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

Current

Our Top Pick

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.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80% 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 3.80% 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 $300 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

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 60,000 fee-free1 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 60,0001 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card—no annual fees, interest charges1, or credit pull required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early2, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

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.