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When you have bad credit, you want a bank that not only won't check your credit when you open an account but that also will help you make the most of your finances. We recommend no-credit-check bank accounts, also called second-chance bank accounts, for this.
You can find no-credit-check bank accounts with many national institutions, as well as regional banks and credit unions. Online banks and fintechs also provide these account options. So no matter how you like to bank, you can avoid checks you don't want.
How we evaluate products
To put together this list of the best no-credit-check bank accounts, we researched many popular options from online banks, banking platforms available from fintechs, and brick-and-mortar institutions. We primarily included online-only bad-credit banks with no in-person access beyond ATMs, but we also featured some traditional banks with branch access for people who prefer in-person banking.
To analyze each account, we considered:
- ChexSystems use: We looked at whether each bank uses ChexSystems reports to assess applications for these accounts, showing favor to those we verified as not using them.
- Banking features: We considered helpful perks such as early access to paycheck funds, overdraft protection, interest earnings, lack of monthly service fees, and more.
- Fee structures: We do not believe checking accounts should have monthly service fees you can't avoid, so we did not feature any accounts on this list that do. Most of our picks are no-monthly-service-fee bank accounts, but we included some options with waivable or avoidable fees when we felt that the features and benefits of these accounts outweighed this disadvantage, using our editorial judgment.
- FDIC insurance: We only included bank accounts protected by FDIC insurance coverage on this list. Online banks seen here that are not insured independently partner with Member FDIC institutions.
Some of the institutions on this list are current or past FinanceBuzz partners, but we only included banks we found to meet all of the criteria outlined and maintain full editorial independence.
Do banks do credit checks when you apply for an account?
Most banks don't perform a hard credit check when you apply for an account, but many do look at your ChexSystems report. ChexSystems is like a report card for your banking behavior. It tracks things like bounced checks, overdrafts, and account closures and reports that information to banks, credit unions, and other entities that request it. Banks use this information to assess the risk of allowing new customers to open bank accounts.
ChexSystems reports and credit reports are not the same, so having your ChexSystems history checked is different from having your credit checked (often referred to as a hard credit check or pull).
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Featured checking account with no credit impact
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How to choose a no-credit-check bank
Some accounts are better than others if you have bad credit or an imperfect banking history and want to avoid checks when opening an account. Consider all of these features when comparing second-chance bank accounts you can open without a credit check.
Focus on second-chance bank accounts
While some banks don't check credit or use ChexSystems reports for certain accounts, this doesn't mean that these banks never do. As a rule, make sure you're looking specifically for second-chance checking or savings accounts when you want to avoid credit or ChexSystems checks.
This is especially important for full-service institutions. For example, some large national banks like Chase and Wells Fargo offer many types of bank accounts, but only some of these are geared toward second-chance banking.
Otherwise, you might end up applying for an account that does use these reports to understand your banking history and may disqualify you if they find something they don't like.
Consider other account requirements
While a bank may not require a credit check, make sure there are no other requirements, such as a minimum opening deposit or a minimum balance required to earn interest. Check out how to apply, too.
No-credit-check accounts are often online bank accounts, so you want to make sure these are easy to apply for with great mobile apps and online portals.
Look into fees
First things first — do you want to pay any fees? If not, eliminate banks that charge fees. Additionally, some banks only charge fees if you can't meet requirements like setting up direct deposit. Many banks charge no fees to maintain your account and still provide worthwhile features.
Check out other features to make your life easier
Many of the best bank accounts that don't check your credit also come with other tools and features. You want to avoid a credit check or ChexSystems pull when you set up your account, but you also want to make sure the checking or savings account you choose will keep being helpful.
Banking features can include budgeting tools, which might be especially valuable to you if you've run into trouble with bank accounts and might benefit from support in understanding and improving your spending habits, as well as other perks to help your money go further. Early direct deposit, for example, may help out when you're short on cash, and the ability to earn interest lets you do your future self a solid.
Browse other account options
Many banks offer more than just checking and savings accounts, which you may (or may not) be interested in. Do you need investing help? Do you want to open a CD? Are you considering a personal or auto loan? If you want to do your banking all in one place, check on the additional services the bank may offer.
Consider how you want to access your account
Do you want an in-person option? Or is an entirely online-based bank what you're looking for? Thankfully, there's a mix of both options out there. If you choose a digital account, look into app reviews and poke around the online banking platform to see how user-friendly and intuitive they are.
Can you still open a bank account with bad credit?
Yes, it's entirely possible to open a bank account with bad credit. Banks don't typically factor your credit score into decisions about your application for a checking or savings account, and even an imperfect ChexSystems report won't always keep you from qualifying for and opening a new bank account.
If you've had trouble with banking in the past, maybe because you've had accounts with consistently negative balances or unpaid fees, you might want to prioritize bank accounts that don't use ChexSystems. These are often referred to as second-chance bank accounts.
We've researched dozens of institutions to find the best no-credit-check bank accounts. Online-only banks and fintechs stood out in our research for offering excellent perks without hard credit checks or deposit requirements, but some in-person banks also offer accounts that are ideal for second-chance banking.
Here's which checking accounts with no credit check we recommend when you're banking with bad credit, and the best ways to use them.
No-credit-check bank accounts that are easy to open
As you'll see, there's no shortage of checking accounts with no hard credit checks to open and no deposit requirements. There are also a few bank accounts we recommend that do have deposit requirements or monthly fees, but are still worth considering if you want to avoid hard credit checks (perhaps because your banking history is imperfect).
Here are some of the easiest bank accounts you can open online with bad credit.
| Bank account | Best for | Minimum opening deposit | Monthly fees |
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SoFi Checking and Savings |
No-hard-credit-check banking | None | None3 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p> |
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Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® |
In-person banking | $1006 <p>Minimum opening deposit: $25 for Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®, $100 for Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking ® and Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking®. </p> | $0 or $12 |
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Truist One Checking |
No overdraft fees | $50 | $12 (can be waived)7 <p>The Monthly Maintenance Fee (MMF) can be waived for the Truist One Checking account for each statement cycle by:</p> <p><b>Option 1: Making $500 or more in total qualifying Direct Deposits per statement cycle.</b> A qualifying direct deposit is an electronic credit via ACH deposited to your account during the current statement cycle. Pre-authorized transfers made from one account to another or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit card/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible to meet this requirement.</p> <p><b>Option 2: Maintaining a total combined ledger balance of $500 or more in any Truist related accounts across personal deposits and all investments as reflected on the business day before your statement cycle end date. </b>A Ledger Balance is actual balance in your account on a specific day and does not reflect any holds or pending transactions. Your Total Combined Balance is the sum of all balances within the Truist personal deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market or CDs), IRAs or brokerage accounts introduced through Truist Investment Services, Inc. Related Accounts automatically includes all applicable accounts associated with primary and secondary account holders.</p> <p><b>Option 3: Having a personal Truist credit card, mortgage or consumer loan, excluding LightStream®. </b></p> <p><b>Option 4: Having a linked Small Business Checking Account.</b> Eligible Small Business account types include: Truist Dynamic Checking, Business Interest Checking, Simple Business Checking and Business Value 200.</p> <p><b>Option 5: Primary client is a student.</b> The waiver for a student requires they are listed as the primary account owner and they provide their anticipated graduation date. The waiver expires on the provided graduation date. On this date, the account is subject to the Monthly Maintenance Fee unless at least one waiver criterion is satisfied.</p> <p><b>Option 6: Primary client is under the age of 25 or age 62 and older.</b></p> <p>Truist Bank, Member FDIC. ©2025, Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, Truist Purple and the Truist Logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.</p> |
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Chime® Checking |
If you have bad credit | None | None8 <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p> |
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Varo Bank Account |
Second-chance banking | None | None |
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Current9 <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC.</b>.</p> |
Teens with no credit | None | No membership fees10 <p>Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.</p> |
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Wells Fargo Clear Access Checking |
Student banking without credit checks | $25 | $0 or $5 |
SoFi® Checking and Savings
SoFi®'s no-hard-credit-check account combines checking and savings under one metaphorical roof, making it one of the best options we've found for keeping your banking simple and your account applications to a minimum. We chose SoFi Checking and Savings for this list because we appreciate that you essentially get two bank accounts — checking and savings — with one application and zero hard credit checks. If you have bad credit, you can essentially avoid more applications than necessary with SoFi while still enjoying a great account.
Avoiding fees and minimums is also important when you're working with a poor or mixed banking history. You won't pay any monthly maintenance, ATM,11 <p>We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.</p> , or overdraft fees for this account.3 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p> It also has no minimum opening deposit requirement, so you can open an account now and fund it later.
Other features of this account that make it favorable for no-credit-check banking are early access to your paychecks4 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p> and overdraft coverage12 <p>Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the "Start Date" and "End Date" set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the "30-Day Evaluation Period"). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.</p> . Both of these may help you avoid using a credit card or other form of debt when money is tight, which could help you clean up your credit.
Will SoFi check my credit if I apply for this account?
By its own word, SoFi won't perform a hard credit check when you apply for this account but will use a soft credit check — which doesn't hurt your credit score — to obtain information about you. What it finds with its soft check won't generally impact your eligibility.
SoFi also won't use your ChexSystems report, which details your banking history, to decide whether you qualify for an account.
- Earns up to 3.80% APY13 <p>SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>.</p> on savings and 0.50% (as of 01/24/25) APY on checking with direct deposit13 <p>SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>.</p>
- Offers features to help you make ends meet between paychecks
- FDIC insurance up to $3 million5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>
- Highest APY requires direct deposit or $5,000 in qualifying deposits
Visit SoFi | Read our SoFi® review
Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®
If you like being able to easily deposit cash or talk to a live human being, Bank of America is a good choice. It has thousands of ATMs and financial centers, so it's convenient if you're often on the move.
Bank of America offers a few checking accounts, but the one I like the best for second-chance banking is the Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®. It has a relatively modest monthly maintenance fee of $4.95, with options for a $0 monthly fee instead if you're under 25, keep a minimum daily balance of $500, or are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards®. 14 <p>Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking® Monthly Maintenance Fee: $4.95 or $0 — No monthly maintenance fee when you meet one of the following: • an owner of this account is under the age of 25 or • maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 in your account or • are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards®; Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking® Monthly Maintenance Fee: $12 or $0 – No monthly maintenance fee when you meet one of the following: • have at least one qualifying direct deposit of $250 or more or •maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 in your account or • are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards®; Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking® Monthly Maintenance Fee: $25 or $0 – No monthly maintenance fee when you meet one of the following: • maintain a minimum daily balance of $20,000 in your account or • are a member of Bank of America Preferred Rewards®.</p>
But the best thing about it is that it doesn't charge overdraft item fees. And those fees can really add up, depending on the bank.
Bank of America accounts are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per depositor.
- Thousands of ATMs and financial centers
- Application doesn't impact your credit score
- Peace of mind with a $0 Liability Guarantee15 <p>The $0 Liability Guarantee covers fraudulent transactions made by others using your Bank of America consumer debit cards. To be covered, report transactions made by others promptly, and don't share personal or account information with anyone. Access to funds next business day in most cases, pending resolution of claim. Consult customer and account agreements for full details.</p>
- Member FDIC
- Monthly service fee unless you meet certain requirements
- Doesn't earn interest
- Has overdraft fees
Read our Bank of America Advantage Banking review
Truist One Checking
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2025 award winner Best for Overdraft Protection
We chose Truist for this list not only because the bank offers access to in-person locations, unlike the online banks we've chosen, but also because Truist One Checking doesn't charge any overdraft fees (which is unusual in a brick-and-mortar bank, and especially nice if you're in a tight spot with money). And its Balance Buffer can give your account an extra cushion of up to $100 for unexpected charges.17 <p>The Balance Buffer is only available with Truist One Checking and allows clients to overdraw their account up to $100. There is no decision required as this feature is automatically available when a client qualifies.</p> <p><br></p> <p>To <b><u>INITIALLY QUALIFY</u></b> for the Balance Buffer, the requirements below must be met:</p> <ul> <li>- Account must be opened for a minimum of 35 calendar days</li> <li>- Account must be funded with a positive balance</li> <li>- A single direct deposit of at least $100 made within the last 35 calendar days</li> </ul> <p>To <b><u>REMAIN QUALIFIED</u></b> for the Balance Buffer, the requirement below must be met:</p> <ul> <li>- A single direct deposit of at least $100 made within the last 35 calendar days. <b>After qualifying, if 35 calendar days pass without a Direct Deposit of at least $100, you will no longer have access to the Balance Buffer.</b></li> </ul> <p>For accounts that qualify for the Balance Buffer, once the account is overdrawn by $100, additional transactions will typically be declined or returned.</p> <p><br></p> <p class="">For accounts that qualify for the Balance Buffer and also have Overdraft Protection, Truist will use the Balance Buffer first. If the account has neither, transactions that exceed the account balance will typically be declined or returned.</p>
I don't love the $12 monthly maintenance fee, but there are six ways to waive it. You can:
- Maintain a combined monthly average balance of $500 or more across eligible Truist accounts.
- Make $500 or more in total qualifying direct deposits per statement cycle.
- Have a Truist credit card, mortgage, or loan (not Lightstream).
- Have a linked Small Business Checking account.
- Be younger than 25.
- Be age 62 or older.
Truist is FDIC insured.
- No overdraft fees
- FDIC insured
- Balance Buffer of up to $10017 <p>The Balance Buffer is only available with Truist One Checking and allows clients to overdraw their account up to $100. There is no decision required as this feature is automatically available when a client qualifies.</p> <p><br></p> <p>To <b><u>INITIALLY QUALIFY</u></b> for the Balance Buffer, the requirements below must be met:</p> <ul> <li>- Account must be opened for a minimum of 35 calendar days</li> <li>- Account must be funded with a positive balance</li> <li>- A single direct deposit of at least $100 made within the last 35 calendar days</li> </ul> <p>To <b><u>REMAIN QUALIFIED</u></b> for the Balance Buffer, the requirement below must be met:</p> <ul> <li>- A single direct deposit of at least $100 made within the last 35 calendar days. <b>After qualifying, if 35 calendar days pass without a Direct Deposit of at least $100, you will no longer have access to the Balance Buffer.</b></li> </ul> <p>For accounts that qualify for the Balance Buffer, once the account is overdrawn by $100, additional transactions will typically be declined or returned.</p> <p><br></p> <p class="">For accounts that qualify for the Balance Buffer and also have Overdraft Protection, Truist will use the Balance Buffer first. If the account has neither, transactions that exceed the account balance will typically be declined or returned.</p>
- $12 monthly maintenance fee (can be waived)7 <p>The Monthly Maintenance Fee (MMF) can be waived for the Truist One Checking account for each statement cycle by:</p> <p><b>Option 1: Making $500 or more in total qualifying Direct Deposits per statement cycle.</b> A qualifying direct deposit is an electronic credit via ACH deposited to your account during the current statement cycle. Pre-authorized transfers made from one account to another or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit card/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible to meet this requirement.</p> <p><b>Option 2: Maintaining a total combined ledger balance of $500 or more in any Truist related accounts across personal deposits and all investments as reflected on the business day before your statement cycle end date. </b>A Ledger Balance is actual balance in your account on a specific day and does not reflect any holds or pending transactions. Your Total Combined Balance is the sum of all balances within the Truist personal deposit accounts (checking, savings, money market or CDs), IRAs or brokerage accounts introduced through Truist Investment Services, Inc. Related Accounts automatically includes all applicable accounts associated with primary and secondary account holders.</p> <p><b>Option 3: Having a personal Truist credit card, mortgage or consumer loan, excluding LightStream®. </b></p> <p><b>Option 4: Having a linked Small Business Checking Account.</b> Eligible Small Business account types include: Truist Dynamic Checking, Business Interest Checking, Simple Business Checking and Business Value 200.</p> <p><b>Option 5: Primary client is a student.</b> The waiver for a student requires they are listed as the primary account owner and they provide their anticipated graduation date. The waiver expires on the provided graduation date. On this date, the account is subject to the Monthly Maintenance Fee unless at least one waiver criterion is satisfied.</p> <p><b>Option 6: Primary client is under the age of 25 or age 62 and older.</b></p> <p>Truist Bank, Member FDIC. ©2025, Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, Truist Purple and the Truist Logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.</p>
- $50 minimum opening deposit
Read our Truist review.
Chime® Checking
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There's a lot we like about Chime for people with bad credit, including its credit-building tools and the fact that its checking account doesn't use ChexSystems when you apply for an account. This checking account also has no monthly service fees or overdraft fees8 <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p> , and its SpotMe® feature offers a fee-free overdraft of up to $200 for eligible members.19 <p>SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Credit Builder Terms and Conditions</a>.</p>
To be eligible, you have to receive a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to a Chime checking account. Having your paycheck directly deposited to this account will take care of that requirement.
If you're open to another account with the fintech, I especially like the Chime® Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card, and that definitely would have come in handy for me during the years I spent rebuilding my credit.22 <p>The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account.</p> This can help you work on rebuilding your credit, which a checking account alone can't do.
I don't love that Chime's savings account only has a 1.25% APY on savings account balances.23 <p class="">The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is accurate as of 5/22/25. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. </p> Note that you can't open a savings account without opening a Chime checking account.24 <p class="">Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.<br></p> There are higher savings APYs at online companies like SoFi, but if you want to keep all your funds in one place, it's not the worst savings APY either.
Chime, like many financial institutions, offers FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor through its banking partners, The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A..
- No monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement8 <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p>
- Easily set up transaction and balance alerts
- Offers SpotMe® overdraft feature 19 <p>SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Credit Builder Terms and Conditions</a>.</p>
- No in-person branches
- SpotMe overdraft feature only available to specific customers
- 1.25% APY on savings23 <p class="">The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is accurate as of 5/22/25. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. </p> 24 <p class="">Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.<br></p>
Visit Chime | Read our Chime review.
Varo Bank Account
We recommend all of the banks on this list for second-chance banking, but Varo is one of the best options we've found for this because of the many ways it encourages you to improve your finances — and offers to help you when you're in a bind. Between its automated savings features, cash advances, and credit-builder card, you can work on whatever you need to tackle to get your credit and overall financial health in a better place.
Like other companies on this list, Varo has no fees on either of its savings or checking accounts. And while its 5.00% (as of 04/25/25) APY promise on its savings account is inviting at first, do be aware that only the first $5,000 in deposits qualify. Still, you'll earn a decent APY of 2.50% (as of 12/11/24) on deposits after that threshold. And you need to receive qualifying direct deposits of $1,000 or more each month to get the highest APY. Those are pretty steep requirements, especially compared to a company like SoFi, which only requires direct deposit, but no specific amount.
More importantly, Varo offers a cash advance of up to $500, which is twice as much as competitor Chime. You start with anywhere from $20 to $250, based on your account history and other factors, then you could potentially work your way up to $500. You do need to have at least $800 in qualifying direct deposits during the current or previous month to qualify.
As for FDIC insurance, Varo Bank, National Association (Cert. #59190) provides each depositor with $250,000 in coverage.
- Get paid up to two days early25 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds depends on timing of the payer’s submission of deposits. We generally post such deposits on the day they are received which may be up to 2 days earlier than the payer’s scheduled payment date.</p>
- Cash advances up to $500
- 5.00% (as of 04/25/25) APY on savings
- 5.00% (as of 04/25/25) APY is limited to up to $5,000 in deposits
- No standalone savings account
Visit Varo | Read our Varo review
Current
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For teens looking to start building credit while banking, Current is a strong choice.27 <p>You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.</p> The fintech offers one bank account, like SoFi, but a host of benefits for accountholders, especially those looking to avoid hard credit checks. The reason we recommend a Current account for teens is because anyone can build credit with the account's linked secured credit card. Using the Current Build Visa® Credit Card, you could make regular monthly payments that get reported to the credit bureaus.28 <p><b>Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC</b>. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.</p> Even ATM swipes count in some instances. Parents do need to open accounts for teens, though.
As you use your Current Visa secured credit card, you can earn 1X on dining and grocery purchases. This bank account would be ideal for anyone who wants to build credit without the credit checks required for many traditional credit cards.
You'll qualify for $250,000 in FDIC insurance on your bank accounts through Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank. FDIC insurance doesn't extend to Current's crypto offerings.
You'll pay no monthly membership or annual account fees with Current, and you could earn up to a 4.00% bonus on your savings, but this requires a monthly $200 direct deposit. This is lower than Varo's direct deposit requirement to earn the highest APY, so it's definitely competitive.
- Up to 4.00% bonus29 <p>Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.<br></p>
- Earn up to 7x points at certain merchants
- No monthly membership or annual account fees10 <p>Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.</p>
- Minimums required to earn the highest bonus rate
- No in-person banking options
Visit Current | Read our Current review
Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking
Wells Fargo might not be the first bank you think of for beginner banking, but it should be one you consider if you're a student. Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking is an ideal student account because it's specifically geared toward a younger crowd (and people looking for second-chance checking), and you can even open the account as a minor without a parent. If you're 17, you can visit a branch and open it on your own. If you're between 13 and 16, you'll need an adult as a joint owner.
Account owners under 24 automatically have the $5 monthly maintenance fee waived, plus those with linked Wells Fargo Campus ATM or Debit Cards. Unlike many accounts with waivable monthly fees, you can't actually avoid the fee by maintaining a certain balance.
This account is one of the only ones we're including on our list with a minimum deposit requirement, but there's no minimum to keep the account or avoid extra charges. Right now, this account offers a welcome bonus of up to $125 if you open a new account with at least $25 and make 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days. This offer is valid until October 15, 2025. If you open an account in person, sign up for a bonus offer code first and present it to a banker.
- Monthly maintenance fee automatically waived for people under 24
- May feature welcome bonuses for new accounts
- No overdraft fees
- Get paid up to two days early
- Must visit a branch to open if you're 17 or under
- Wells Fargo has been involved in scandals and lawsuits over the years
- Wells Fargo charges out-of-network ATM fees
Read our Wells Fargo banking review.
How to improve bad credit
Improving your credit score is a journey that requires patience, diligence, and a strategic approach. Whether you're looking to qualify for better loan rates, secure a rental agreement, or simply improve your financial well-being, taking steps to boost your creditworthiness can open doors to various opportunities. Here are a few ways that you can improve your credit score over time.
Pay your bills on time
Making timely payments on all bills, including credit card payments, utility bills, and loans, is crucial for improving your credit score. Payment history is a significant factor in determining your creditworthiness.
Reduce your credit card balances where possible
Your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of potential credit you have versus how much of that credit line you are actually using, also affects your score. Try to keep your credit card balances low relative to your credit limit, ideally no more than 30% of your available credit.
Avoid opening too many accounts
Opening multiple new credit accounts within a short period can lower your average account age and potentially cause a dip in your credit score. Be cautious about applying for new credit unless necessary.
Don't cancel old accounts
Older accounts can help improve credit scores since they establish when you first began building your credit history. Closing old credit cards can also cause your credit utilization rate to go up since you have less available credit in your name. Even if you never use a line of credit, keeping it open can help mature your credit age over time.
Monitor your credit report
Regularly checking your credit report can help you identify any errors or fraudulent activity that may be affecting your credit score. You can request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year. You could also sign up for a credit monitoring tool such as Credit Karma or Credit Sesame, where you'll get free access to your credit score, reports, and monitoring.
FAQs
What bank account can I open with no credit check?
We've chosen all of the accounts on this list because they can be opened without a hard credit check. Our list includes popular options from some of the best fintechs, such as SoFi Checking and Savings, Chime Checking, and Current accounts, as well as great no-credit-check accounts from Bank of America, Varo, and Truist.
These checking accounts are friendlier to people with bad credit because they don't use hard credit checks to determine your eligibility, which means you can qualify regardless of your score. Many don't use ChexSystems to determine your eligibility, either.
Featured Checking Accounts
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2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo
Ask the experts
No-credit-check banking is creating new pathways toward financial inclusion. We recently asked a panel of experts what this trend means for consumers and how it could shape the future of finance. Here's what they had to say.
Why are banks that don't require credit checks important? Who are they good for?
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How can a no-credit-check bank account help someone rebuild their financial health or improve their credit over time?
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Do no-credit-check bank accounts offer the same financial protections and benefits as traditional ones?
Bottom line
To choose the best bank and checking account for bad credit, consider factors such as account requirements and fees, other banking services, in-person and online access, and more.
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2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo
- Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.50% APY on Savings (3.80% APY2 <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet" >http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.1 <p>Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus by 9/3/25. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
- No account, overdraft, or monthly fees3 <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
- Get your paycheck up to two days early4 <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
- Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million5 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>