Second Chance Checking Accounts in Wisconsin

Getting denied for a checking account can be stressful, especially if your banking history shows unpaid fees, overdrafts, or account closures. Many financial institutions in Wisconsin use tools like ChexSystems, making it harder to open a new account after past mistakes.

Fortunately, some Wisconsin banks and credit unions offer second chance checking accounts designed to help you rebuild your finances and access everyday banking services.

9 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Wisconsin

Here are second chance checking options available across Wisconsin for people working to recover from past banking challenges.

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.

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.

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.

Brewery Credit Union

Brewery Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for people working to rebuild their banking history.

The account requires a $100 opening deposit and carries a $6.50 monthly fee. There are no ongoing minimum balance requirements.

You’ll get free online and mobile banking, telephone banking, unlimited check writing, and a free debit card.

Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, or Waukesha County.

Brewery Credit Union operates two branches in Milwaukee.

Crossbridge Community Bank

Crossbridge Community Bank provides Second Chance Checking for those with past banking issues who want a fresh start.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit and a one-time $10 setup fee. There’s a $10 monthly fee, but after 12 months of positive account history, you may qualify to upgrade to a standard account.

Features include online banking, bill pay, mobile banking, and free eStatements.

Crossbridge Community Bank has locations in Merrill and Tomahawk.

First American Bank

First American Bank offers Fresh Start Checking for people rebuilding their financial record after past challenges.

The account has no minimum balance requirement and a low $9.95 monthly fee.

You’ll get unlimited check writing, free eStatements, online and mobile banking, check images online, a free Mastercard debit card, and access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs.

First American Bank has branches in Kenosha and Salem.

First National Bank and Trust

First National Bank and Trust provides Renew Checking to help customers reestablish their financial footing.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and has no ongoing minimum balance. You’ll get a free Debit Mastercard with rewards, access to over 70,000 surcharge-free ATMs, and free online and mobile banking.

After 12 months of maintaining positive account history, you may be eligible to upgrade to Basic Checking.

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

Marine Credit Union

Marine Credit Union offers My Marine Checking, a simple option for those looking to build better financial habits.

The account includes free overdraft protection, no ATM fees, no monthly service charges, and no minimum balance requirements.

You’ll also get a debit card, instant access to your funds, online and mobile banking, and the convenience of direct deposit.

Branches are located in Chippewa Falls, Dodgeville, Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, La Crosse, Milwaukee, Monroe, Platteville, Racine, and Sheboygan, with additional locations across Wisconsin.

WESTconsin Credit Union

WESTconsin Credit Union provides Foundations Checking for those working to rebuild their banking record after past difficulties.

The account has a $4 monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no per-item charges. Debit card use is included, though check writing is not available.

Branches are located in Altoona, Amery, Baldwin, Barron, Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, Hudson, Menomonie, and New Richmond, with more locations across Wisconsin.