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 are entitled to an annual percentage yield (APY) of 4.50% 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 without requiring a credit check or ChexSystems report, making it a great option for those with past banking issues.

There are no monthly charges or minimum balance requirements, and account holders enjoy the flexibility of unlimited check writing and a Visa debit card.

In addition, you’ll have access to a large ATM network, and you can make 10 fee-free transactions at non-LCFCU ATMs each month. The account also includes a free financial wellness program called Balance Financial Fitness, which can help you with budgeting and money management.

To become a member, you must be employed by one of the nearly 40 participating employers in the DC region or be a family member of an existing LCFCU member. With such a broad network of eligibility, you may easily qualify for membership.

Market USA Federal Credit Union

Market USA Federal Credit Union may not have any physical branches in Washington, DC, but they offer convenient access through the CO-OP Shared Branch Network, which includes over 5,000 branches nationwide.

For those looking to sign up in person, Market USA FCU has physical branches located in Laurel, MD and Landover, MD, just a short drive from Washington, DC.

Their Fresh Start Checking account is ideal for individuals looking to rebuild their banking history, with no minimum balance requirements and the potential to upgrade to a standard checking account after six months of responsible use. Plus, with access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs, managing your finances is easy even without a local branch.

Navy Federal Credit Union

If you qualify for membership to Navy Federal, you won’t have to worry about them using ChexSystems. To become a member, you need to be either on active duty or retired from the U.S. military.

There are two free checking accounts from Navy FCU, one of which is Active Duty Checking. There’s no monthly fee, but you’ll need to receive direct deposit from the military.

If you do, you’ll get access to those deposited funds one business day earlier than usual. You also get $20 a month in ATM free rebates.

The other free account from Navy FCU is called EveryDay Checking. It’s a basic account that doesn’t come with any direct deposit requirements.

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, including TD Complete Checking, TD Beyond Checking, and TD Essential Banking, 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.

United Bank

United Bank does not rely on ChexSystems or credit reports when approving applicants, making it easier for those with past financial issues to open an account. They offer three different checking options: United Free Checking, Platinum Checking, and United Rewards Checking, catering to various needs.

The United Free Checking account is ideal for those looking for a simple, no-fee option. It has no minimum balance requirement and charges no monthly maintenance fees, providing a straightforward banking solution. To open the account, a minimum deposit of $50 is required, making it accessible to most individuals.

Wells Fargo

If you’re unable to open a standard checking account with Wells Fargo, you may still be eligible for their Clear Access Banking account. This second chance account is designed for individuals who might not qualify for traditional banking options due to past financial difficulties.

The account comes with a manageable monthly fee of $5, which can only be waived if the primary account holder is between the ages of 13 and 24. To open the account, a minimum deposit of $25 is required. Once established, you’ll have access to a range of convenient features, including online bill pay and mobile banking.

Additionally, customers can take advantage of Wells Fargo’s vast network of over 13,000 ATMs, available free of charge, making it easier to manage your money while rebuilding your banking record.