Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems [2024]: My Favorite Second-Chance Accounts for Everyday Banking

I discovered the world of banks that don't use ChexSystems after my account application at a traditional bank was denied. To my surprise, there are several reputable banks out there that don’t use this system. This includes SoFi®¹, Chime®², U.S. Bank³, Chase, and more, each offering checking and savings accounts without basing their decision on ChexSystems.

Some of these banks became essential for my daily finances. I opened an account with SoFi and was impressed by how quickly I could set everything up online. Later, when I needed a more traditional banking experience, I opened an account at the nearby Wells Fargo branch without an issue.

SoFi: Best for high APY

SoFi Checking and Savings account combo caught my eye with its impressive annual percentage yield (APY) of up to 4.20% with direct deposit. When I opened my account, I was pleasantly surprised by how seamless the process was – no ChexSystems check and no fees to worry about.

What I love about SoFi:

• Smooth online banking: The banking experience with SoFi is always easy and simple, and the customer service team is always quick to respond.
• No monthly fees: Paying zero monthly maintenance fees means keeping more money in my pocket.
• Early payday: I get my paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit.

On top of that, the mobile app is intuitive, making it easy to manage my money from any place. Plus, the ability to create "vaults" within my savings account helps me organize my financial goals effectively.

However, as an online-only banking, SoFi has no physical branches. This also limits my options when depositing cash, as I typically have to go to a retail location, which often involves paying a fee. However, as someone who rarely deals with cash, I enjoy everything SoFi has to offer. SoFi is a Member, FDIC.¹⁵

Learn more in our SoFi Checking and Savings review.

U.S. Bank: Best for budgeting tools

U.S. Bank's Smartly Checking¹⁶ account offers a nice blend of traditional banking and second-chance opportunities. U.S. Bank will likely check ChexSystems reports, but the bank is known for being more lenient towards individuals with ChexSystems records. As someone who's had banking difficulties in the past, I appreciate their more forgiving approach, so that’s why I included U.S. Bank in my list.

I like that the U.S. Bank Smartly Checking account offers:

• Fee waiver options: The $6.95 monthly fee can be avoided with direct deposits or maintaining a minimum balance.
• Branch access: With locations in 27 states, I appreciate having in-person banking options.
• Spending and budgeting reports: This account makes it easy to see spending by category and find areas where I can budget.
• Overdraft protection and forgiveness: The option to link to an eligible account for overdraft protection gives me peace of mind. Plus, U.S. Bank offers an overdraft fee forgiveness when you fund the account on the same day it was overdrafted to bring it to a positive balance.

However, while U.S. Bank offers the security and services of a large, established bank, there are a couple of factors to consider. The 0.001%-0.005% (as of Sept. 22, 2023) APY (depending on balance) is quite low compared to some online banks.

Additionally, if you're unable to meet the requirements to waive the monthly fee, the $6.95 charge could add up over time. However, for those valuing a traditional banking experience with a second-chance opportunity, these trade-offs can very well be worth it.

Visit U.S. Bank or learn more in our U.S. Bank Smartly Checking review.

Chime®: Best for no monthly fees

Chime's online checking account was my introduction to mobile-first banking, and I've been impressed ever since. The lack of ChexSystems checks made opening an account a breeze, which was a relief after past banking troubles.

Standout features include:

• No hidden fees: No monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements.
• SpotMe®: This feature helps you avoid overdraft fees if you overdraft your Chime account.
• Early payday¹⁸: Getting my paycheck up to two days early is always a nice perk to have²⁰.

Additionally, setting up automatic savings²¹ with the Round-Up feature has helped me build my emergency fund without even thinking about it.

However, it's important to note that Chime operates entirely online. While this works great for me, those who prefer face-to-face interactions might find the lack of physical branches challenging. Additionally, making cash deposits can be a bit inconvenient, requiring a trip to select retail locations²².

Visit Chime or learn more in our Chime review.

Capital One: Best for large ATM network

Capital One's 360 Checking account offers a customer-friendly approach to banking. As someone who's dealt with pesky bank fees before, I like that this account has no monthly maintenance charges.

What I appreciate most about the Capital One 360 account:

• No minimum balance: I don't have to stress about maintaining a certain amount in my account.
• Free ATMs: Access to over 70,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide means I'm rarely far from my money.
• Overdraft options: Multiple overdraft protection choices can help me if I overcharge my account, which gives me peace of mind.

The mobile app is intuitive and feature-rich. I particularly love the instant purchase notifications and the ability to lock my card with a tap if I misplace it. Capital One's 360 Cafes in some cities are a nice touch, offering a space to bank and grab a coffee.

But while Capital One offers a robust online and mobile banking experience, it's worth noting that physical branches are limited. For those who prefer frequent in-person banking, this might be a drawback to consider. Additionally, this account’s APY rate of 0.10% (as of 10/28/24) is less competitive than that of high-yield options available elsewhere.

Learn more in our Capital One 360 review.

Wells Fargo: Best for branch accessibility

Wells Fargo's Clear Access Banking account is designed specifically for those who've had trouble with traditional banking. I appreciate that this approach makes it easy to have a fresh start.

What stands out about the Clear Access account:

• No overdraft fees: This feature alone can save you from building up debt when your account is overdrafted.
• Minimal opening deposit: This account only requires $25 to get started.
• Wide ATM and branch network: You get access to over 13,000 ATMs nationwide. Plus, as one of the biggest national banks, Wells Fargo has over 4,500 branches around the country for in-person banking.

The $5 monthly fee can be waived if the primary account owner is 13 to 24 years old, if the account is linked to a Wells Fargo Campus ATM Card or Campus Debit Card, or if you have a qualifying monthly non-civilian military direct deposit with the Wells Fargo Worldwide Military Banking program. These options make it an excellent choice for young adults, students, and military personnel.

However, the Clear Access account comes with some limitations compared to standard checking accounts. For instance, you can't write personal checks, which might be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, for those who don't meet the fee waiver criteria, the $5 monthly fee could add up over time.

Visit Wells Fargo Clear Access.

Chase: Best for full-service banking

Chase Total Checking offers a full-service banking experience with a vast network of branches and ATMs. While it does have a higher monthly fee, the waiver options are achievable for many.

This account was one of my very first bank accounts. I like that this account offers:

• Extensive network: With 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs, I'm never far from my money.
• Mobile banking: The Chase app is one of the best I've used, from the QuickDeposit feature that allows me to deposit checks using my phone to the ability to manage my digital wallets.
• Sign-up bonus: Chase often offers attractive bonuses for new accounts, which is how I started with them.

The $12 monthly fee is on the higher side, but it can be waived with direct deposits²⁴, minimum balance, or linked accounts. The fees could add up quickly for those who can't consistently meet these requirements. However, Chase remains a solid option for customers who value a full-service bank with a strong physical presence.

Visit Chase or learn more in our Chase Total Checking review.

Acorns: Best for automatic investing

Acorns' Mighty Oak Checking account is unique in that it combines banking with investing. As someone who loves hands-off automated investing, I found this approach incredibly helpful.

Key features of Acorns Mighty Oak Checking:

• High APY rates: This account offers an impressive APY rate. You can earn up to 5.00%, which is significantly higher than many traditional banks.
• Round-up investing: Every purchase I make helps me invest spare change automatically, making saving and investing a daily habit.
• No minimum balance: I can start small and grow my account over time without worrying about maintaining a specific balance.
• Tungsten metal card: The limited edition all-black Mighty Oak Visa debit card, laser-engraved with my signature, feels premium and durable.

The monthly subscription fee for Acorns ranges from $3 to $12, depending on the plan you choose. While it's not the cheapest option, I find the integrated investing features and high APY rates worth the cost.

Keep in mind that Acorns operates entirely online. For those who prefer face-to-face banking interactions, the lack of physical branches could be a drawback.

Visit Acorns or learn more in our Acorns review.

Varo: Best for high-yield savings

Varo's Online Bank Account impressed me with its fee-free structure and high-yield savings potential.

I like that Varo offers:

• No hidden fees: No monthly maintenance, transfer, or foreign transaction fees. This helps me keep more of my money in my account.
• High-yield savings: While the Varo Online Bank Account doesn’t earn interest, the option to earn up to 5.00% (as of 07/01/24) APY on Varo Savings with qualifying direct deposits is fantastic. It's one of the highest rates I've seen.
• Early direct deposit: Getting my paycheck up to two days early has helped me budget better and avoid cash crunches.
• Large ATM network: With over 40,000 fee-free ATMs, I rarely have trouble finding one when I need cash.

The lack of physical branches can be a drawback, but with the robust mobile app and extensive ATM network, I rarely miss having a local branch. However, it's worth noting that making cash deposits can be inconvenient, requiring a trip to certain retail locations. This could be a significant limitation for those who frequently deal with cash.

Visit Varo or learn more in our Varo review.

Current: Best for early direct deposit

Current's Individual Account offers a unique blend of modern banking features and attractive savings options. As someone always looking to maximize my money's potential, I also found myself drawn to Current’s high-yield savings pods.

Standout features of Current include:

• High APY on savings: You can earn up to 4.00% (as of Nov. 21, 2023) annual bonus on Savings Pods, which is significantly higher than many traditional banks.
• No hidden fees: There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance fees, no in-network ATM fees, and no bank transfer fees.
• Early direct deposit: Getting paid up to 2 days faster with direct deposit can help you manage your finances more efficiently.
• Instant gas hold removals: This feature ensures your money is available immediately after purchasing gas without keeping the large transaction hold some gas stations put on your account.

The Savings Pods concept is innovative, allowing you to create up to three pods for different savings goals. The Round-Ups feature automatically rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference into your chosen Savings Pod, making saving effortless.

However, it's important to note that Current lacks physical branches, which means all banking is done online or through the app. This also limits cash deposit options. You typically have to a visit a retail location and pay a $3.50 fee per deposit.

Visit Current or learn more in our Current review.

GO2Bank: Best for cash back rewards

GO2Bank, Green Dot's flagship mobile bank account, offers a mix of features designed for everyday banking needs. As someone who's always on the lookout for ways to stretch my dollar, I found their high-yield savings and cash back offers particularly appealing.

Key features of GO2Bank:

• High-yield savings: Earn up to 4.50% APY on savings up to $5,000, paid quarterly. This rate is well above the national average.
• Overdraft protection: You can be covered up to $200 with overdraft protection after eligible direct deposits and opting in.
• Credit building: You can build credit with no annual fee, which is great for those looking to improve their credit score.
• Cash back rewards: You can earn up to 7% instant cash back when buying eGift Cards from over 100 popular merchants in the app.

I appreciate that GO2Bank offers early payday²⁸. The ability to deposit cash at over 90,000 retail locations nationwide is also a handy feature, especially for those who deal with cash regularly.

However, there's a $5 monthly fee unless you have eligible direct deposits. While this fee can be waived, it's something to keep in mind if you can't maintain regular direct deposits.

The mobile-first approach of GO2Bank means you'll be doing most of your banking through their app. While this is convenient for many, it might not suit those who prefer traditional banking experiences.

Visit GO2Bank or learn more in our GO2Bank review.

ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that banks and credit unions use to evaluate the risk of opening new accounts. It maintains records of your banking history, including overdrafts, bounced checks, and unpaid fees.

When you apply for a new bank account, many financial institutions check your ChexSystems report to determine if you're a reliable customer. However, several national banks and fintech companies don’t use ChexSystems, allowing you to avoid it.

How to view your ChexSystems file

You're entitled to one free copy of your ChexSystems report every 12 months under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. To request your report, you can:

• Visit the ChexSystems website and fill out the online form
• Call ChexSystems automated phone system at 800-428-9623

You'll need to provide personal information, including your Social Security number, for verification purposes.

Once you've submitted your request, ChexSystems will typically process it within five business days. You can receive your report online or by mail, which will include details of any negative items such as overdrafts, bounced checks, or unpaid fees reported by banks or credit unions.

If you find any errors in your report, you have the right to dispute them directly with ChexSystems. That’s why it’s a good idea to review your ChexSystems report regularly, even if you're not currently having trouble opening a bank account.

Why would you avoid ChexSystems?

If you have a negative ChexSystems record, such as a negative unpaid balance, frequent overdrafts, or involuntary account closure, it can be challenging to open a new bank account with many banks and credit unions.

This can leave you without essential banking services, making it difficult to manage your finances, receive direct deposits, or make electronic payments. Avoiding ChexSystems-reliant banks can give you a fresh start and access to necessary banking services.

Here's what you should look for in a bank account

• Low or no monthly fees: Look for accounts that don't charge monthly maintenance fees or have easy ways to waive them.
• Minimal opening deposit: Choose banks that allow you to open an account with a small initial deposit.
• Wide ATM network: Opt for banks offering free access to a large network of ATMs to avoid withdrawal fees.
• Mobile banking features: Ensure the bank provides a user-friendly mobile app for convenient account management.
• Additional perks: Consider accounts offering benefits like early direct deposit, cash back rewards, or high-yield savings options.

How do I get around ChexSystems?

To bypass ChexSystems, consider opening an account with banks like Chime, SoFi, or Chase, which don't typically use ChexSystems for account approvals.

How long will negative information stay on ChexSystems?

Negative information typically remains on your ChexSystems report for five years, unless the bank removes it earlier.

Can you still be denied an account at a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems?

Yes, you can still be denied an account at a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems. Banks decide who they provide services to and under what circumstances. For example, you may be denied an account if you can’t verify your identity with a Social Security card, passport, or other government-issued document. Federal law requires banks to identify and verify a person’s identity when they open an account.

If you've been denied a bank account due to your ChexSystems record, don't lose hope. There are several reputable banks and financial institutions that offer second-chance banking opportunities without relying on ChexSystems.

Options like SoFi, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and Chime® provide feature-rich accounts with minimal fees, making it easier to rebuild your financial health. By choosing one of these ChexSystems-free banks, you can regain access to essential banking services, enjoy modern features like mobile banking, and work towards improving your financial standing.