Getting a bank account is an important step in re-establishing credit. Most (if not all) creditors will require you to have a bank account before granting you a card. When applying for credit cards, you are asked if you have a checking and/or savings account. Answering “NO” could potentially hurt your chances of getting the card.
Keep in mind, there are several ways to live without a bank account. However, the reason you are here is to help rebuild credit and not necessarily live without it. Therefore, this article is providing tips on opening a bank account and getting a secure card rather than using pre-paid cards and living without an account.
Do not expect the greatest terms with second chance bank accounts. They are expensive. Often the second chance accounts have monthly fees that cannot be waived or are a little higher for the same benefits a normal account. Make sure to check with the banker for the most updated terms on second chance accounts.
If you are concerned about fees associated with the account and/or being able to maintain a minimum balance, TRY to save enough cash to give yourself a cushion in your bank account. Check which bank account suits you best out of the accounts listed. For example, some banks will not charge you as long as you maintain a minimum balance. Save until you have that minimum balance. DO NOT SPEND THIS MONEY! Although this might be tough try keep that money in the account to avoid fees.
Check out tips for creating a budget as well and start a savings account. Use your new checking and savings account as your spring board to getting back on track. Once you have enough money in your savings account apply for a secure credit card and you can send a small deposit.
Bank Account for Bad Credit (Second Chance Accounts)
Bad Credit (Second Chance) Checking Accounts
List of Bad Credit (Second Chance) Checking Accounts by StateFINANCIAL INSTITUTION | ACCOUNT NAME | LOCATIONS |
---|---|---|
NATIONWIDE | ||
Green Dot Bank | GoBank | Online and at Wal-Mart stores |
Wells Fargo | Opportunity Checking | 40 states and DC |
REGIONAL | ||
Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | KY, TN, VA |
Bank of the Ozarks | Pathway Checking | AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, NC, NY, SC, TX |
BBVA Compass | Easy Checking | AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, NM, TX |
Centennial Bank | Opportunity 100 Checking | AL, AR, FL |
City National Bank | Bounce Back Checking | KY, OH, VA, WV |
CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | DC, MD, PA, VA |
Corporate America Family Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | AZ, CA, CT, GA, IL, KS, NC, OH, PA, TX, VA |
Energery One Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | CA, GA, OK, TX |
Farmers and Merchants State Bank | Clean Start Checking | IN, MI, OH |
GenFed Financial | New Start Checking | IL, IN, OH |
HomeStreet Bank | Bank On Checking | AZ, CA, HI, ID, OR, UT, WA |
Hope Credit Union | Easy Checking | AR, LA, MS, TN |
InTouch Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | MI, NV, TN, TX, VA |
Landmark Bank | Rebound Checking | MO, OK, TX |
MainSource Bank | Fresh Start Checking | IL, IN, KY, OH |
OneUnited Bank | U2 Checking | CA, FL, MA |
Park Community Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | AL, IN, KY |
PNC Bank | Foundation Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability in the following states; AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, VA, WI, WV |
Premier Bank | StartFresh Checking | DC, MD, VA, WV |
Republic Bank | Checking Builder | FL, IN, KY, OH, TN |
Staley Credit Union | Renew Checking | IL, IN, TN |
Webster Bank | Opportunity Checking | CT, NY, RI |
Western Federal Credit Union | Right Start Checking | AR, CA, CO, IN, KY, MI, MS, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV |
Woodforest National Bank | Second Chance Checking | AL, FL, GA, KY, IL, LA, MD, MS, NC, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, WV |
ALABAMA[↑] | ||
Alabama Credit Union | On-Track Checking | Also in FL |
Avadian Credit Union | e-Checking | |
Azalea City Credit Union | Opportunity Draft | |
Community Bank & Trust | Second Slice Checking | Also in GA |
Family Security Credit Union | Give Me a Break Checking | |
First National Bank | Credit Builder Account | Also in TN |
Guardian Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
United Bank | Gateway Checking | Also in FL |
West Alabama Bank | Fresh Start Checking | |
ALASKA[↑] | ||
True North Federal Credit Union | True Options Checking | |
ARIZONA[↑] | ||
Alhambra Credit Union | Basic Checking | |
Bank of Arizona | Opportunity Checking | |
Banner Federal Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | |
Canyon State Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
MariSol Federal Credit Union | Basic Checking | |
Pima Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
TruWest Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | Also in TX |
Tucson Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union | Mission Checking | |
ARKANSAS[↑] | ||
Bank of Arkansas | Opportunity Checking | |
Diamond Bank | Encore Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
Fairfield Community Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is no longer listed on their site. Check with a banker about availability. |
Focus Bank | Fresh Start Checking | Also in MO |
Red River Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | Also in TX |
River Valley Community Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
CALIFORNIA[↑] | ||
Alliance Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | Also in NC |
Allied Healthcare Federal Credit Union | Healthy Start Checking | |
Alta Vista Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | |
American United Federal Credit Union | FreshStart Checking | Also in UT |
E-Central Credit Union | E-Builder Checking | |
Foothill Credit Union | Rebound Checking | |
Heritage Community Credit Union | 2nd Chance Checking | |
Kaiperm North Bay Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Kern Federal Credit Unionk | Fresh Start Checking | |
Los Angeles Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Mid Cities Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
North County Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Pacific Community Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Premier America Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | Also in TX |
Priority One Credit Union | New Leaf Checking | |
University Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Ventura County Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
COLORADO[↑] | ||
Colorado State Bank and Trust | Opportunity Checking | |
Liberty Savings Bank | Clean Slate Checking | Also in FL |
Metrum Community Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
NuVista Federal Credit Union | 2nd Chance Checking | |
CONNECTICUT[↑] | ||
Eastern Savings Bank | Restart Checking | |
Finex Credit Union | Re-Start Checking | |
Hartford Federal Credit Union | 2nd Chance Checking | |
Tobacco Valley Teachers Federal Credit Union | myChance Checking (Draft) | |
DELAWARE[↑] | ||
WSFS Bank | Fresh Start Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA[↑] | ||
None Found | ||
FLORIDA[↑] | ||
Alabama Credit Union | On-Track Checking | Also in AL |
Axiom Bank | Opportunity Checking | |
CenterState Bank | Fresh Start Checking | |
Central Credit Union of Florida | Fresh Start Checking | |
City County Employees Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Community First Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Compass Financial Federal Credit Union | Restart Checking | |
First American Bank | Fresh Start Checking | Also in IL |
First Florida Credit Union | Smart Track Checking | |
Gold Coast Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union | MyOpportunity Checking | |
Jax Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
JetStream Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | Also in Puerto Rico |
Liberty Savings Bank | Clean Slate Checking | Also in CO |
McCoy Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
MembersFirst Credit Union of Florida | Second Chance Checking | |
Okaloosa County Teachers Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
One South Bank | Opportunity Checking | |
Priority One Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
South Florida Federal Credit Union | Another Chance Checking | |
GEORGIA[↑] | ||
Atlanta Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
Community Bank & Trust ("Red Apple") | Second Slice Checking | Also in AL |
Doco Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Excel Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Georgia United Credit Union | Restart Checking | |
Georgia's Own Credit Union | Resolution Checking | |
Health Center Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Members United Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Peach State Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
HAWAII[↑] | ||
None Found | ||
IDAHO[↑] | ||
Scenic Falls Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
ILLINOIS[↑] | ||
Catholic & Community Credit Union | Rebound Checking | |
First American Bank | Fresh Start Checking | Also in FL |
First Eagle Bank | Fresh Start Checking | |
First National Bank and Trust Company | Renew Checking | Also in WI |
Great Lakes Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Marquette Bank | ReStart Checking | |
Prairieland Federal Credit Union | Not Your Normal Checking2 | |
Rock Valley Credit Union | Basic Checking | |
INDIANA[↑] | ||
Centra Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | |
Diamond Valley Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union | ET Opportunity Checking | Also in KY |
Heritage Federal Credit Union | 2nd Chance Checking | |
Interra Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | Also in MI |
Interra Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | |
One Vision Federal Credit Union | Rising Star Checking | |
Regional Federal Credit Union | First Step Checking | |
IOWA[↑] | ||
Collins Community Credit Union | Take2 Checking | |
Federation Bank | Fresh Start Checking | |
Greater Iowa Credit Union | Second-chance Checking | |
North Iowa Community Credit Union | Fresh Start Debit | |
KANSAS[↑] | ||
Central National Bank | New Opportunity Checking | Also in NE |
United Consumers Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | Also in MO |
National Bank of Kansas City | FreshStart Checking | Also in MO |
KENTUCKY[↑] | ||
C-Plant Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
The Cecilian Bank | Choice Opportunity Checking | |
Central Bank | Clean Start Checking | |
Citizens Union Bank | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is no longer listed on their site. Check with a banker about availability. |
Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union | ET Opportunity Checking | This bank account is no longer listed on their site. Check with a banker about availability. |
First United Bank & Trust Company | Fresh Start Checking | |
FNB Bank | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
Fort Knox Federal Credit Unionk | 2nd Chance Checking | |
Home Federal Bank | Square One Checking | Also in TN |
LOUISIANA[↑] | ||
Neighbors Federal Credit Union | Basic Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
Pelican State Credit Union | Horizon Checking | |
Southwest Louisiana Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
MAINE[↑] | ||
Five County Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
MARYLAND[↑] | ||
Central Credit Union of Maryland | Renew Checking | |
Clear Mountain Bank | StartFresh Checking | Also in WV |
Market USA Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Security Plus Federal Credit Union | Revive Checking | |
MASSACHUSETTS[↑] | ||
Alden Credit Union | No Boundaries Checking | |
Athol Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Tremont Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
Washington Savings Bank | Rewards Card Checking | |
MICHIGAN[↑] | ||
Credit Union One | Basic Checking | |
Horizon Bank | Fresh Start Checking | Also in IN |
Marshall Community Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Members First Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Michigan State University Federal Credit Union | Rebuild Checking | |
MINNESOTA[↑] | ||
Eagle Bank | Start Fresh Checking | |
Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Peoples Community Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Westconsin Credit Union | Foundations Checking | Also in WI |
MISSISSIPPI[↑] | ||
Citizens National Bank | Clean Slate Checking | |
Gulf Coast Community Credit Union | New Chance Checking | |
Magnolia Federal Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | |
MUNA Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
MISSOURI[↑] | ||
Alliance Credit Union | FreshStart Checking | |
Bank of Kansas City | Opportunity Checking | |
The Bank of Missouri | Select 2 Checking | |
Columbia Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Electro Savings Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
First State Community Bank | New Opportunity Checking | |
Focus Bank | Fresh Start Checking | Also in AR |
Health Care Family Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Montgomery Bank | Montgomery New Start Checking | |
NBKC Bank (National Bank of Kansas City) | FreshStart Checking | Also in KS |
St. Johns Bank | Fresh Start Checking | |
St. Louis Community Credit Union | Freedom Checking | |
Town & Country Bank | Opportunity Checking | |
United Consumers Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | Also in KS |
United Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
Vantage Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | This bank account is no longer listed on their site. Check with a banker about availability. |
Wood & Huston Bank | StartFresh Checking | |
MONTANA[↑] | ||
Valley Federal Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | Also in WY |
NEBRASKA[↑] | ||
Central National Bank | Second Chance Checking | Also in KS |
Western Heritage Credit Union | Simple and Free Checking | This bank account is not listed as a second chance account on the site. Check with a banker about qualifications |
NEVADA[↑] | ||
Clark County Credit Union | CheckAgain Checking | |
One Nevada Credit Union | New Start Checking | |
WestStar Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
NEW HAMPSHIRE[↑] | ||
None Found | ||
NEW NEW JERSEY[↑] | ||
Atlantic Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Credit Union of New Jersey | Right Turn Checking | |
Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
NEW MEXICO[↑] | ||
Bank of Albuquerque | Opportunity Checking | |
Lea County State Bank | Second Chance Checking | |
NEW YORK [↑] | ||
Alternatives Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Financial Trust Federal Credit Union | 2nd Chance Checking | |
Fulton Savings Bank | New Opportunity Checking | |
Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Jeff Bank | Fresh Start Checking | |
UFirst Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
NORTH CAROLINA[↑] | ||
American Partners Federal Credit Union | EZ 4 U Checking | |
Charlotte Metro Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
NORTH DAKOTA[↑] | ||
None Found | ||
OHIO[↑] | ||
Buckeye State Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Chaco Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Cheviot Savings Bank | Clean Slate Personal Checking | |
Eaton Family Credit Union, Inc. | 2nd Chance Checking | |
Hopewell Federal Credit Union | Rebound Checking | |
IHECU (International Harvester Employee Credit Union, Inc.) | Fresh Start Checking | |
Kemba Financial Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Members Trust Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Sun Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | Also in PA |
Superior Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
OKLAHOMA[↑] | ||
Allegiance Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Bank of Oklahoma | Opportunity Checking | |
Citizens Bank of Edmond | Fresh Start Checking | |
Oklahoma Educators Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Oklahoma Employees Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
TTCU The Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Weokie (Credit Union) | Second Chance Checking | |
Western Sun Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
OREGON[↑] | ||
Point West Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
PENNSYLVANIA[↑] | ||
Allegent Community Federal Credit Unionk | Fresh Start Checking | |
Erie Community Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Sun Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | Also in OH |
Utilities Employees Credit Union | Advantages Green Light Checking | |
West Branch Valley Federal Credit Union | Back on Track Checking Account | |
RHODE ISLAND[↑] | ||
None Found | ||
SOUTH CAROLINA[↑] | ||
Carolina Collegiate Federal Credit Union | Rebound Checking | |
Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union | Encore Checking | |
GAFCU (Greater Abbeville Federal Credit Union) | Fresh Start Checking | |
Vital Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
SOUTH DAKOTA[↑] | ||
None Found | ||
TENNESSEE[↑] | ||
First National Bank | Credit Builder Account | Also in AL |
Greater Eastern Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Holston Methodist Federal Credit Union | Second-chance Checking | |
Home Federal Bank | Square One Checking | Also in KY |
Select Seven Credit Union | Second Chance Sharedraft Checking | |
TEXAS[↑] | ||
Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union | Restart Checking | |
Air Force Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Allied Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
American Airlines Credit Union | Ascend Checking | |
Associated Credit Union of Texas | 180 Checking | |
Bank of Texas | Opportunity Checking | |
Baptist Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Chocolate Bayou Community Federal Credit Union | Clean Slate Checking | |
First Service Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Houston Metropolitan Federal Credit Union | Freedom-2nd Chance Checking | |
Kelly Community Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Las Colinas Federal Credit Union | 2nd Chance Checking | |
Select Checking | ||
Members Trust Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Memorial Credit Union | New Path Checking | |
Nascoga Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Neighborhood Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
North East Texas Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Peoples Bank | Second Chance Checking | |
Postel Family Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Premier America Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | Also in CA |
Prestige Community Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Red River Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | Also in AR |
Rio Bank | Fresh Start Checking | |
Select Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Southside Bank | Next Checking | |
Tarrant County's Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Texas People Federal Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | |
TruWest Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | Also in AZ |
United Heritage Credit Union | Choice Checking | |
Unity One Credit Union | Clean Start Checking | |
Velocity Credit Union | Access Checking | |
UTAH[↑] | ||
American United Federal Credit Union | FreshStart Checking | Also in CA |
Cyprus Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
VERMONT[↑] | ||
None Found | ||
VIRGINIA [↑] | ||
Healthcare Systems Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Checking | |
Member One Federal Credit Union | Smart Choice Checking | |
PortAlliance Federal Credit Union | Smart Choice Checking | |
Central Virginia Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start | |
WASHINGTON[↑] | ||
MountainCrest Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Salal Credit Union | Pathway Checking | This bank account is not listed on the site. Check with a banker about availability. |
WEST VIRGINIA [↑] | ||
Clear Mountain Bankk | StartFresh Checking | Also in MD |
West Virginia Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
WISCONSIN [↑] | ||
Brewery Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Dane County Credit Union | Relationship Builder Checking | |
Educators Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
First National Bank and Trust Company | Renew Checking | Also in IL |
Schneider Community Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking | |
Tomahawk Community Bank | Fresh Start Checking | |
WYOMING[↑] | ||
Greater Wyoming Federal Credit Union | FreshStart Checking | |
WyHy Federal Credit Union | Second Chance Share Draft Checking | |
WYO Central Federal Credit Union | 2nd Chance Checking | |
Valley Federal Credit Union | Opportunity Checking | Also in MT |
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