11 Best Checking Accounts for Bad Credit
This is a list of the top checking accounts for those with poor credit.
From accessing an ATM to receiving direct deposits, practically everyone requires a checking account. However, if you have poor credit or poor credit history, it may be difficult to get a bank account.
Fortunately, it is still possible to create a free online bank account without a credit check, monthly fees, or minimum balance requirements. This makes it simple for individuals of any age to plan their financial futures in a manner that is optimal for them.
11 Best Checking Accounts for Bad Credit
Second chance bank accounts are designed exclusively for those with poor credit. You may need to search for a financial institution that offers second-chance accounts, such as banks that do not need a credit check to create an account, as the majority of traditional banks reject accounts from persons with poor credit.
The good news is that several banks and credit unions provide checking accounts to those with poor credit. As an extra advantage, many of these second-chance banks allow you to create a bank account online and manage it via a mobile app without a credit check.
Signing up for a second chance bank account affords you the option to rehabilitate your banking record. If you are determined to re-establish a positive banking history and mend your credit, second chance banking might be an excellent alternative for you.
Here are the eleven best checking accounts for poor credit.
#1. Chime
Chime is not a “bank” because it lacks physical branches; therefore, you cannot drive to a branch to make a deposit.
However, it is a fully working online and mobile app with all the standard financial functions to help you manage your finances on the move. Your funds are secured since Chime is FDIC-insured via The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A. Members.
Pros:
- There is no minimum deposit or minimum balance requirement to start an account.
- There are no monthly maintenance or overdraft fees.
- Send money or deposit checks directly into your account using the Chime app.
- Chime does not utilize ChexSystems; thus, your poor banking history will not prevent you from creating an account.
- Why If you set up Direct Deposit for your paycheck, Chime gives you access to your funds up to two days earlier than conventional banks.
- Additionally, they provide a fee-free overdraft of up to $200* with their SpotMe® service.
- No international transaction costs.
Cons:
- There are no physical locations; thus, customer assistance is only accessible by app, phone, and email.
- Non-network ATM withdrawals incur a $2.50 charge.
With more than 300,000 five-star ratings in app stores, Chime appears to be a popular favorite. Numerous consumers commend the simplicity and convenience of being able to rapidly create a checking account online.
#2. CIT Bank
CIT Bank is a digital-only online bank operated by CIT that offers savings, checking, and lending products. Launched in 2011, CIT Bank offers a vast selection of banking products exclusively online, as the bank has no physical offices or ATMs of its own; however, it does provide free access to a countrywide network of ATMs.
Pros:
- There are no monthly costs
- 0.40 percent APY (if conditions are satisfied) (if requirements are met)
- Online-only bank
Cons:
- $100 initial deposit needed
- No physical limbs (customer service is only available through the app, by phone, or via email)
Although CIT Bank requires a relatively high beginning deposit of $100, it provides one of the highest interest rates among online banks and does not charge any fees for opening, monthly maintenance, online transfers, or incoming wires.
#3. BBVA
Nearly 650 BBVA locations may be found across Texas, Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Colorado, and New Mexico. Additionally, it offers online banking in all fifty states.
BBVA, being one of the nation’s 25 largest commercial banks, is one of the few major banks that provide a second chance checking account program. Its scale and market dominance benefit account holders since its banking network include over 55,000 free ATMs nationwide.
Pros:
- Benefit from limitless check writing, mobile deposits, online bill payment, cash back benefits, and the ability to obtain a Visa debit card.
- A deposit of $25 is required to start an account.
- After one year, the option to upgrade to a conventional checking account without a monthly cost.
- Member FDIC.
Cons:
- The monthly service fee is $13.95
- There is a $3 fee for using an ATM outside of the network.
- $38 fine for inadequate funds.
- A returned deposit item charge of $15
- Although BBVA’s second chance checking account has a monthly service fee of $13.95, you can upgrade to a free checking account after one year.
#4. GoBank
GoBank is a mobile-only bank owned by Green Dot Bank that allows you to create a checking account without a credit check or ChexSystems report. GoBank offers an astounding number of in-network ATMs despite not having any physical facilities.
Pros:
- Checking accounts include a complementary debit card.
- Mobile banking.
- Overdrafts are not authorized; thus, overdraft penalties are not a concern.
- By establishing your account online, you may avoid the $20 minimum deposit and $2.95 sign-up charge.
Cons:
- Unless you make monthly direct payments totaling $500, the monthly cost is $8.95.
- Out-of-network ATM withdrawals incur a $3 charge.
- Replacement of a lost card incurs a $5 replacement cost.
- Cash deposits at eligible stores might cost up to $4.95 per deposit.
GoBank enables in-person deposits at locations like 7-Eleven and Walmart while having no physical branches. However, these establishments may charge as much as $4.95 per deposit.
#5. Axos
Axos, founded in 2000, describes itself as “the nation’s oldest and most trustworthy digital bank.” Although it has several physical facilities in California, it is mostly an online bank.
Axos provides several checking accounts, including a second chance checking account.
Pros:
- The availability of overdraft protection for a price.
- Possibility of opening second chance savings account in addition to a checking account.
- Mobile banking.
Cons:
- The account opening requires a $50 minimum deposit.
- Monthly maintenance cost of $6.95 if you have recurring direct deposits. This cost increases to $8.95 if there is no scheduled direct deposit.
- There are no interest charges on checking accounts.
- Daily limitations on debit card transactions, including a $310 withdrawal limit from ATMs when using an ATM card.
#6. Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo refers to their account for second chances as the Opportunity Checking account. Mobile banking and cheap costs are a perk for account customers.
The Opportunity Checking account is a free online bank account so long as you maintain a certain monthly balance or establish a minimum number of direct deposits.
Pros:
- Transfer funds between your Wells Fargo checking and savings account for free.
- The availability of overdraft protection for a price.
- Free ATM cash withdrawals at more than 13,000 Wells Fargo ATMs in the United States.
- After one year, the option to change to a conventional checking account is available.
Cons:
- The account opening requires a minimum deposit of $25.
- Monthly charge of $10 unless you maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or receive direct deposits totaling $500 every statement cycle.
According to Wells Fargo’s website, the bank has 5,400 branches in the United States, giving it a suitable alternative for consumers who like visiting a real location.
#7. Aspire
Fresh Start Checking is Aspire Federal Credit Union’s version of a second chance checking account. However, you must direct deposit 100 percent of your monthly paycheck into your account in order to qualify.
Pros:
- There is no monthly service cost.
- A complimentary debit card is connected to your account.
- An extensive network of over 70,000 fee-free ATMs, as long as you remain in-network.
Cons:
- Required to direct deposit your whole paycheck.
- You cannot have a history of fraud in your banking record.
#8. First American Bank
First American Bank has branch facilities in Illinois, Florida, and Wisconsin, in addition to ATMs located around the nation. Also available is a Fresh Start Checking account for those with poor credit.
Pros:
- Online and mobile banking
- Over 55,000 networked ATMs across the nation.
- Check imaging is free with an online account.
- Unrestricted check-writing privileges
- There is no needed minimum monthly balance.
Cons:
- The account opening requires a $50 minimum deposit.
- Monthly maintenance charge of $9.95
#9. Bank of America
Bank of America provides a number of checking accounts, including the SafeBalance Banking® Account, a second chance account.
Pros:
- An extensive network of accessible ATMs
- Automatic rejection of overdrafts eliminates the possibility of incurring overdraft fees.
- Cash, wire, and direct deposit transfers on the same day
- Mobile check deposits.
Cons:
- $25 minimum deposit to start an account.
- Cannot write checks on paper.
- Monthly maintenance charge of $4.95
- $2.50 per transaction fee at ATMs outside of the network
#10. Peoples Bank
Peoples Bank is headquartered in Texas, although it provides online banking services to consumers in all fifty states. After one year, there is also the opportunity to change to a standard checking account.
Pros:
- Online banking and paper checks are available.
- A complimentary Mastercard debit card is connected to your account.
- No ATM fees as long as you remain within the network.
Cons:
- The account opening requires a $30 minimum deposit.
- Monthly maintenance charge of $4.95
- There is a $2 cost for each transaction at non-network ATMs.
- $27.50 overdraft charge.
- If you close your account within 90 days of opening it, you will incur a $20 cost.
#11. Radius Bank
Essential Checking is a second-chance checking account offered by Radius Bank. After one year, account members can also upgrade to a Rewards Checking account.
Pros:
- There is no needed minimum balance to start an account.
- 1% cash back on all purchases.
Cons:
- The monthly price of $9 for upkeep.
- $500 daily debit card limit.
- $1,000 daily mobile check deposit limit. The maximum for mobile check deposits is $2,000 every 10 days.
- Each day the account stays overdrawn, a $5 charge is levied.
What Is a Checking Account for a Second Chance?
Bad credit might make it difficult to open a checking account. On the other side, not having a checking account sometimes results in additional fees if you cash a check or pay a bill.
Therefore, what are you to do? Are you caught in a Catch-22 of dubious banking history and exorbitant fees?
This is where second chance checking accounts come in.
Banks recognize that individuals aren’t flawless, and several of them provide checking accounts built expressly for those who need to restore their banking records.
If your banking history includes a few speed bumps and blemishes, a second chance checking account might be a terrific way to get back on track. The majority of banks that provide second-chance accounts also provide the option to upgrade to a standard account following a period of responsible use.
However, there might be disadvantages to second-chance checking accounts. For instance, some have significant monthly maintenance costs, and it may be difficult to identify a real branch location.
Despite possible limitations, second chance checking accounts might be a great way to clean up your financial banking.
Why You Still Need a Bank Account Despite Poor Credit
As with many other aspects of modern life, mobile technology has essentially taken over banking. Whether you need to make an online purchase, pay your utility bill, or simply purchase a garment, you must be able to execute financial operations promptly and safely.
Even if you are comfortable performing financial transactions on paper, you still need a method of paying your expenses.
This is difficult to achieve without a bank account. Without a banking account, you must use money orders or cashier’s checks to pay your expenses and check cashing businesses to access your paycheck earnings.
Prepaid debit cards can be used, although not for all transactions. In addition, they typically have exorbitant costs and occasionally even hidden fees.
Additionally, not having a banking account might make it difficult to obtain a vehicle loan or a mortgage. Many lenders will not even evaluate your loan application without a bank account.
