Second Chance Checking Accounts in Washington

Opening a checking account can be challenging if your banking history includes unpaid fees, overdrafts, or other negative marks. Many banks and credit unions in Washington rely on systems like ChexSystems, which often makes it harder to get approved after past mistakes.

Fortunately, some Washington banks and credit unions offer second chance checking accounts that give you access to essential banking while rebuilding your financial record.

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

Here are second chance checking options available across Washington for people looking to recover from banking setbacks and manage their money.

SoFi

Our Top Pick
SoFi
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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
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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
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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
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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 →

MountainCrest Credit Union

MountainCrest Credit Union
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MountainCrest Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for those working to rebuild their banking history.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and includes a $10 monthly service fee. There’s no ongoing minimum balance requirement, and you’ll get access to online banking, bill pay, mobile banking, eStatements, telephone banking, and a Visa debit card.

Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, or worships in Washington state, with a $5 savings deposit required to join.

MountainCrest Credit Union has branches in Arlington and Everett.

Apply online →

Salal Credit Union

Salal Credit Union
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Salal Credit Union provides Pathway Checking to help people with past banking challenges get back on track.

The account has a $25 opening deposit and a $10 monthly service fee. You can lower or eliminate the fee by completing 15 debit card transactions or receiving at least $250 in direct deposits each month—each reduces the fee by $5.

Salal Credit Union has locations in Bellevue, Seattle, and Tukwila.

Apply online →

WaFd Bank

WaFd Bank
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WaFd Bank offers the Fresh Start Account for those who have been denied a checking account in the past.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and carries a $4 monthly fee. You’ll get mobile banking, online banking, person-to-person payments, and no overdraft fees.

After maintaining a positive account history, you may be eligible to upgrade to a standard checking account.

WaFd Bank has branches throughout Washington, including Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Kirkland, Redmond, Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Wenatchee.

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.