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.
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SoFi
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
Current
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- Build credit just by using your debit card
- No minimum balance or monthly fees
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- No credit check or ChexSystems
Chime
Features & Benefits
- Over 14.5 million downloads
- No credit check or ChexSystems
- No minimum opening deposit
- Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs
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
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.
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.
Non-ChexSystems Banks by State
Looking for more information and additional options available in your area? Select your state from the list below to explore your options.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming