Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Vermont

Getting denied for a bank account in Vermont isn’t uncommon if you’ve had issues reported to ChexSystems. Most banks use it to flag risky applicants.

Luckily, some Vermont banks offer second chance checking accounts, and a few don’t use ChexSystems at all, giving you more ways to get back on track.

8 Banks in Vermont That Don’t Use ChexSystems

We’ve put together a list of Vermont banks and credit unions that don’t use ChexSystems when reviewing new checking account applications.

Another option to review is second chance banks in Vermont, which offer another path to a checking account for people rebuilding after past banking issues.

SoFi

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $400 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.30% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

SoFi doesn’t use ChexSystems and offers a no-fee checking and savings account with solid perks.

You can earn up to 3.30% APY on savings, access over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

There are no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges. You can also earn a sign-up bonus of up to $400 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

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

Current doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so approval is easy—even with a rough banking history.

There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you get access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit by using your debit card—no loans, credit pulls, or interest charges.

Current includes fee-free overdraft protection up to $200 and lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Optional Savings Pods earn up to 4.00% APY.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • Credit Builder Card with no interest, fees, or credit pull
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
  • Over 47,000 fee-free ATMs

Chime doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so anyone can open an account.

There’s no monthly fee, no minimum opening deposit, and access to over 47,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit with the Chime Card, a secured Visa credit card with no annual fees, no interest charges, and no credit check required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

Stash

Features & Benefits

  • No hidden fees
  • Earn stock as you spend with Stock-Back® rewards
  • Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit
  • 55,000+ fee-free ATMs through Allpoint®

Stash offers a checking account that doesn’t require a credit check or ChexSystems approval, making it accessible if you’ve faced banking challenges in the past.

Each time you make eligible purchases with your Stash debit card, you can earn Stock-Back® rewards in the form of fractional shares.

You can also receive your paycheck sooner with early direct deposit, and there are no overdraft fees to worry about.

The account includes access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and is managed through the Stash app, which also features investing and money management tools.

802 Credit Union

802 Credit Union is a Vermont-based credit union serving over 41,000 members across 12 branch locations statewide.

Their Free and Clear Checking account has no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirement.

It comes with free online banking, bill pay, and access to the Co-Op ATM network. Overdraft protection of up to $750 is available after 30 days of account opening, subject to conditions.

Membership is open to Vermont and New Hampshire residents. 802 Credit Union has branches in Barre, Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, Randolph, South Burlington, Springfield, Windsor, and more.

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.

PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union is a nationwide credit union that may be a good fit for Vermont residents looking for an online option that doesn’t rely on ChexSystems.

PenFed is commonly listed as a no-ChexSystems credit union, though applicants should still expect standard identity and account verification.

PenFed offers Free Checking and Access America Checking. Free Checking has no monthly maintenance fee, while Access America Checking can earn dividends when requirements are met.

Both accounts include debit card access, online and mobile banking, direct deposit, bill pay, and access to a large fee-free ATM network.

PenFed does not appear to have traditional branches in Vermont, but members can bank online and access more than 85,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.

TD Bank

TD Bank may be a good option for Vermont residents who have had trouble opening a bank account elsewhere.

TD’s deposit agreement does not clearly state that it uses ChexSystems, but it does say the bank may review deposit history through consumer reporting agencies and specifically references Early Warning Services.

TD offers several checking options, including TD Complete Checking, TD Beyond Checking, and TD Essential Banking.

TD Complete Checking has a $15 monthly fee that can be waived with qualifying direct deposits, a minimum daily balance, or linked TD deposit balances.

TD Beyond Checking is a higher-tier account with interest and added ATM benefits, with a $25 monthly fee that can also be waived.

For a simpler option, TD Essential Banking is a checkless account with a $4.95 monthly fee and no overdraft fees.

Branches are located in Vermont cities including Barre, Bellows Falls, Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Colchester, Essex Junction, and more.

Know a bank we missed?

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