Second Chance Checking Banks

Connecticut Banks Update

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:55:38 +0000

We have completed an update to our second chance checking in Connecticut page. This update includes banks that offer special second chance checking accounts in Connecticut as well as the addition of banks and credit unions that either do not use ChexSystems, Early Warning Services or other account verification services and/or use another account verification process such as credit reports. Unfortunately, this update also included removing some of the banks and credit unions we had previously listed as being either a non ChexSystems bank or as offering second chance checking.

Please keep in mind that we do not and can not make any promises that our directory of banks is current and/or that you will be able to get a checking account at any bank, credit union or other financial institution listed on our web site. All decisions made by the financial institution is based upon the current business needs of that respective bank or credit union and all decisions should be considered final.

Should you be denied an account, we highly recommend the Upside prepaid card as a solid banking alternative due to the low fees and online check writing that can be used to pay your bills. You can get more information here.

Colorado Banks Update

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:53:27 +0000

We have completed another update to our second chance checking in Colorado page. This update includes banks that offer special second chance checking accounts in Colorado as well as the addition of banks and credit unions that either do not use ChexSystems, Early Warning Services or other account verification services and/or use another account verification process such as credit reports. Unfortunately, this update also included removing some of the banks and credit unions we had previously listed as being either a non ChexSystems bank or as offering second chance checking.

Please keep in mind that we do not and can not make any promises that our directory of banks is current and/or that you will be able to get a checking account at any bank, credit union or other financial institution listed on our web site. All decisions made by the financial institution is based upon the current business needs of that respective bank or credit union and all decisions should be considered final.

California Banks Update

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:51:39 +0000

We have completed an update to our second chance checking in California page. This update includes banks that offer special second chance checking accounts in California as well as the addition of banks and credit unions that either do not use ChexSystems, Early Warning Services or other account verification services and/or use another account verification process such as credit reports. Unfortunately, this update also included removing some of the banks and credit unions we had previously listed as being either a non ChexSystems bank or as offering second chance checking.

Please keep in mind that we do not and can not make any promises that our directory of banks is current and/or that you will be able to get a checking account at any bank, credit union or other financial institution listed on our web site. All decisions made by the financial institution is based upon the current business needs of that respective bank or credit union and all decisions should be considered final.

Arkansas Banks Update

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:50:22 +0000

We have completed an update to our second chance checking in Arkansas page. This update includes banks that offer special second chance checking accounts in Arkansas as well as the addition of banks and credit unions that either do not use ChexSystems, Early Warning Services or other account verification services and/or use another account verification process such as credit reports. Fortunately, this update does not included removing any of the banks and credit unions.

Please keep in mind that we do not and can not make any promises that our directory of banks is current and/or that you will be able to get a checking account at any bank, credit union or other financial institution listed on our web site. All decisions made by the financial institution is based upon the current business needs of that respective bank or credit union and all decisions should be considered final.

Arizona Banks Update

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:11:25 +0000

We have completed an update to our second chance checking in Arizona page. This update includes banks that offer special second chance checking accounts in Arizona as well as the addition of banks and credit unions that either do not use ChexSystems, Early Warning Services or other account verification services and/or use another account verification process such as credit reports. Unfortunately, this update also included removing some of the banks and credit unions we had previously listed as being either a non ChexSystems bank or as offering second chance checking.

Please keep in mind that we do not and can not make any promises that our directory of banks is current and/or that you will be able to get a checking account at any bank, credit union or other financial institution listed on our web site. All decisions made by the financial institution is based upon the current business needs of that respective bank or credit union and all decisions should be considered final.

Alaska Banks Update

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:03:26 +0000

We have completed an update to our second chance checking in Alaska page. This update includes banks that offer special second chance checking accounts in Alaska as well as the addition of banks and credit unions that either do not use ChexSystems, Early Warning Services or other account verification services and/or use another account verification process such as credit reports. Unfortunately, this update also included removing two of the banks and credit unions we had previously listed as being either a non ChexSystems bank or as offering second chance checking.

Please keep in mind that we do not and can not make any promises that our directory of banks is current and/or that you will be able to get a checking account at any bank, credit union or other financial institution listed on our web site. All decisions made by the financial institution is based upon the current business needs of that respective bank or credit union and all decisions should be considered final.

BankOn Programs

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:37:14 +0000

BankOn programs are coalitions of local banks and credit unions, government agencies and community organizations that work to help improve financial literacy as well as the financial futures of the many un-banked and under-banked individuals and families across America. The BankOn program is voluntary and no individual or financial institution is required to join or participate in the services offered.

BankOn works because participating banks and credit unions are willing to work with low income individuals and families to provide free or low cost bank accounts as well as access to much needed financial education.

This important program gives individuals and families who would not normally have a chance, a hand up that helps lay the foundation to a more solid and secure financial future by lowering fees, planning for the future, establish and put in place savings goals as well as building credit opportunities.

Second Chance Checking Banks will be providing regular updates on local BankOn programs in your area. These updates will be done as we get the reliable information concerning local programs being offered in your area.

Alabama Banks Update

admin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:08:45 +0000

We have completed an update to our second chance checking in Alabama page. This update includes banks that offer special second chance checking accounts in Alabama as well as the addition of banks and credit unions that either do not use ChexSystems, Early Warning Services or other account verification services and/or use another account verification process such as credit reports. This update also includes removing some of the banks and credit unions we had previously listed as being either a non ChexSystems bank or as offering second chance checking.

Please keep in mind that we do not and can not make any promises that our directory of banks is current and/or that you will be able to get a checking account at any bank, credit union or other financial institution listed on our web site.

Indiana Update

admin — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:29:57 +0000

Unfortunately, we have had to remove a bank from our Second Chance Checking Banks in Indiana page as the bank removed now uses ChexSystems and Early Warning Services to verify new accounts. This is not unusual because banks and credit unions are now starting to migrate towards using account verification services. This is why we recommend that you get a 100% guaranteed solution such as the Upside prepaid card to manage your money until you get a permanent account at a local bank or credit union near you.

While we understand this can be frustrating to those needing an account, Indiana happens to be one of the best states for those needing second chance checking and there are plenty of banks and credit unions that you should be able to open an account with. As always, we make no promises or guarantees that you will be able to open an account at any of the banks and/or credit unions that you find listed on our site.

Cost of Using Money Orders to Pay Bills

admin — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:59:05 +0000

One of the burdens the un-banked have is the cost of using money orders to pay bills and possibly rent. While the cost of money orders in money can be insignificant, there are other costs that come in to play.

A good example is the cost of checking cashing services. Weekly bring home pay of $400, cost about $16 in check cashing fees. This is an added cost that is often over looked in using money orders.

So,lets take a look at the monthly cost of money orders for a consumer paying 6 bills (rent, lights, phone, cable, water and car insurance). Using the cost of the average convenience store money order pricing of $.89 each, you will spend $5.34 for money orders. The cost of stamps is $.45 each so that adds another $2.70 bringing your total cost for money orders and stamps to $8.04. So when you add that to the cost of $69.33 for monthly check cashing fees (see above $16×52/12) you spend on average of $77.37 monthly just to pay your bills.

Last, you need to look at the cost of possible late bills. Snail mail is un-reliable as well as slow. So should you try and make your credit card payment by mail and it arrives late, then you are hit with late fees and possible over the limit fees if you were to close to the limit.

There are other costs that we are not even considering. Gas for car or fees for the bus for those with out transportation? This could go on for a while.

Now if you compare these costs of using money order to the average bank account fee of $9.95 which includes free bill pay and you can see the significant savings of getting a checking account. Using our example, you would put $67.42 per month back in your pocket. Stop wasting money, open a checking account.

So what if you do not qualify to get a checking account (even at a one of the banks listed on our site)? Get the prepaid card from Upside and pay only $5 per month as a service charge and use their online check writing to pay your bills. Guess what? This is even a better deal than most banks offer and you can bring your cost down to only $.99 monthly if you deposit $500 or more per month.

As you can see the true cost of using money orders to pay bills can be siginificant. Stop spending your money on check cashing services and money orders. Get a bank account instead or the use the Upside prepaid card to manage your money.