Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in West Virginia

Struggling to open a checking account in West Virginia due to a negative ChexSystems listing?

While most banks use ChexSystems to review your banking history, there are some that don’t. Additionally, some banks offer second checking accounts.

Non-ChexSystems & Second Chance Banks in West Virginia

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

Upgrade

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.69% APY on savings
  • Up to 2% cash back
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No monthly fees or overdraft fees

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 4.69% 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.

SoFi

Our Second Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 4.20% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

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 4.20% 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

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
  • No credit check or ChexSystems

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.

Chime®

Features & Benefits

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

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

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to 4.00% APY
  • No monthly fees
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Over 30,000 fee-free ATMs

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 4.00% 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.

City National Bank

City National Bank offers its Bounce Back Checking account, a second-chance option for individuals who need to rebuild their financial history.

The account has no minimum balance requirements, and the monthly service fee can be reduced to $6.99 by signing up for direct deposit.

Additionally, you get features like free mobile banking, online banking with bill pay, and eStatements. City National Bank also offers a cushion by waiving the first two non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees, helping you stabilize your finances as you get back on track.

Branches can be found in Beckley, Bridgeport, Charleston, Clarksburg, Flatwoods, Gassaway, Montgomery, Morgantown, Ripley, and Sutton, with additional locations available statewide.

Clear Mountain Bank

Clear Mountain Bank offers StartFresh Banking, a two-step program to help rebuild your financial history.

The first step, StartFresh First Step, requires a $50 deposit and has a $9.95 monthly fee (or $6.95 with direct deposit) but doesn’t include check writing.

After 12 months in good standing, you can apply for StartFresh Checking, which includes check writing, with the same deposit and fees. After 18 months, you may qualify for a traditional checking account.

Clear Mountain Bank has locations in Bruceton Mills, Bridgeport, Kingwood, Morgantown, Reedsville, Rowlesburg, Sutton, and Terra Alta.

Community Trust Bank

Community Trust Bank provides a solid option for those looking to open a checking account without the hassle of ChexSystems. Instead, the bank uses Early Warning Services (EWS).

One of their most accessible options is the Flexible Checking account, which requires a minimum opening deposit of $100.

This account comes with no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements, making it a cost-effective solution for those looking to get back on track with their finances.

Account holders also benefit from unlimited check writing, a free debit card, and the first 20 checks at no charge.

Branches can be found in Alum Creek, Fort Gay, Hamlin, Huntington, Summersville, and Williamson.

Hancock County Savings Bank

Hancock County Savings Bank uses the WatchDOG CIP system for approving account holders, rather than ChexSystems.

Once approved, you can choose from various checking account options. For those looking to avoid fees, the Keep Your Money account is a great option.

It requires just a $10 minimum deposit and includes a free first debit card and check order. There are no monthly fees, provided you make at least 10 debit card transactions each month and opt for monthly statements.

Hancock County Savings Bank has locations in Chester, New Cumberland, and Weirton.

West Virginia Federal Credit Union

West Virginia Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking as a second chance banking option.

With an initial deposit of $100 and a low monthly fee of $4.99, this account includes a debit card, unlimited check writing, and no minimum balance requirement.

After maintaining the account in good standing for 12 months, members are eligible to apply for a Regular Checking account.

To qualify for membership, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Putnam, or Wayne counties.

Branch locations are available in South Charleston and St. Albans, West Virginia.

United Bank

United Bank does not use ChexSystems or credit reports when approving applicants, making it an accessible option for those with past financial issues.

They offer three different checking options. The United Free Checking account is a straightforward, no-fee option with no minimum balance requirements. A $50 deposit is needed to open the account, making it easy to get started.

United Bank has branches in Beckley, Charleston, Huntington, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Parkersburg, South Charleston, Vienna, Weirton, and Wheeling, with additional locations throughout West Virginia.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank offers a second chance checking account designed for those looking to rebuild their banking history.

To open this account, you need a minimum deposit of $25, making it accessible for most. There’s also a one-time setup fee of $9 at account opening. Afterward, the monthly maintenance fee is $11.95, but you can reduce it to $9.95 by enrolling in direct deposit.

For those who prefer paper statements, there’s a small $3 monthly fee, which can be waived by opting for e-statements.

Branches can be found in Beckley, Elkins, Fairmont, Fayetteville, Hurricane, Logan, Martinsburg, Nitro, and Summersville.