Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Washington

U.S. Bank is now inviting new customers to take advantage of a special online promotion:

• Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
• Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through December 30, 2024. Member FDIC.
• Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.

The checking account comes with a free debit card and the option to lock or unlock the card if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Plus, you’ll never have to worry about ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs or surcharge fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass Network ATMs.

U.S. Bank uses ChexSystems, but it has a history of being more lenient with records than most banks.

As long as you don’t have a history of fraud, or you don’t owe any money to U.S. Bank, you may be able to open a checking account with them.

The minimum opening deposit for this account is just $25, and the monthly service fee is $6.95. However, you can avoid the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance of $1,500 or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000.

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 4.14% 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.

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 4.00% APY on their savings and 0.50% APY on checking accounts.

Direct deposit users also get the added benefit of early access to their paychecks – up to 2 days ahead.

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.

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 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 3.50% 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.

To open a checking account, you must first become a member by living in Washington and making a minimum deposit of $5 into a shared savings account.

Members can choose from various checking options, including the Compass Checking account, which is free and doesn’t require a minimum balance if you opt for eStatements.

It offers 24/7 access via online and mobile banking, includes a free Visa debit card, and has overdraft protection options. Additionally, members have access to over 30,000 co-op ATMs and 5,600 co-op branches.

Branches are located in Lakewood and Tacoma.

To be eligible, you must live, work, or worship in Gray’s Harbor or Pacific County or have a family member who does.

The Great Value Checking account is available and free, provided the account maintains a minimum balance of $100. It includes free online banking, bill pay, a Visa debit card, and earns dividends.

Branches are located in Aberdeen, Chehalis, Long Beach, Ocean Park, and Raymond.

However, there are no ongoing minimum balance requirements, making it a flexible option for those looking to rebuild their banking history.

This account also offers several benefits, including free online banking, bill pay, mobile banking, eStatements, telephone banking, and a Visa debit card.

To become a member, you need to deposit at least $5 into a savings account and either live, work, or worship in Washington state.

MountainCrest has branch locations in Arlington and Everett.

To open a checking account, a minimum deposit of $50 is required.

The bank provides four types of checking accounts, each with numerous free features, such as online banking, bill pay, mobile banking, remote deposit, a Visa debit card, and eStatements.

They have branches in several locations, including Ione, Newport, and Spokane Valley.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and includes a $10 monthly service fee.

You can have the fee waived by meeting certain conditions each month, such as making 15 debit transactions or having at least $250 in direct deposits, each reducing the fee by $5.

Salal has branch locations in Bellevue, Seattle, and Tukwila.

With a low $25 initial deposit and a $4 monthly fee, it includes mobile and online banking, no overdraft fees, and person-to-person payments.

After building a positive account history, you may qualify for a traditional account upgrade.

WaFd Bank has branches in Washington, including Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Kirkland, Redmond, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Wenatchee, with additional locations throughout the state.

The bank offers two main types of checking accounts. The Free-Range Checking account stands out with no monthly service fees, free online banking, bill pay, a Visa debit card, and up to $10 in non-Wheatland ATM fee reimbursements.

With no limits on debit card usage and a free first box of checks, it offers flexibility for account holders. Opening an account only requires a $100 minimum deposit.

Wheatland Bank has branches in cities such as Chelan, Ellensburg, Moses Lake, Odessa, Okanogan, Pasco, Spokane, Twisp, Wenatchee, and Yakima, with additional branches throughout Washington state.