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If you're looking for a second chance at banking, you're in luck because there are banks that don't use ChexSystems.
One such bank is Axos Bank, which offers a second chance checking account that doesn't rely on ChexSystems.
Axos Bank's second chance checking account is designed for people who have been rejected by other banks due to past banking issues.
It has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly maintenance fees.
Another bank that offers a second chance at banking is Bank5 Connect, which doesn't use ChexSystems to evaluate applicants.
Bank5 Connect's second chance checking account has no monthly maintenance fees and no overdraft fees.
It also offers a competitive interest rate on deposits and mobile banking capabilities.
Banks That Don't Use ChexSystems
If you're looking for banks that don't use ChexSystems, there are several options available. US Bank offers a checkless Safe Debit account for teens and young adults, which doesn't pull ChexSystems reports, and their Smartly Checking account may also be an option for those with bad reports.
Some online banks, like Varo Bank, offer high-yield savings accounts and credit builder cards without ChexSystems inquiries. SoFi, a San Francisco-based financial company, provides diverse services and products, including a checking and savings account that doesn't use ChexSystems reports.
Here are some banks that don't use ChexSystems, along with their key features:
Chime
Chime is an online-only bank that offers fee-free checking and savings accounts with no minimum balance requirements. It's a great option for those who have been denied a traditional bank account due to poor credit.
Chime has over 60,000 fee-free ATMs, so you can withdraw cash without worrying about extra fees. You can also get paid up to two days early with a direct deposit.
The bank's online checking account allows you to open an account even if you have bad credit. There are no monthly or maintenance fees, making it a hassle-free option.
Chime's round-up feature helps you save money without thinking about it by rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar and transferring the difference into your savings account. You can also get a fee-free overdraft of up to $200 with the SpotMe feature.
Chime offers a high-interest savings account with 0.50% APY, which is eight times the national average. This is a great way to earn some extra interest on your savings.
If you're looking to build credit, Chime has a Credit Builder Visa credit card that reports your payment history to the major credit bureaus. By making a monthly deposit of $200 or more, you can start building your credit and potentially increase your credit score by 30 points.
OZK
OZK, a bank that offers a second chance to individuals with past banking issues. Their OZK Pathway Checking account is available to those who have been denied a traditional bank account due to negative items on their credit reports or ChexSystems consumer files.
The minimum opening deposit for this account is $50, and there is no minimum balance required. This is a great option for those who want to rebuild their credit and start fresh.
Here are the key features of the OZK Pathway Checking account:
- Suggested account: OZK Pathway Checking
- Minimum opening deposit: $50
- Minimum balance required: $0
Second Chance Banking
Second Chance Banking is a viable option for those with a less-than-perfect ChexSystems report. Certain banks look past blemishes in your ChexSystems records and offer dedicated checking accounts with lenient eligibility criteria.
These accounts, characterized by high acceptance rates, provide the opportunity to re-establish positive banking histories. You can still qualify for an account, even if you have a few dings on your financial history.
Some banks on our list simply don't report to ChexSystems, making it easier to open an account. Second-chance banks, on the other hand, are willing to work with people who have bad credit or a checkered financial history and give them a second chance.
Here are 5 banks that do use ChexSystems information but offer second chances regardless:
- PenFed Credit Union
- Other banks and credit unions may offer similar options, so it's worth exploring.
Keep in mind that second-chance banks usually offer slimmed-down features and higher fees, but they are just as reputable as traditional ones.
Clearing a ChexSystems Report
You can clear a ChexSystems report by following these steps. First, request a copy of your report, which you can do once a year on ChexSystems' website or by mail.
Review your report for errors or signs of fraud, and dispute anything suspicious. If you find errors, submit disputes on ChexSystems' website.
Check your report for outstanding balances owed to banks, and contact the banks directly to settle them. Once you've paid off the debts, ask the banks to remove the negative entries from your ChexSystems consumer file.
Request that satisfied debts be removed from your report once they've been paid off or settled. Verify that paid debts and reported errors are removed from your report annually.
Remember, you can request a free copy of your report every 12 months.
Business Banking
If you're on ChexSystems and want to open a business bank account, you're in luck - you can still do it!
Some banks don't use ChexSystems, so you can try those out. For example, Novo offers a Business Checking account with no new account promo bonus, no APY, and no monthly fee.
You can also consider Bluevine's Standard account, which comes with a $300 new account promo bonus and an APY of 1.5% on qualifying balances up to $250,000.
If you're looking for other options, Mercury's Business Checking account offers a $300 new account promo bonus, but no APY or monthly fee.
Capital One's Initiate Business Checking account has no new account promo bonus, but a $10 monthly fee that's waivable.
Wells Fargo's Initiate Business Checking account also has no new account promo bonus, but a $10 monthly fee that's waivable.
Here are some key features of these business bank accounts:
Fees and Interest Rates
Some online-only banks are better than others when it comes to minimizing fees. They often don't charge monthly maintenance fees or require a minimum balance. However, there might be other costs associated with the account, so be sure to check for foreign transaction fees, overdraft fees, or minimum deposit requirements.
Online-only banks that don't use ChexSystems typically offer higher interest rates than traditional banks. This is because they don't have the overhead costs associated with maintaining physical branches. Some offer high-yield savings accounts that can help you grow your savings.
Make sure to compare interest rates on offer to get the best return on your investment. Reimbursement for ATM fees charged by other banks is also a perk offered by some online-only banks.
Fees
Online-only banks can be a great option for minimizing fees, as they often don't charge monthly maintenance fees or require a minimum balance.
Some banks will even reimburse you for ATM fees charged by other banks, which can be a huge money-saver.
However, there might be other costs associated with the account, such as foreign transaction fees or overdraft fees.
Make sure to read the fine print and understand what, if any, fees are associated with the account before you open it.
Interest Rates
Online-only banks often offer higher interest rates than traditional banks because they don't have the overhead costs of maintaining physical branches.
These higher rates can be a great way to grow your savings, especially if you're looking for a high-yield savings account.
Some online-only banks offer rates that are significantly higher than what traditional banks offer, making them a great option for those who want to maximize their returns.
Union Banks That Don't Use ChexSystems
If you're looking for banks that don't use ChexSystems, consider US Bank's Safe Debit account, which is designed for teens but also works as a second chance account. There is no ChexSystems pull.
US Bank's Smartly Checking account does pull ChexSystems, but they are reported as lenient with bad reports, so you may still qualify. You can open a Safe Debit account with just $25 and enjoy no overdraft fees.
Here are some key facts about US Bank's Safe Debit account:
You can also explore credit unions that don't use ChexSystems, such as Consumers Credit Union or Premier America Credit Union. These credit unions offer great features and no ChexSystems pull, but you may need to become a member to open an account.
Consumers Union
Consumers Credit Union is a great option for those looking to avoid ChexSystems. It offers a Rewards Checking account with no ChexSystems pull, making it a viable choice.
The membership fee is a mere $5, which is reimbursable, so you won't lose out on any money. To become a member, you'll need to open an account, but this is a small price to pay for the benefits that come with it.
Here are some key features of the Rewards Checking account:
The APY on this account is up to 5%, but it requires specific account activity to earn. This means you'll need to use your account regularly to take advantage of the higher interest rate.
Premier America Union
Premier America Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called Fresh Start Checking that doesn't pull from ChexSystems. This account is a great option for those who have been flagged by ChexSystems in the past.
You can join Premier America Credit Union if you live in Los Angeles, CA, or Houston, TX, but membership is also open to everyone through a membership to TOArts. In fact, if you don't meet the location requirements, you can still join the credit union by making an unspecified donation to TOArts.
One of the benefits of this account is that it has no out-of-network ATM fees. You'll also have access to 30,000+ fee-free ATMs.
The Fresh Start Checking account has a minimum deposit requirement of $25, and you can open it with a minimum balance of $0. Overdraft fees are also waived on this account.
Here are some key features of the Fresh Start Checking account:
Overall, the Fresh Start Checking account from Premier America Credit Union is a great option for those looking for a second chance checking account that doesn't pull from ChexSystems.
Navy Federal Union
If you're a current or former military member, or the family of a military member, then you're eligible to become a member of the Navy Federal Credit Union. This credit union doesn't use ChexSystems for any of its checking accounts, so if you're a member, you'll qualify for most accounts.
Navy Federal may do a soft pull of your credit (usually TransUnion) when you apply for membership. Access to all checking accounts is available, along with ATM fee reimbursement and free checks.
However, there are some limits on membership and significant overdraft fees to be aware of. Here are some quick facts to consider:
*$10 on Flagship checking if you don’t meet the required balance.
Banks That Don't Use ChexSystems (List)
If you're looking for a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems, you're in luck. US Bank offers a checkless Safe Debit account that's perfect for teens and those with poor credit history. This account doesn't pull ChexSystems reports, making it a great option for those who need a second chance.
The minimum deposit to open a US Bank Safe Debit account is just $25. You'll also enjoy no overdraft fees and access to credit monitoring. With a fee-free ATM network of unspecified size, you can withdraw cash without worrying about extra charges.
Some banks are more lenient with ChexSystems reports than others. US Bank's Smartly Checking account is one such example, where bad reports are not as strict. This account is open to depositors as young as 14 and requires no minimum balance.
Here are some banks that don't use ChexSystems:
- US Bank (Safe Debit account)
- Wells Fargo (Clear Access Banking account)
- PenFed Credit Union (Free Checking account)
- Consumers Credit Union (Rewards Checking account)
These banks are great options for those who need a second chance or are struggling with poor credit history. Just remember to review the account requirements and fees before opening an account.
Sources
- https://fortunly.com/banking/banks-that-dont-use-chexsystems/
- https://fitsmallbusiness.com/business-checking-account-online-no-chexsystems/
- https://finmasters.com/banks-that-dont-use-chexsystems/
- https://www.bidnessetc.com/banks-that-dont-use-chexsystems/
- https://www.creditkarma.com/advice/i/banks-that-dont-use-chexsystems
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