Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Virginia

Struggling to open a checking account in Virginia 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 Virginia

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

SoFi

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80.00% 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 3.80.00% 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

Current lets you open a mobile bank account without ChexSystems checks or credit pulls. It’s built for speed, flexibility, and getting your finances back on track.

You can build credit just by using your Current debit card—no loans, credit checks, or interest charges involved. There are no monthly or annual fees for this feature.

Current also offers fee-free overdraft protection up to $200, access to over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs, and no minimum balance requirements.

With a Premium account, you can get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Current also offers up to 4.00% APY through its Savings Pods, which lets you earn interest while keeping your money accessible.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • Over 22 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.

Upgrade

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.02% 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 overdraft 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 4.02% APY, giving you a remarkable opportunity to grow your savings faster.

You’ll get access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network, including Walgreens and CVS locations. Plus, checking account customers can qualify for up to 20% lower rates on Upgrade loans and credit cards.

Benchmark Community Bank

Benchmark Community Bank doesn’t use systems like ChexSystems, so you could qualify for one of their checking accounts.

The BCB Free comes with no monthly checking account and no minimum balance. They also state that there are no special requirements to qualify for this account.

Benchmark Community Bank has multiple locations throughout Virginia, including Blackstone, Chase City, Clarksville, Crewe, Emporia, Farmville, Halifax, Kenbridge, Lawrenceville, South Boston, South Hill, and Victoria.

Blue Grass Valley Bank

Blue Grass Valley Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, so you’ll only need a valid ID to open an account.

Their Regular Checking account requires a low opening deposit of $20, and there’s no monthly service fee. With this account, you’ll receive a Visa debit card and can order checks.

Despite being a smaller bank, Blue Grass Valley offers modern conveniences such as online banking and bill pay, providing a good balance of personal service with up-to-date features.

They have branches located in Blue Grass and Monterey, Virginia.

Carter Bank and Trust

Carter Bank & Trust is said to not use ChexSystems, which means you could potentially qualify for a checking account.

The Lifetime Free Checking account has been around for 40 years and is truly free with no monthly charges or minimum balance requirements.

You’ll also receive a free MasterCard debit card and enjoy unlimited check writing.

Carter Bank & Trust has branches in cities like Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Manassas, Roanoke, Salem, Stafford, Waynesboro, and Winchester, with additional locations available throughout Virginia to serve you.

Central Virginia Federal Credit Union

Central Virginia Federal Credit Union offers the Fresh Start Checking account to help members re-establish their banking history.

This account comes with a low monthly fee, no minimum balance, and includes a free ATM card or Visa check card.

Members can also use direct deposit and payroll deduction services, along with unlimited check writing and transactions at CVFCU ATMs.

Membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, or go to school in Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell Counties, as well as in the City of Lynchburg and the Towns of Bedford and Altavista.

To join, a one-time membership fee of $5 is required, along with a $5 deposit into a CVFCU savings account.

Branches are located in Forest, Lynchburg, and Madison Heights

Chartway Credit Union

Chartway Credit Union provides a Smart Choice Checking account for those looking for a fresh start, even if they’ve had past banking challenges like non-sufficient funds.

The account requires maintaining a minimum balance of $35 and comes with a monthly fee.

You’ll get unlimited check writing, and signing up for direct deposit will also provide access to a Visa check card.

Chartway has branches in several cities, including Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.

Chesapeake Bank

Chesapeake Bank uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems to review new account applications.

The myChecking 1 account requires a $100 opening deposit and has a $5 monthly fee. The fee is waived if you maintain a $500 average daily balance or meet other qualifying conditions.

The account includes access to online and mobile banking, bill pay, and a debit card.

Chesapeake Bank has branches in Gloucester, Hayes, Irvington, Kilmarnock, Lancaster, Mathews, and Williamsburg, Virginia.

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union offers Second Chance Checking for individuals who need a fresh start and want to avoid relying on check-cashing services.

The account provides access to essential banking tools, including online and mobile banking, direct deposit, and a debit card.

There is no minimum balance requirement, and membership is simple to establish with a $5 deposit into a savings account. Applications can be completed online or in person.

CommonWealth One has branch locations in Alexandria and Harrisonburg, Virginia. Membership is available to individuals who meet residency, employment, or organizational eligibility.

Healthcare Systems Federal Credit Union

Healthcare Systems Federal Credit Union offers the Renew Account, a second chance checking account aimed at helping members rebuild their financial history.

With a $10 monthly fee, members can access a Visa debit card, as well as online and mobile banking services. After maintaining the account in good standing for 12 months, members may convert to a regular checking account.

To qualify for membership, you must work in the healthcare industry or at a hospital in Virginia, Washington D.C., or Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland.

HSFCU has branches located in Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Manassas.

Main Street Bank

Main Street Bank uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems when reviewing new applications.

They offer two Kasasa Checking options: Kasasa Cash, which earns interest on deposits, and Kasasa Cash Back, which provides cash back on debit card purchases.

Main Street Bank has branches in several Northern Virginia locations, including Fairfax, Herndon, McLean, Clarendon, and Leesburg.

Member One Federal Credit Union

Member One Federal Credit Union offers Smart Choice Checking for individuals who may not qualify for traditional accounts due to past banking issues.

The account provides access to standard features like a debit card, online and mobile banking, and direct deposit.

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. You can apply in person or contact Member One directly to review your options and learn more about account terms.

Member One has branch locations in Christiansburg, Daleville, Forest, Hardy, Lynchburg, Radford, Roanoke, Rocky Mount, Salem, and Vinton, Virginia.

Old Point National Bank

Old Point National Bank uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems to determine eligibility for their Free Checking account.

The account has no monthly fees and requires just a $25 opening deposit. There is also no minimum balance requirement.

You can apply for an account at branches in Carrollton, Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Windsor, and Yorktown.

Pioneer Bank

Pioneer Bank reportedly uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems, which may help you qualify for an account even with past ChexSystems records.

Their Pioneer Free Checking account is a simple, no-cost option requiring a $100 opening deposit but has no monthly fees or minimum balance. However, it does mandate online banking and electronic statements.

Branches are located in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Luray, Ruckersville, Shenandoah, and Stanley.

United Bank

United Bank doesn’t rely on ChexSystems or credit reports, allowing easier approval for individuals with past financial issues.

They offer three checking options: United Free Checking, Platinum Checking, and United Rewards Checking, each designed for different needs.

The United Free Checking account is ideal for those seeking a simple, fee-free solution with no minimum balance requirements. A $50 minimum deposit is needed to open the account, making it accessible for many.

United Bank has branches in Alexandria, Arlington, Centreville, Charlottesville, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Richmond, Winchester, and many more.

United Southeast Federal Credit Union

United Southeast Federal is another option that uses Telecheck rather than ChexSystems.

The Basic Checking account costs $2 per month but comes with a number of features. These include no required minimum balance, a free Visa debit card, and even free overdraft protection.

To become a member of USFCU in Virginia, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in either Loudon County or Russell County. You can also be eligible by working for one of their select employers.

Locations include Abingdon, Bristol, Lebanon, and Marion.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank offers a second chance checking account designed to help individuals rebuild their banking history.

The account requires an opening deposit of just $25, with a one-time setup fee of $9. After that, the monthly maintenance fee is $11.95, but it can be reduced to $9.95 with direct deposit enrollment.

Woodforest National Bank has branches in Chesapeake, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Manassas, Richmond, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and many other locations.