Credit Unions that don’t use ChexSystems
The good news is that you still have several checking accounts options available from credit unions that don’t use ChexSystems.
While you might not qualify for some perks and features, like a credit card or an overdraft, these accounts can help you rebuild your credit. Once you do, you can qualify for a regular account with all the regular perks and features.
Here are the best Credit unions that don’t use ChexSystems and what they have to offer.
1. Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) founded in 1933, is mainly for active-duty military, and retired or reserved personnel and veterans consisting of over 10 million members.
NFCU offers a wide range of products and services, including their Free EveryDay Checking, available to all members.
The account comes with no monthly fees and no balance requirements, which is suitable for those who are looking to rebuild their credit slowly without committing funds to avoid fees.
2. American Airlines Credit Union
American Airlines Credit Union was founded in 1936 by several American Airlines employees.
Their Ascend Checking account comes with no checks and no overdrafts – great if you’re looking to rebuild your credit. There is no monthly service charge as long as you meet the minimum deposit requirement of at least $250 through direct deposits each month.
Now, the credit union is also running a promotion where you can earn $185 for opening this account.
3. Excite Credit Union
Excite Credit Union serves members in several California and North Carolina counties and employees of more than 400 companies and their families.
They provide a Fresh Start Checking account which helps those who have been denied a checking account in the past to get a fresh start.
There is a $15 monthly fee that cannot be waived and a $50 minimum opening deposit requirement.
On the opening of an account, one’ll be glad to know that there is no minimum balance that should be maintained, and one also gets a free Visa debit card.
Also, each month you get four free withdrawals from out-of-network ATMs and there are no ATM fees charged when using network ATMs.
4. Premier America Credit Union
Premier America Credit Union is a credit union in which to join you need to live, work, or go to school in Los Angeles, Ventura, or Harris counties. You can also join the credit union by joining the Thousand Oaks Alliance for the Arts.
Their Fresh Start Checking account is designed for people who have ChexSystems records and are looking to start again.
There is a $25 minimum opening deposit, while the monthly maintenance fee is set at $13. You can reduce the monthly fee to $10 per month by making at least $200 worth of direct deposits each month.
5. Los Angeles Federal Credit Union
As the name implies, Los Angeles Federal Credit Union is a credit union located in Los Angeles with membership restricted to anyone living in most Southern California counties.
If you have been denied a checking account, you can ask them about their Second Chance Checking account.
To qualify, you must first make sure that there are no outstanding balances. The credit union also offers the possibility to upgrade the checking account to a Free Checking Account after 12 months.
6. Credit Union One
Credit Union One is a credit union based in Michigan, where it has some 19 branches. Their Basic Checking Account is ideal for those looking to rebuild their banking history. No minimum balance is required and the initial deposit requirement is of $25 and the fee charged is $15 – which can be reduced to $10 if you sign up for a direct deposits.
7. California Community Credit Union
California Community Credit Union is a credit union based in California that offers five different types of checking accounts with their New Beginnings Checking account mainly for who have been unable to get a checking account in the past.
There is a monthly fee of $15, and you need to deposit a minimum of $25.00 to open the account.
If you manage to keep the account clear of overdraft activity and in good standing for one whole year, you can apply for a free checking account with all of its perks and additional features.
8. American United Federal Credit Union
American United Federal Credit Union is a credit union based in Utah.
Their Fresh Start Checking personal checking account comes with quite a few features, including end-of-year reward dividends and overdraft protection.
There is a fee to open the account and monthly fees once the account is open, but you also get access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs, a Visa debit card, Bill Pay, and many other perks and features.
