Do you need a checking account? Are you one of the more than 17 million American consumers who are stuck in ChexSystems and/or Early Warning Services?
Welcome to Second Chance Checking Banks! We are a free consumer resource for Americans who are listed in the ChexSystems and/or Early Warning Services database(s) and are in need of a checking account, but are not sure where to turn or what to do? Our site offers a free state by state directory of banks and credit unions that are not members of these services or are offering special second chance checking accounts to individuals like yourself. Our goal is simply to help individuals by providing a scam free and hype free consumer resource to get the information they need and we do this by providing one of the most comprehensive directory of banks and credit unions that you may be able to open an account with. We update our site regularly by adding new banks as they become available and also by removing banks that we find out are no longer providing checking accounts to those who have had some banking problems in the past.
The banks you will find listed here are reportedly more lenient when opening new checking and savings accounts and either are not member banks of ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, use another verification service or do not use any service to verify new accounts. Some banks will open accounts with little more than a social security card and drivers license and some use a credit report. We also have some banks listed that use ChexSystems or EWS to verify your banking past, but they do provide special accounts known as second chance checking or fresh start checking accounts. For those banks using ChexSystems or EWS, you will need to make sure that all money owed to past banks is paid in full and the account is marked as such. Also, if there is any account listed as or showing signs that fraud was committed or the banker reviewing your application suspects fraud, your application will be denied for as long as the account is reported in ChexSystems (5 years) or EWS (7 years).
Since getting an account may take a while, we highly recommend that you get a temporary solution to manage your money and pay your bills. This will make life much easier and way less stressful until you can get the account you need at a banks or credit union near you. Also, you may find that using a prepaid solution suits you better and is more affordable than the local bank or credit union. Banking alternatives such as the prepaid Upside card can be as little as $.99 monthly. Get more information and apply here (link opens in new window)
»» Guaranteed Approval Solution ««
UPside Classic – This is an excellent banking alternative with simple fee schedule that offers 100% approval, FDIC insured (just like local banks), online check writing for bill pay needs, no activation fees, no credit check and no ChexSystems or EWS check. The monthly fee is only $4.95 and can be lowered to $.99 per month with $500 direct deposit per month. Get more information and apply here (link opens in new window)
Local No ChexSystems Banks and Credit Unions
To get started using our site, click on your state below. Once the page loads, there will be a listing of banks and credit unions in your area that either do not use EWS and ChexSystems and other services or offer specific accounts for people with a history of banking problems.
ATTENTION – When applying for an account, you should not mention this site, your past banking issues, problems with ChexSystems or Early Warning Services or needing a second chance checking account. Doing so may cause the personal banker you are working with to become suspicious of you and cause you to be denied when you would have been approved otherwise. Do not lie, but do not volunteer specific information unless you are asked.
It is important to know where you stand before trying to get a second chance checking account. You are entitled to one free copy of your ChexSystems report every 12 months. Get your free report here and stay informed (link opens in a new window).
ATTENTION – Please understand that we do not make any guarantees or promises concerning your ability to get an account at any of the banks, credit unions or other financial institutions you may find listed on our site. Your ability to get an account will depend solely upon your ability to meet the requirements specified by each of the banks, credit unions or other financial institutions as well as their current business needs. You should also understand that any bank offering specific accounts to consumers with a troubled banking past will deny anyone that has a report of fraud or sees a pattern of usage that looks fraudulent. All decisions made by the bank and/or credit union should be considered final and we are not available to assist you with getting the account or answer any questions about why your account was denied. If you find yourself in this situation, get the UPside prepaid card to manage your money until the record drops (5 years with ChexSystems and 7 years with EWS).
