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.

Upgrade

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.14% 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 4.14% 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 4.00% 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 4.00% 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
  • 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

  • Up to $300 sign-up bonus with direct deposit
  • Earn up to 3.50% APY
  • 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 3.50% 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.

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, making it a viable option if you’re seeking a checking account but have a negative ChexSystems record.

Their myChecking 1 account requires a $100 opening deposit. The $5 monthly fee can be waived if you maintain an average daily balance of $500 or meet other requirements.

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

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union offers Second Chance Checking to help individuals regain financial stability and move away from costly check-cashing services.

Membership is easy to obtain by applying online, and all it requires is a $5 deposit into a savings account.

To learn more or apply for the account, you can visit one of their branches, located in Alexandria and Harrisonburg.

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

If you’re facing challenges getting a checking account elsewhere, you might still qualify for Member One FCU’s Smart Choice Checking.

To find out more, you can either contact them or apply in person at one of their branches.

Member One FCU has branches in Christiansburg, Daleville, Forest, Hardy, Lynchburg, Radford, Roanoke, Rocky Mount, Salem, and Vinton.

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.