Second Chance Checking Accounts in Vermont

Getting approved for a checking account can be tough if your banking history includes unpaid fees, overdrafts, or account closures. Many financial institutions use screening tools that make it harder to open a new account after past mistakes.

Several banks and credit unions in Vermont offer second chance checking programs that help you rebuild your financial stability and access everyday banking.

5 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Vermont

Below you’ll find second chance checking accounts available in Vermont for people looking to recover from past banking challenges.

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.

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.

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.

Opportunities Credit Union

Opportunities Credit Union offers a Second Chance Banking program for individuals working to rebuild their financial history.

The process starts with a probationary Second Chance Savings Account, giving you a chance to address unpaid banking debts while demonstrating responsible account management.

Once you’ve shown consistent positive activity, you can upgrade to a Rewards Checking Account with check writing and debit card access.

Opportunities Credit Union has branches in Burlington and Winooski.

NorthCountry Federal Credit Union

NorthCountry Federal Credit Union provides Pathways Checking+, a second chance option designed for those looking to recover from past banking challenges.

The account does not use ChexSystems, making it accessible to individuals with negative marks on their banking record.

Pathways Checking+ includes no monthly fees and access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs through the CO-OP network.

As part of NorthCountry’s 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.

Branch locations include Barre, Berlin, Burlington, Colchester, East Montpelier, Montpelier, Morrisville, Newport, Richford, and South Burlington.