Best Banks That Don't Use ChexSystems (2024)

Denied a bank account due to your poor banking history? Fret not, some banks don't check your ChexSystems report.

If you've struggled with managing your finances before, some banks may be more cautious about letting you open an account. This is especially true if there's a record on your ChexSystems report.

But don't worry, you are not alone. And luckily, some institutions don't depend on ChexSystems.

You can try to open a new account with these institutions without worrying much about your negative banking history. Find out which banks and how you can open an account with them.

What is ChexSystems?
ChexSystems is a specialty consumer reporting agency in the US that collects data on activities related to checking and savings accounts. They provide reports to banks and credit unions to help them assess the riskiness of someone opening a new account.^[1]

13 Banks That Don't Use ChexSystems

Here are some banks that don't use or don't require a clean ChexSystems report. Let's explore each bank and which of their accounts you can get started with.

Can I open a bank account if I'm in the ChexSystems?
Yes, you can. Some institutions don't look at the ChexSystems report or are simply lenient when it comes to customers opening new accounts.

Capital One

Capital One is a popular, full-service bank that does not use ChexSystems.^[2] This means you can still open a checking account with them even if you have negative marks in your report.

They offer a 360 Checking Account with no monthly fees or account minimums. They also offer overdraft options that give you no overdraft fees whichever you choose.

Lastly, users get access to over 70,000 fee-free ATMs and a top-rated mobile app. ^[3]

SoFi Bank

SoFi is another bank that does not require your ChexSystems report. They offer an all-in-one account called the SoFi Checking and Savings that pays different rates for each balance. ^[4]

You can get a 4.60% APY on savings balances with direct deposit (1.20% APY without) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. It also has no monthly charges, account minimums, or overdraft fees.

Lastly, you can also use the SoFi app to manage your finances whenever and wherever you want.^[5]

PNC Bank

Even though PNC Bank uses ChexSystems reports, they have a second-chance bank account for those who don't qualify for their traditional checking option.

PNC Foundation Checking helps individuals with their budgeting and financial needs. It boasts no opening deposit requirement but has a $5 monthly service charge for users under 62 years old. ^[6]

It also has no overdraft fees and no transaction fees when using in-network ATMs. ^[7]

What is a second chance account?
A second chance account is an option for folks with a history of financial challenges or account closures. It offers basic services with some limitations, allowing you to rebuild your banking history and eventually qualify for standard accounts.

U.S Bank

U.S. Bank is another institution known to be ChexSystems-tolerant. While they do look at your ChexSystems report, they are quite lenient in approving account applications (even if you have negative marks).

You can go for the U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking, which has a minimum opening deposit of $25 and a $6.95 monthly service fee.

It also comes with overdraft protection, an easy-to-navigate mobile app, financial management tools, and access to Smart Rewards. ^[8]

Chime

Chime is an online-only fintech company that offers Chime Second Chance Banking for those with a bad banking history. It comes with several attractive features such as:

• $0 monthly maintenance fees
  
• No minimum balance requirement
  
• No overdraft charges
  
• No foreign transaction fees

Aside from access to an award-winning mobile app, you also get a debit card with access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs when you open a second chance banking account.^[9]

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

Chase

Even if you have a negative ChexSystems report, you can still open an account with one of the biggest banks in the US through Chase Secure Banking.

It has no minimum initial deposit, but it does have a $4.95 monthly service fee. You can avoid the monthly service fee when you have electronic deposits made into the account totaling $250 or more during each monthly statement period.

It also has no overdraft charges mainly because Chase will decline or return transactions made when you don't have enough in your account.

You can also take control of your finances from anywhere with the Chase mobile app and a free debit card with access to thousands of ATMs. ^[10]

Varo Bank

Varo Bank is an online-only bank that also does not look at ChexSystems.^[11] You can open a Varo Online Bank Account to help you manage your daily finances.

It boasts no minimum balances and no monthly fees, giving you more control of your hard-earned money. It also allows you to do the following through their online banking platforms:

• Pay bills
  
• Get direct deposits
  
• Send and receive money
  
• Deposit checks

The catch is they don't have any physical locations. Luckily, you can still withdraw cash at over 40,000 fee-free ATM with your complimentary debit card. ^[12]

Current

Current is a popular mobile banking company that won't check ChexSystems. You can easily open a personal Current Account, which has $0 monthly/annual fees and no hidden charges.

It even comes with Savings Pods that allow you to earn up to 4.00% bonus on up to $6,000 balance. You also get an exclusive card with Tap to Pay features and access to thousands of in-network ATMs. ^[13]

Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC.

Navy Federal Credit Union

If you are an active or retired member of the military with a negative banking history, you can still open a checking account with Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU).

Among their many checking options is the Free Easy Checking account with no minimum balance and $0 monthly charges.

There are also no fees for in-network ATM transactions and up to $10 in ATM fee rebates per statement period. Lastly, you can easily manage your account through NFCU's online platform and mobile app.^[14]

How do I get a copy of my ChexSystems file?
You can get a copy of your ChexSystems report for free every 12 months. You must simply send a request by going to their website and filling out the request form found on the Consumer Disclosure page.

Bank of America

Bank of America also offers a second-chance checking account for those with bad marks in their ChexSystems report, if you prefer a more traditional bank.

For Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®, all you need is a $25 minimum deposit to open an account. It does have a $4.95 monthly fee, but you can have it waived if you meet certain criteria.

Overdraft fees shouldn't be a problem because your transactions will be declined or returned unpaid when they exceed your balance. You also get a debit card and a mobile wallet for your spending needs. ^[15]

Acorns

Acorns is a saving and investing app that bypasses the ChexSystems. They have a checking account with no hidden fees, overdraft charges, or balance requirements.

Acorns Checking comes with a complimentary debit card and access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs in the Allpoint network.

They also offer an easy online banking platform where you can deposit checks, transfer money, get direct deposits, and much more. ^[16]

Acorns is not a bank. Banking services are issued by its partner banks, Lincoln Savings Bank or nbkc bank, members FDIC.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo is another big, traditional bank that offers a second chance account called the Clear Access Banking Account. It has a minimum opening deposit of $25 and a $5 monthly service fee that can be waived.

It also boasts no overdraft fees, though optional overdraft services are not available. You can also do your banking through Wells Fargo's online banking platforms or via the 11,000+ Wells Fargo ATMs out there. ^[17]

Go2Bank

Go2Bank offers an online mobile bank account, perfect for those rebuilding their banking history. While it has no minimum requirement, you are subject to several fees such as:

• $5 monthly service fee
  
• $3 out-of-network ATM withdrawal fee
  
• $15 overdraft protection fee
  
• 3% of the total foreign transaction amount

On the bright side, you can earn a competitive 4.50% APY on balances up to $5,000. You also get the convenience of doing online transactions through their top-rated mobile app. ^[18]

Consequences of Being in the ChexSystems

The biggest consequence of having negative remarks in your ChexSystems report is having your bank account applications denied. This is because those with a bad banking history are viewed as riskier by banks and credit unions.

In turn, this can also limit your options because a lot of well-known institutions use ChexSystems reports.

How long does my record stay in ChexSystems?
If there are negative activities on your ChexSystems report, it will remain there for at least 5 years. ^[19] However, the Fair Credit Reporting Act states that reporting agencies can only keep negative information for up to 7 years and bankruptcies for a max of 10 years. ^[20]

Who Should Go for Banks That Don't Use ChexSystems?

If any of the following applies to you, you might want to consider banks that don't use ChexSystems instead:

• You have a bad banking history.
  Those who have records of bounced checks, overdrafts, unpaid fees, suspected fraud, and such are probably already seen as red flags by banks and credit unions. Institutions that don't use ChexSystems can lessen their chances of getting rejected from opening an account.
• You have been denied from opening an account.
  If you have been denied from opening an account, then you probably already have negative marks on ChexSystems. This means you can get denied again, so you should check out alternative options instead.
• You are rebuilding your banking history.
  If your goal is to start fresh and slowly rebuild your banking history, you can open an account with a non-ChexSystems bank to help you with your financial management journey.

Still, if you simply prefer banking with an institution that doesn't use the ChexSystems, you can go for these banks or check out other alternatives.

How to Safeguard Your Bank Account

If you want to open new accounts at different banks in the future, it's best to avoid getting bad marks in your ChexSystems report. Here are some ways to keep your current bank accounts out of trouble:

• Check on your account regularly.
  
• Activate notifications for transactions or balance changes.
  
• Pay account fees promptly.
  
• Set up direct deposits.
  
• Get overdraft protection.
  
• Review the ChexSystems report consistently.

Bottom Line

Even though most institutions use the ChexSystems, there are several banks out there for those who want to bypass it. You can still open an account and manage your finances better despite having a negative banking history.

However, the best thing to do is to prevent bad marks in your ChexSystems report by handling your account and your money more responsibly.

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