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10 Second-Chance Bank Accounts for Bad Credit
There are accounts that don't consider your ChexSystems history.
It’s common for banks and credit unions to review your banking history through ChexSystems or TeleCheck to see if you’re eligible for their accounts. Those with unresolved overdrafts, a history of negative balances or involuntary account closures may struggle to qualify for traditional checking or savings accounts.
If you’re struggling to open a bank account, a second-chance bank account might be the answer.
How do second-chance bank accounts work?
Second-chance bank accounts are designed to be easy to open if you have a less-than-ideal banking history. Second-chance bank accounts either don’t look at your banking history when you apply, or the account has lenient requirements.
Other than the fact that second-chance accounts are typically easier to qualify for than “regular” accounts, they work pretty much the same way that traditional bank accounts do.
However, it’s typical for a second-chance account to not allow you to overdraft, and you might have to pay a monthly fee as a trade-off for the lax eligibility requirements.
Where is my banking history?
Most banks use the bureau ChexSystems to review your banking history. ChexSystems is a specialty reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It’s similar to the major credit bureaus, except it keeps track of your banking history instead of your borrowing history. You can request a copy of your own ChexSystems report at no charge once every 12 months.
If a bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, they may use TeleCheck. TeleCheck is another consumer bureau that tracks banking histories. For example, Chase doesn’t use ChexSystems but it does use TeleCheck.
10 second-chance checking accounts
These top second-chance bank accounts have no or low opening deposit requirements, making them some of the best options out there.
| Account | Opening deposit | Monthly fee | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoFi Checking and Savings | $0 | $0 | |
| Chime® Checking Account | $0 | $0 | |
| Varo bank account | $0 | $0 | |
| Bluevine Business Checking | $0 | $0 | |
| Chase Secure Banking℠ | $0 | $4.95 | |
| Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking | $25 | $5 | |
| Dave Spending Account | $0 | $0 | |
| PNC Foundation Checking Account | $0 | $5 | |
| Capital One 360 Checking Account | $0 | $0 | |
| U.S. Bank Safe Debit Account | $25 | $4.95 |
How to choose a second-chance account
When deciding which to choose, look for some or all of the following features:
- Low opening deposits. Find an account that supports your budget out the gate.
- Minimal fees. Look for an account with low or no monthly maintenance fees. Some banks waive fees if you enroll in direct deposit, maintain a certain balance or are of a certain age.
- Accessibility. Strong accounts that offer ATM access, autopay and mobile banking will offer easier everyday banking in the long run.
Prepaid cards vs. second-chance bank accounts
You could use a prepaid debit card instead of getting a second-chance bank account — but it’s likely to cost you more money in the long run. You have to load cash onto them, and prepaid cards tend to come with a bunch of fees you won’t find with traditional debit cards and checking accounts.
Fees you’re likely to find with many prepaid cards include:
- Monthly fees
- Transaction fees
- Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees
- Balance inquiry fee
- Cash reload fees
- Bill payment fees
- Card cancellation fee
- Card replacement fee
- Inactivity fees
If you’re in a tight spot and can’t get a bank account immediately, a prepaid debit card can help. However, in the long-term though, the extra fees can really add up.
Pros and cons of second-chance accounts
Second-chance bank accounts can offer you a bank account until your ChexSystem report clears up, but they come with a few cons to watch out for.
Pros
- No overdraft fees. Most second-chance accounts don’t come with overdraft fees because they don’t allow the account to be overdrafted. They simply decline charges so your balance doesn’t fall below $0.
- Cheaper than prepaid cards. Despite having unavoidable monthly fees, they’re often a cheaper alternative to prepaid debit cards.
- Upgrades available. Most banks let you upgrade your second-chance account to a regular checking account once you’ve built up six to 12 months of good banking history.
Cons
- May have fees. Monthly fees are usually unavoidable, unlike traditional checking accounts. Most second-chance accounts charge $5 per month and require a $25 opening deposit.
- Can’t apply for it directly. Some banks may only offer a second-chance checking account once you’ve been rejected for a regular one.
- Possibly no check-writing privileges. Some second-chance accounts don’t offer a checkbook or they limit the number of checks you can write.
Second-chance checking account alternatives
If you’re not keen on opening a second-chance checking account, here are some alternatives to consider.
- Digital bank accounts. You might have a higher chance of opening a checking account at an online bank like Chime, SoFi and Varo, as they don’t use Chexsystems reports when reviewing applications.
- Prepaid cards. Prepaid cards don’t check your credit or your banking history, so they’re ideal for those with no credit or bad credit or if you’ve been denied a traditional account. Most come with monthly fees attached. The best prepaid cards give you ways to reduce or eliminate this fee completely.
Bottom Line
If past financial mistakes have made it difficult for you to open a new checking account, there’s still hope. There are several quality banks out there that offer second-chance checking accounts for those who have endured bankruptcy, bad credit or a poor history with ChexSystems. Compare your bank account options to find the right account for your needs.
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