Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Washington

Trying to open a bank account in Washington but keep hitting a wall? ChexSystems could be to blame. It reports things like unpaid fees and closed accounts, and most banks take that into account.

Fortunately, there are banks in Washington that don’t use ChexSystems—and second chance banking options that are easier to qualify for.

10 Banks in Washington That Don’t Use ChexSystems

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Washington banks and credit unions that allow anyone to open a checking account, regardless of their banking history.

Current

Our Top Pick

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

Current doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so approval is easy—even with a rough banking history.

There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you get access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit by using your debit card—no loans, credit pulls, or interest charges.

Current includes fee-free overdraft protection up to $200 and lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Optional Savings Pods earn up to 4.00% APY.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

SoFi doesn’t use ChexSystems and offers a no-fee checking and savings account with solid perks.

You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings, access over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

There are no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges. You can also earn a sign-up bonus of up to $300 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • Credit Builder Card with no interest, fees, or credit pull
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

Chime doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so anyone can open an account.

There’s no monthly fee, no minimum opening deposit, and access to over 60,0001 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card—no annual fees, interest charges1, or credit pull required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early2, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

American Lake Credit Union

American Lake Credit Union uses Telecheck, not ChexSystems, for screening new applicants.

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.

Great Northwest Federal Credit Union

Great Northwest Federal Credit Union uses Telecheck to screen new applications, and anyone interested in joining must apply in person, providing a government-issued ID with a current address. A minimum deposit of $5 into a savings account is also required.

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.

MountainCrest Credit Union

MountainCrest Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called Fresh Start Checking. It requires a $25 minimum deposit to open, and comes with a $10 monthly service fee.

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.

Mountain West Bank

Mountain West Bank does not rely on ChexSystems, EWS, Telecheck, or credit reports when evaluating applications, offering a more accessible option for those with a challenging banking history.

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.

Salal Credit Union

Salal Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called Pathway Checking, designed to help individuals rebuild their banking history.

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.

WaFd Bank

WaFd Bank’s Fresh Start Account can help you regain access to essential banking features after being denied in the past.

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.

Wheatland Bank

Wheatland Bank uses Early Warning Systems (EWS) rather than ChexSystems to screen new applicants.

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.