Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Washington, DC

Struggling to open a checking account in Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Washington, DC 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 4.69% 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 4.69% 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 4.30% 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 4.30% on their savings and 0.50% 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

  • Earn up to 4.00% APY
  • No monthly fees
  • 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 4.00% 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.

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union

CommonWealth One Federal offers Second Chance Checking to help you get a fresh start with your finances.

To get more details and apply for an account, you’ll have to visit a branch in person.

There are branches throughout the Washington, DC metro area in Alexandria and Springfield. If you’re a GAO employee, you can access their on-site private branch.

The easiest way to join is if you live, work, worship, or go to school in Alexandria, Washington DC, Harrisonburg, Warren County, or Clarke County, Virginia.

Library of Congress Federal Credit Union

The Library of Congress Federal Credit Union offers a Free Checking Account, ideal for those with a troubled banking history, since it doesn’t require a credit check or a ChexSystems report.

The account comes with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, and provides the convenience of unlimited check writing and a Visa debit card.

You can also benefit from access to a large network of ATMs, with 10 fee-free transactions per month at non-LCFCU ATMs.

Additionally, the account includes Balance Financial Fitness, a complimentary financial wellness program designed to help with budgeting and money management.

Membership eligibility extends to employees of nearly 40 participating organizations in the DC area or family members of current LCFCU members, making it relatively easy to join.

Market USA Federal Credit Union

Market USA Federal Credit Union doesn’t have a physical presence in Washington, DC, but they offer convenient access through the CO-OP Shared Branch Network, which includes over 5,000 locations nationwide.

If you’d like to visit in person, their branches are just a short drive away in Laurel and Landover, MD.

Their Fresh Start Checking account is designed for those aiming to rebuild their banking history, with no minimum balance requirements.

After six months of responsible account management, you may be eligible to upgrade to a standard checking account.

With access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs, managing your finances is simple, even without a local branch.

PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union does not rely on ChexSystems, making it a convenient choice for those looking to open a checking account without the hassle.

They offer two main checking options. The Free Checking account is designed for everyday banking with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, providing flexibility and ease of use.

Both accounts include features such as overdraft protection, access to over 85,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint and Co-op networks, and early direct deposit, allowing members to receive funds up to two days sooner.

PenFed Credit Union has several branch locations in the District of Columbia.

TD Bank

TD Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, making it a helpful option for those who’ve experienced banking challenges in the past.

They provide a range of checking accounts to fit various needs.

  • The TD Complete Checking account carries a $15 monthly fee, which can be waived through three methods, like setting up direct deposits.
  • For enhanced benefits, TD Beyond Checking offers interest and no ATM fees, with a $25 monthly fee that can be waived by maintaining a certain balance or using other methods.
  • For those seeking simplicity, TD Essential Banking is a checkless account with a low $4.95 monthly fee and no minimum balance.

TD Bank serves the Washington, DC area, with branch locations in key areas throughout the city and nearby regions, making it a convenient choice for locals.

Transit Employees Federal Credit Union

Transit Employees Federal Credit Union offers the Fresh Start account, designed for those who don’t qualify for traditional checking accounts.

While it may lack some features of their other accounts, it still provides key benefits, including online banking and bill pay, a free Visa debit card, and access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.

Additionally, the account comes with eStatements to help you manage your finances.

For those in Washington, DC, the credit union operates one convenient branch location.

United Bank

United Bank makes it easier for individuals with past financial challenges to open an account by not using ChexSystems or credit reports for approval.

They offer three checking options tailored to different needs. The United Free Checking account is a straightforward choice for those seeking a no-fee option.

It requires no minimum balance and has no monthly maintenance charges. With a $50 minimum deposit to open, it’s accessible to most people looking for a simple banking solution.

United Bank operates seven convenient locations throughout Washington, DC.