Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Wisconsin

U.S. Bank is now inviting new customers to take advantage of a special online promotion:

• Earn up to $400 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
• Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through October 31, 2024. Member FDIC.
• Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.

The checking account comes with a free debit card and the option to lock or unlock the card if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Plus, you’ll never have to worry about ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs or surcharge fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass Network ATMs.

U.S. Bank uses ChexSystems, but it has a history of being more lenient with records than most banks.

As long as you don’t have a history of fraud, or you don’t owe any money to U.S. Bank, you may be able to open a checking account with them.

The minimum opening deposit for this account is just $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 by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000.

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.

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 4.30% on their savings and 0.50% on checking accounts.

Direct deposit users also get the added benefit of early access to their paychecks – up to 2 days ahead.

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.

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 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.

To open an account, a $100 minimum deposit is required, and there’s a $6.50 monthly service fee. Once opened, there are no ongoing minimum balance requirements.

With this account, members benefit from free online and mobile banking, free telephone banking, unlimited check writing, and a free debit card.

Membership is available to individuals who live or work in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, or Kenosha County.

BCU operates two locations in Milwaukee.

A $50 minimum deposit and a one-time $10 setup fee are required to open the account. Once established, there is a $10 monthly fee, but after 12 months of maintaining a positive balance, you may qualify for a transfer to a standard checking account.

The account offers online banking, online bill pay, mobile banking, and free eStatements for added convenience.

Crossbridge Community Bank operates locations in Tomahawk and Merrill.

This account includes a free Mastercard debit card and access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs, making it convenient for daily banking needs.

With no minimum balance required, the account charges a low monthly fee of $9.95. Additional benefits include unlimited check writing, free eStatements, free check images online, and free online and mobile banking.

First American Bank has branches in Salem and Kenosha.

The account comes with perks like a free Debit Mastercard with rewards, access to over 70,000 surcharge-free ATMs, and free online and mobile banking.

There is no minimum balance requirement after opening the account with a $25 deposit, and you may be eligible to upgrade to a Basic Checking account after maintaining the account in good standing for 12 months.

Branches are located in Argyle, Beloit, Clinton, Darien, Delavan, Elkhorn, Janesville, Monroe, Walworth, and Williams Bay.

The account comes with benefits such as free overdraft protection, no ATM fees, and no monthly or minimum balance requirements.

It also provides instant access to funds through a debit card, along with convenient online and mobile banking options. Additionally, direct deposit is available to help manage finances more easily.

Branches are located in cities like Chippewa Falls, Dodgeville, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Monroe, Platteville, Racine, Sheboygan, and more.

To open an account, you need two forms of identification, one of which must be government-issued, and you must not owe any money from a previous TCU account.

To qualify for membership, you either need to have a family member who is already a TCU member, live or work within 25 miles of Medford, or live or work in Taylor, Price, Lincoln, Marathon, or Clark County.

Their free checking account includes unlimited check writing, online access, and a free Visa debit card with no minimum balance requirement.

Taylor Credit Union has branches in Abbotsford and Medford.