Second Chance Checking Accounts in West Virginia

Opening a checking account can be difficult if your banking history shows unpaid fees, overdrafts, or account closures. Many banks and credit unions in West Virginia use ChexSystems to review applicants, which often makes it harder to get approved after past mistakes.

Several West Virginia banks and credit unions offer second chance checking accounts that can help you rebuild your financial record and get back to everyday banking.

7 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in West Virginia

Below are second chance checking options available throughout West Virginia for people looking to recover from banking challenges and open a new account.

Current

Our Top Pick

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.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems checks or credit pull
  • Open an account with no minimum deposit
  • Access over 60,000 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 60,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to $300 with qualifying direct deposit
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Up to 3.80% 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 $300, plus earn a competitive 3.80% 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.

City National Bank

City National Bank offers Bounce Back Checking for those working to rebuild their financial history after past challenges.

The account has no minimum balance requirement. The $6.99 monthly fee can be reduced by setting up direct deposit.

You’ll also get free mobile banking, online banking with bill pay, eStatements, and a cushion of two waived non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees to help you stabilize your finances.

City National Bank has branches in Beckley, Bridgeport, Charleston, Clarksburg, Flatwoods, Gassaway, Montgomery, Morgantown, Ripley, and Sutton, along with other locations across West Virginia.

Clear Mountain Bank

Clear Mountain Bank provides StartFresh Banking, a two-step program for people rebuilding their banking history.

The first step, StartFresh First Step, requires a $50 deposit and has a $9.95 monthly fee (or $6.95 with direct deposit). This option does not include check writing.

After 12 months of positive account management, you can apply for StartFresh Checking, which adds check writing with the same deposit and fees. After 18 months, you may qualify for a traditional account.

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

West Virginia Federal Credit Union

West Virginia Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for those who need a second chance after past banking difficulties.

The account requires a $100 opening deposit and carries a low $4.99 monthly fee. It includes a debit card, unlimited check writing, and no minimum balance requirement.

After 12 months of good account history, you can apply to upgrade to a Regular Checking account.

Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Putnam, or Wayne counties.

Branches are located in South Charleston and St. Albans.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank provides a second chance checking account for those looking to get back on track with their banking.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and a one-time $9 setup fee. There’s an $11.95 monthly maintenance fee, reduced to $9.95 with direct deposit enrollment.

If you prefer paper statements, there’s a $3 fee, which can be waived by switching to e-statements.

Woodforest National Bank has branches in Beckley, Elkins, Fairmont, Fayetteville, Hurricane, Logan, Martinsburg, Nitro, and Summersville.