I get a lot of emails from frustrated visitors asking for advice on what they should do when they have been denied a checking account from a bank or credit union listed on our site. While we do what we can to provide a list of banks that offer second chance checking accounts or do not use account verification services, unfortunately we can not guarantee the availability or the approval, so sometimes you may get denied and unfortunately we can not do anything to assist you further.
The first advice I give is to find a 100% guaranteed solution to use until you find a local bank or credit union. I always recommend Mango prepaid if the do not need online bill pay and if they do I recommend either Rush or Upside prepaid. Mango is the cheapest option, but does not offer bill pay and Rush or Upside are among the most affordable options that offer online bill pay, but have excellent customer service histories.
My second piece of advice is to not apply for any more banks until you can verify how they open a new account and what if any services they use. Call and anonymously ask if they use ChexSystems, Early Warning Services or what other procedures they have in place. Don,t give your name so no one can remember you and get a list of banks that you have verified will work for you.
My third advice is do not tell them you have been looking for second chance checking, you use our site or anything else that could get you denied due to giving to much information. A lot of times consumers (who would otherwise be approved) will be denied when they say something that causes the bank or credit union rep to wonder about your worthiness. Do not lie if asked, but do not volunteer any information either.
Just remember that finding a second chance checking account may take some time and we are here to help as much as we can, but you need to be persistent and do your home work before applying and I do recommend you getting a 100% approved account through Mango, Rush prepaid or Upside prepaid as a way to manage your money until you get a new bank account at a local bank or credit union.
