Second Chance Checking Accounts in Virginia

Getting turned down for a checking account can be frustrating—especially if unpaid fees, overdrafts, or account closures are still on your record. Many banks and credit unions in Virginia use ChexSystems to screen applicants, which makes it harder to open a new account after financial setbacks.

Fortunately, there are second chance checking accounts in Virginia designed to help you rebuild your banking history and access the tools you need to manage your money.

9 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Virginia

Below is a list of second chance checking options in Virginia 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.

Central Virginia Federal Credit Union

Central Virginia Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for members working to re-establish their banking history.

The account has a low monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and includes a free ATM card or Visa check card.

You’ll also have access to direct deposit, payroll deduction, unlimited check writing, and free transactions at CVFCU ATMs.

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

Joining requires a one-time $5 membership fee and a $5 deposit into a CVFCU savings account.

Branch locations are in Forest, Lynchburg, and Madison Heights.

Chartway Credit Union

Chartway Credit Union provides Smart Choice Checking for people who need help rebuilding their banking record.

The account requires a $35 minimum balance and has a monthly service fee. You’ll get unlimited check writing, and setting up direct deposit provides access to a Visa check card.

Chartway Credit Union has locations in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach.

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union offers Second Chance Checking for those looking to avoid check-cashing services and get back to everyday banking.

The account includes online and mobile banking, direct deposit, and a debit card with no minimum balance requirement.

Membership is available to those who meet residency, employment, or organizational eligibility requirements, and easy to establish with a $5 deposit into a savings account. You can apply online or in person.

Branches are located in Alexandria and Harrisonburg.

Healthcare Systems Federal Credit Union

Healthcare Systems Federal Credit Union provides the Renew Account for people rebuilding their banking history after past challenges.

The account carries a $10 monthly fee and includes a Visa debit card, online banking, and mobile access. After maintaining positive account history for 12 months, you may qualify to upgrade to a standard checking account.

Membership is available to those working in the healthcare industry or at a hospital in Virginia, Washington D.C., or Maryland’s Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Branches are located in Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Manassas.

Member One Federal Credit Union

Member One Federal Credit Union offers Smart Choice Checking for people who may not qualify for a standard account due to previous banking issues.

The account provides access to a debit card, online and mobile banking, and direct deposit. Eligibility is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You can apply in person or contact Member One to learn more about account terms.

Branch locations include Christiansburg, Daleville, Forest, Hardy, Lynchburg, Radford, Roanoke, Rocky Mount, Salem, and Vinton.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank offers a second chance checking account for those working to rebuild their banking record.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and a one-time $9 setup fee. The monthly maintenance fee is $11.95 but drops 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 throughout Virginia.