Second Chance Checking Accounts in Washington, DC

Opening a checking account in Washington, DC can be difficult if your banking history includes unpaid fees, overdrafts, or other negative marks. Many financial institutions use screening tools like ChexSystems that flag past mistakes, making it harder to get approved.

Fortunately, some banks and credit unions in the DC area offer second chance checking accounts that can help you rebuild your finances and access everyday banking.

7 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Washington, DC

Below you’ll find second chance checking options for DC residents looking to recover from banking challenges and manage their money.

SoFi

Our Top Pick
SoFi
Learn More

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to $400 with qualifying direct deposit
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Up to 3.30% 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 $400, plus earn a competitive 3.30% 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.

Apply online →

Current

Current
Learn More

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.

Apply online →

Chime

Chime
Learn More

Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems checks or credit pull
  • Open an account with no minimum deposit
  • Access over 47,000 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 47,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

Apply online →

Stash

Stash
Learn More

Features & Benefits

  • No hidden fees
  • Earn stock as you spend with Stock-Back® rewards
  • Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit
  • 55,000+ fee-free ATMs through Allpoint®

Stash offers a checking account that does not require ChexSystems or a credit check. This makes it accessible if you have had trouble opening accounts in the past.

Each time you use the Stash debit card, you earn Stock-Back® rewards in the form of small pieces of stock from the brands where you spend.

You can also receive your paycheck early through direct deposit. The account has no overdraft fees.

The account is managed through the Stash mobile app. The app also gives you tools for investing and budgeting.

Apply online →

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union
Learn More

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union offers Second Chance Checking to help people get back on track after past banking challenges.

To apply for an account, you’ll need to visit a branch in person.

Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Alexandria, Washington, DC, Harrisonburg, or Virginia’s Clarke and Warren counties.

Locations are available throughout the Washington, DC metro area, including Alexandria and Springfield. GAO employees can also access an on-site private branch.

Apply online →

Market USA Federal Credit Union

Market USA Federal Credit Union
Learn More

Market USA Federal Credit Union provides Fresh Start Checking for those working to rebuild their banking history.

The account has no minimum balance requirement. After six months of responsible account management, you may qualify to upgrade to a standard checking account.

Even without a local branch in Washington, DC, you’ll have access to over 5,000 CO-OP Shared Branch locations and more than 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.

Branches are located nearby in Laurel and Landover, Maryland.

Apply online →

Transit Employees Federal Credit Union

Transit Employees Federal Credit Union
Learn More

Transit Employees Federal Credit Union offers the Fresh Start Account for those who may not qualify for traditional checking.

While it has fewer features than their standard accounts, Fresh Start includes online banking, bill pay, eStatements, a free Visa debit card, and access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.

Transit Employees Federal Credit Union operates one branch in Washington, DC.

Apply online →

Second Chance Banks by State

Choose your state from the list below to find second chance checking accounts and see what options are available near you.