Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking Review for 2023

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• Banking

Access to a checking account can be difficult for those with a history of banking problems or insufficient funds. Fortunately, Wells Fargo has recognized this issue and has introduced Clear Access Banking – a second chance checking account. Although not marketed as such, the account is designed for those who have had trouble opening traditional bank accounts.

Wells Fargo sign

With Clear Access Banking, customers have access to a vast brick-and-mortar branch network, making banking accessible for all. Wells Fargo is one of the few major national banks that offers a second-chance checking account, and it is designed for customers with lower balances, including teens.

Features and Benefits

The Clear Access Banking account requires a $25 minimum deposit to open and has a $5 monthly fee. However, the fee is waived for customers between 13 and 24 years old. Unlike other checking accounts, Clear Access Banking does not have overdraft or insufficient-funds fees, making it a safer option for those who are struggling to keep their accounts in the black.

Checkless Checking with a Broad Network

This checkless checking account does not offer paper checks, but customers have access to around 5,400 branches and more than 12,000 ATMs nationwide. This feature is a great advantage for customers who prefer to have face-to-face interaction with bankers. Clear Access Banking also includes a contactless debit card for fast, secure payments and Wells Fargo ATM access.

Advanced Security Measures

To ensure customers’ security and peace of mind, Wells Fargo has implemented advanced security measures. With 24/7 fraud monitoring and Zero Liability protection, customers are not held responsible for unauthorized transactions. This feature is crucial in preventing fraudulent activities in your account.

Digital Tools for Easy Banking

In addition to these security features, the Clear Access Banking account also offers convenient digital tools. Customers can use Zelle to send and receive money in minutes, and mobile deposit allows for easy check depositing from their smartphones. The digital wallet feature permits customers to add debit and credit cards to their mobile devices for fast and easy tap-and-pay transactions.

More Control Over Your Account

To further enhance security, the account also includes biometric authentication, which allows for secure sign-on to the mobile app using a fingerprint or face. With card control, customers can easily turn credit and debit cards on or off and track recurring payments, giving them even more control over their accounts.

What is a second chance checking account?

When it comes to banking, not everyone has a perfect track record. For those who have had trouble with their finances in the past, traditional checking accounts may be out of reach. That’s where second chance checking accounts come in.

These types of checking accounts cater to people who have a history of financial setbacks, such as overdrafts or bounced checks. By granting them an opportunity to rebuild their banking history, second chance checking accounts can facilitate a transition to a traditional checking account in the future.

If your past financial difficulties have prevented you from opening a standard checking account, a second chance checking account could be a viable alternative. With the chance to start anew and manage your finances responsibly, this option may be the fresh start you need.

What are some alternatives to Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking?

Chase

Chase
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Features & Benefits

  • $100 bonus after 10 purchases
  • No credit check or ChexSystems
  • Over 16,000+ fee-free ATMs
  • Over 4,700 branches nationwide
  • $4.95 monthly service fee

Chase has a checking account option known as Chase Secure Banking, which provides customers with a Chase debit card that grants access to over 16,000 ATMs without any added fees.

Among its features, this checking account includes free online bill pay, as well as free money orders and cashier’s checks.

Furthermore, it doesn’t charge any overdraft fees, and there is no minimum deposit required to open the account. However, it is worth noting that there is a monthly service fee of $4.95.

If you open a Chase Secure Banking account and make 10 qualifying purchases within 60 days, you will receive a cash bonus of $100.

Additionally, the account approval process is immediate, and the debit card typically arrives within a few days of opening the account.

Apply online →

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank
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  • $600 sign-up bonus
  • Minimum opening deposit of $25
  • Monthly service fee: $0 or $6.95
  • Over 40,000 surcharge-free MoneyPass ATMs

U.S. Bank is now offering the Bank Smartly™ Checking account, which is currently available in 26 states across the United States.

Online applications for this account are available to residents of the following 26 states: AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, and WY.

Upon opening a new Bank Smartly™ Checking account and fulfilling some qualifying activities, you can earn up to $600 in rewards. This offer is valid through April 11, 2023, so don’t miss out on this opportunity.

The Smartly™ Checking account also comes with a free debit card, which can be locked or unlocked easily in case of loss or theft. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs or surcharge fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass Network ATMs.

Although U.S. Bank uses ChexSystems, it has a reputation for being more lenient with records than most banks. So, as long as you don’t have a history of fraud or owe any money to U.S. Bank, you may be eligible to open a checking account with them.

The minimum opening deposit for this account is only $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 having a minimum monthly Direct Deposit of $1,000. With these features, the Bank Smartly™ Checking account is definitely worth considering.

Apply online →

Chime

Chime
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Features & Benefits

  • Over 14.5 million downloads
  • No credit check or ChexSystems
  • No minimum opening deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

Chime® offers a solution for individuals with a poor banking history, providing an award-winning financial app, and a debit card, all without requiring a credit check.

The Chime Checking Account boasts no monthly fees, including no monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, or minimum balance fees.

Additionally, Chime’s Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card enables you to establish your credit without annual fees, credit checks, or interest charges.

With Chime, you get access to over 60,000 fee-free MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance ATMs and the ability to receive your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit. In addition, over 8,500 Walgreens stores offer free cash deposits.

Apply online →

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.

1. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply with Chime except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

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