Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain. This page may include information about American Express products currently unavailable on Slickdeals. American Express is not a partner of Slickdeals.
Past banking mistakes can make it challenging to open a new deposit account with some banks and credit unions. That’s because many financial institutions use ChexSystems, a service that tracks consumers’ banking habits, including previous issues. If you’ve overdrafted or neglected to pay fees on an old bank account, that info will likely be in your ChexSystems report, and you could be denied a new account.
Fortunately, not all banks rely on ChexSystems to screen prospective account holders, though it can be tricky to tell which ones do. Some make it more obvious by marketing their financial products as opportunity checking or second-chance checking accounts, but it’s harder to tell with others.
To simplify things for you, we've compiled a list of banks that don't use ChexSystems, which could be an option if you have past banking issues.
9 Banks That Don't Use ChexSystems
Some banks don’t use ChexSystems or might overlook a negative report for prospective customers opening certain accounts, which could make it easier to get a deposit account if you’ve had previous financial struggles. Note that some accounts may come with limited features, such as no overdraft protection options or check-writing privileges.
Here are nine banks to consider that don't use ChexSystems.
| Bank | Minimum Opening Deposit | Monthly Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
None |
$0-$10 |
|
|
None |
$0 |
|
|
$25 |
$12 |
|
|
$25 |
$4.95 |
|
|
$25 |
$4.95 |
|
|
$25 |
$5 |
|
|
None |
$0 |
|
|
None |
$0 |
|
|
$5 |
Up to $6.50 |
Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union
If you’re an eligible U.S. service member or veteran, an account with Navy Federal Credit Union may be an option. This credit union may view ChexSystems or do a soft credit pull when you apply for a checking or savings account, though it’s possible you’ll still be approved for an account as long as you don’t have past issues with Navy Federal specifically.
Navy Federal offers several checking accounts, including Free Active Duty Checking, Free Easy Checking, Free EveryDay Checking, Flagship Checking, and more. Many of its accounts offer perks like ATM fee rebates, no minimum balance requirements, and no monthly service fees.
- Minimum opening deposit: None
- Minimum balance requirement: None
- Monthly maintenance fees: Varies by account
Recommended High-Yield Savings Accounts
| Bank | Account Name | APY | Minimum Deposit | Monthly Fee | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UFB High Yield Savings Account |
5.25% |
$0 |
$0 |
Get Started |
|
SoFi Checking and Savings |
0.50% – 4.50%
ⓘ |
$0 |
$0 |
Get Started |
|
CIT Bank Platinum Savings Account |
Up to 5.05%
ⓘ |
$100 |
$0 |
Get Started |
|
|
CIT Bank Savings Connect Account |
4.65%
ⓘ |
$100 |
$0 |
Get Started |
Varo Bank
Varo Bank is an online-only bank that offers deposit accounts and credit-building tools for its customers. And if you’re concerned about a negative record in ChexSystems, its Varo Bank Account doesn’t require a credit check or ChexSystems screening. This account has perks like debit card access, an extensive ATM network, no minimum deposit requirements, no overdraft fees, and no monthly fees.
- Minimum opening deposit: None
- Minimum balance requirement: None
- Monthly maintenance fees: None
OneUnited Bank
If you’ve had past issues with a checking or savings account, the OneUnited Bank U2 E-Checking account may be worth considering. This account offers perks like a large network of free ATMs, mobile check deposits, and an automatic savings feature that lets you round up your purchases to add to your account balance. But a $12 monthly maintenance fee applies.
- Minimum opening deposit: $25
- Minimum balance requirement: None
- Monthly maintenance fees: $12
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers its Safe Debit Account, which is an alternative to a traditional checking account for those who’ve struggled with banking issues in the past. Account holders get free credit score access, a debit card with zero liability fraud protection, and 24/7 customer support. A monthly maintenance fee of $4.95 applies and cannot be waived.
- Minimum opening deposit: $25
- Minimum balance requirement: None
- Monthly maintenance fees: $4.95
Related Article
7 Easiest Bank Accounts to Open Online
Bank of America
The Bank of America SafeBalance account could also be a decent choice if you’ve had past banking issues. This account is designed to help you manage your spending and comes with debit card access. Monthly service fees apply, though it’s possible to get those fees waived if you’re a student under 25, you’re under 18, or you enroll in Preferred Rewards.
- Minimum opening deposit: $25
- Minimum balance requirement: None
- Monthly maintenance fees: $4.95, which can be waived for qualifying customers
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo
If you have a negative record in ChexSystems, the Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking account may be another option. You’ll need to make a $25 initial deposit to open an account, but there’s no minimum balance requirement after that. Customers also get debit card access with 24/7 fraud protection on debit card purchases. A $5 monthly maintenance fee applies, though it’s possible to waive that fee if you’re under 25 or you link a qualifying student debit card to your account.
- Minimum opening deposit: $25
- Minimum balance requirement: None
- Monthly maintenance fees: $5, which can be waived for qualifying customers
Capital One
Capital One
Capital One is another large bank offering an account for individuals with past banking issues—its 360 Checking Account. Account holders get access to a huge, free ATM network, debit cards, early direct deposit, and fraud protection. Unlike competing accounts at major banks, Capital One doesn’t have minimum deposit requirements or charge a monthly maintenance fee for its 360 Checking Account.
- Minimum opening deposit: None
- Minimum balance requirement: None
- Monthly maintenance fees: None
Related Article
Best Early Direct Deposit Banks: Get Paid Up to 2 Days Early
Chime
Chime is a financial technology company offering deposit accounts, including the Chime Checking Account, which requires no ChexSystems or credit checks. Account holders get access to several perks, including no monthly fees, early direct deposit, no minimum initial deposit, no minimum balance fees, and no overdraft fees. Plus, you can use your debit card to take out money at over 60,000 fee-free ATMs as a Chime customer.
- Minimum opening deposit: None
- Minimum balance requirement: None
- Monthly maintenance fees: None
FNSB
FNSB, formerly Fort Sill National Bank, is a midwestern U.S. bank offering deposit accounts for military members and civilians. One of those accounts, its Basic Checking Account, requires no credit check. So even if you have negative marks in your banking history, this account could be an option. It offers benefits like unlimited check writing, the ability to earn interest on balances over $500, and optional savings round-ups.
- Minimum opening deposit: $5
- Minimum balance requirement: None
- Monthly maintenance fees: Up to $6.50
Explore the Best Bank Bonuses Currently Available
Visit the Marketplace
Why Do Banks Use ChexSystems?
ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency, which works similarly to credit reporting agencies, except it's commonly used in the banking industry. While a prospective lender may review your credit reports before approving you for a loan, a bank or credit union may view your ChexSystems reports before approving you for a new checking or savings account. Financial institutions do this to help protect themselves from possible risks.
If you have a ChexSystems report, it could include information like:
- Excessive overdraft fees
- Involuntary account closures
- Bounced checks
- Unpaid monthly maintenance fees
- Recent account openings and closures
If your banking history includes any of the above, it’s possible a bank may deem you a high-risk customer and deny you a new account. In addition to a ChexSystems report, you may also have a ChexSystems score ranging from 100-899. A high score means you are a lower risk, while a lower score indicates a higher risk.
The Bottom Line
If you have past banking problems on your ChexSystems report, some banks might not let you open a new savings or checking account. But fortunately, this isn’t always the case. Some traditional banks, online banks, and credit unions don’t use ChexSystems to screen new customers for certain accounts. Opting for one of these accounts can make it easier to get approved and improve your banking habits.
Best Online Banks
Frequently Asked Questions
-
ChexSystems is similar to a credit reporting agency for the banking industry. It creates reports about account holders’ banking background and issues, including involuntary account closures, unpaid fees, or excessive overdrafts, and these reports are designed to inform financial institutions about a new applicant’s potential risks and negative banking history.
-
While you probably can’t remove yourself from ChexSystems entirely, you can eliminate certain negative items, such as unpaid fees, from your ChexSystems report by settling the payments and requesting the bank or collections agency remove that information. You can also provide proof to ChexSystems that the debt has been resolved on your own. Items typically stay on your ChexSystems report for five years.
-
Some major banks that don’t use or rely solely on ChexSystems when approving new deposit accounts include Bank of America, Capital One, Wells Fargo, and U.S. Bank. Other options include Navy Federal Credit Union, Varo Bank, and OneUnited Bank.
-
Yes, it’s possible to get a checking account even if you’re on ChexSystems, though it might be more difficult. You may need to find non-ChexSystems banks, or opt for a second-chance or opportunity checking account or a prepaid debit card.
-
Yes, you can request a free consumer disclosure report from ChexSystems once a year if you’re older than 18. This information could help you understand what’s included in your banking history report and provide insight into why you may have been denied a bank account.
Jessica Ullrich
Jess is a freelance personal finance writer. She's been creating financial and business content for over a decade. Before venturing into freelance writing, Jess was on the editorial teams at Investopedia, The Balance, and FinanceBuzz. She's created content across several verticals, including budgeting, credit, debt, insurance, investing, loans, and side hustles. In her spare time, you can find Jess reading about money, working in her garden, or spending time with family.
