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 State

FINANCIAL 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
MemberSource Credit Union	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