChexSystems history or previous account closures.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $20 monthly fee. You’ll get early direct deposit—up to two days early.

After six months of good standing and completion of the CheckRight workshop, you may upgrade to a different account.

Branches are located in Anna, Arlington, Coppell, Dallas, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Highland Village, Lancaster, Mesquite, and Waxahachie.

Premier America Credit Union

Premier America Credit Union provides Fresh Start Checking to help those who have had banking challenges in the past.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and carries a $13 monthly fee, which lowers to $10 with $200 or more in direct deposits.

You’ll get access to mobile banking, remote deposit, and over 30,000 fee-free ATMs.

Premier America Credit Union has two locations in Houston.

Prestige Community Credit Union

Prestige Community Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for those working to rebuild their financial record.

The account has a $15 monthly fee, reduced to $10 with direct deposit. It comes with free bill pay, online banking, unlimited check writing, and free ATM withdrawals.

After six months of positive account history, you may upgrade to a standard checking account.

Branches are located in Dallas and McKinney.

Red River Credit Union

Red River Credit Union helps individuals recover from past banking challenges with Fresh Start Checking.

There’s no minimum balance requirement, and the account has a $10 monthly fee. It includes a free Visa debit card, mobile banking, and online banking.

After 12 months of maintaining good standing, you can upgrade to other checking options.

Branch locations include Atlanta, Clarksville, Greenville, Marshall, New Boston, Paris, Sulphur Springs, Texarkana, and Wake Village.

Rio Bank

Rio Bank offers Fresh Start Checking to help members reestablish their banking history.

The account requires a $100 opening deposit, an $11.56 monthly fee, and a $1.46 monthly debit card fee. Members also get access to more than 64,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide.

Branches are located in Brownsville, Edcouch, Edinburg, Elsa, Harlingen, McAllen, Palmview, Rio Grande City, Roma, and San Antonio.

Select Federal Credit Union

Select Federal Credit Union provides Fresh Start Checking for individuals with a troubled banking record.

The account requires a $25 deposit to open and has a $10 monthly fee. You must live, work, worship, or attend school in Eastside San Antonio to qualify for membership.

After 12 months of good account history, you can upgrade to a standard checking account.

Select Federal Credit Union operates two locations in San Antonio.

SouthSide Bank

Southside Bank offers Next Checking as a second chance option for those with past banking issues.

The account has a $50 opening deposit and a $9.95 monthly fee. You’ll get a debit card, mobile banking, online banking, bill pay, and customizable account alerts.

Maintaining positive account history may make you eligible to upgrade.

Southside Bank has branches in Arlington, Austin, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Irving, Longview, Lufkin, Tyler, Weatherford, and Whitehouse.

Tarrant County’s Credit Union

Tarrant County Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for people with negative marks on their banking history.

The account has no minimum deposit requirement and no monthly service fees. It comes with free online banking, bill pay, unlimited check writing, and a MasterCard debit card.

Members also have access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.

To qualify, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Tarrant County. Branches are located in Fort Worth, Hurst, and Lake Worth.

Texas People Federal Credit Union

Texas People Federal Credit Union provides Opportunity Checking for individuals who have struggled to maintain a checking account.

The account requires a $100 opening deposit, a one-time setup fee, and a monthly service charge.

It typically includes debit card access, online banking, and direct deposit options. Additional eligibility requirements may apply.

Texas People Federal Credit Union has a location in Fort Worth. Membership is available to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in approved areas.

United Heritage Credit Union

United Heritage Credit Union offers Choice Checking to help members rebuild their financial standing.

The account requires a $20 opening deposit and carries a $10 monthly fee. It includes overdraft protection, free online and mobile banking, Web BillPay, and account transfers. Deposits are federally insured up to $250,000.

United Heritage Credit Union has locations in Austin, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Kyle, Lakeway, River Place, Round Rock, and Tyler.

United Texas Credit Union

United Texas Credit Union provides Do-Over Checking for individuals with a ChexSystems history.

The account requires a $25 deposit to open and has a $10 monthly fee. You’ll get unlimited check writing, a free MasterCard debit card, and 24/7 online banking.

After maintaining good standing for 12 months, you may upgrade to a no-fee account.

United Texas Credit Union has branches in Boerne, Fort Worth, and San Antonio.

Unity One Credit Union

Unity One Credit Union helps individuals rebuild their banking history with Clean Start Checking.

The account requires a $50 deposit to open and has a $10 monthly fee with direct deposit. It comes with free bill pay, overdraft protection (up to six per month), mobile banking, e-statements, alerts, and access to thousands of ATMs.

After 12 months, you can upgrade to a free checking account.

Branches are located in Fort Worth, Keller, and North Richland Hills.

Velocity Credit Union

Velocity Credit Union offers Access Checking for members working to recover from past banking challenges.

There’s a one-time $10 fee to open the account and a $15 monthly service charge.

After 12 months of good account management, you may upgrade to Totally Free Checking or Check Plus, both of which have no monthly fees.

Velocity Credit Union has locations in Austin, Cedar Park, and Round Rock.