Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Vermont

Struggling to open a checking account in Vermont 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 Vermont

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

Upgrade

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.69% 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 4.69% 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

Our Second Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 4.20% 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 4.20% 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

  • Earn up to 4.00% APY
  • No monthly fees
  • 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 4.00% 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.

Opportunities Credit Union

Opportunities Credit Union offers a Second Chance Banking program designed to help individuals rebuild their financial health.

It starts with a probationary Second Chance Savings Account, which allows you to address any outstanding banking debts while demonstrating responsible financial behavior.

Once you’ve shown consistent account management, you’re eligible to upgrade to a Rewards Checking Account that includes check writing and a debit card.

This program gives you the opportunity to regain your financial footing with the support of a trusted local credit union.

OCU has branches in Burlington and Winooski.

NorthCountry Federal Credit Union

NorthCountry Federal Credit Union offers the Pathways Checking+ account, specifically designed to help those looking to rebuild their financial standing.

This account does not rely on ChexSystems, making it accessible to people with negative banking histories.

As part of a three-step process, you’ll open a Pathways Checking+ account with direct deposit, maintain a healthy balance for two months, and then apply for a small loan.

After six months of on-time payments, you may qualify for a NorthCountry credit card, further boosting your credit.

Additionally, the account has no monthly fees and provides access to 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide via the CO-OP network.

NorthCountry FCU has locations in Branches are located in Barre, Berlin, Burlington, Colchester, East Montpelier, Montpelier, Morrisville, Newport, Richford, and South Burlington.

Northern Lights Credit Union

Northern Lights does use ChexSystems when reviewing checking account applications, but not for savings accounts. If you’re just getting back into banking, this could be a great place to start.

The Basic Savings account doesn’t come with a monthly service fee, and you only need a $25 deposit to open the account. Plus, once your balance reaches $500, you’ll start earning interest.

To become a member, Vermont residents must live or work in Caledonia or Essex counties. They have a branch located in St. Johnsbury.

TD Bank

TD Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, making it a good choice for people who’ve had trouble with their banking history.

They offer several checking accounts, including TD Complete Checking, TD Beyond Checking, and TD Essential Banking, each tailored to different needs.

  • The TD Complete Checking account has a $15 monthly fee, which can be waived in three ways, such as setting up direct deposits.
  • For premium perks, TD Beyond Checking offers interest and no ATM fees, with a $25 monthly fee that can be waived through options like maintaining a daily balance.
  • If you’re looking for a simpler option, TD Essential Banking is a checkless account with a $4.95 monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement.

TD Bank has branches in Vermont cities like Barre, Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Essex Junction, Rutland, Saint Albans, South Burlington, Williston, and more.

White River Credit Union

White River Credit Union may conduct a credit report for application evaluations, but that’s the extent of it.

While they offer specialized student and senior checking accounts, their standard checking account is the one most people can qualify for.

This account doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement and includes both a debit card and check writing capabilities. You can also avoid the monthly service fee by enrolling in e-statements, and overdraft protection is available.

However, if your balance goes negative, a $5 daily fee will be charged, so it’s important to keep a close watch on your account.

To become a member, you must live or work in Bethel or Rochester, Vermont. White River’s branches are located in Bethel, Randolph, and Rochester.