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Maine Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions

banks-in-maine-that-dont-use-chexsystems

Second chance banks in Maine offer an opportunity for people to re-enter the banking system along with building a positive banking history.

Approx. 114,000 residents in Maine — are unbanked or underbanked due to either excessive overdrafts or being blacklisted by ChexSystems or Early Warning Services.

The costs of conducting financial transactions without a bank account add up over a lifetime. If you're using prepaid cards you are likely familiar with the costs and fees involved. Some prepaid debit cards have lots of fees, including monthly fees, ATM withdrawal fees, loading fees, balance inquiry fees, transaction fees and even dormancy fees – also called inactivity fees – for not using your card recently.

In lower-income or rural areas Maine residents should consider online banks. As online banking is growing in popularity, banks are offering the same services branch locations offer.

Check out our list of second chance checking accounts in Maine. Many second chance bank accounts run a ChexSystems report.

If your ChexSystems record has unpaid debt, consider options at banks that don't use ChexSystems or bank accounts for bad credit.

Maine Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions

Upgrade Rewards Checking

The Upgrade Rewards Checking Account offers up to 2% cash back on common everyday expenses at grocery and drug stores, gas stations, monthly subscriptions, restaurants, and cell phone utilities. Plus, account holders get unlimited 1% cash back on all other debit card charges. This account takes less than 10 minutes to open, the process is simple and easy.

Upgrade Rewards Checking Features

  • No ATM fee.
  • Zero Monthly Fees.
  • Zero Overdraft/Insufficient Fees.
  • 2% cash back on common everyday expenses and recurring payments and unlimited 1% cash back on every other debit card charge.
  • use your Rewards Checking card wherever Visa® is accepted.
  • FDIC-insured up to $250,000.

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Rewards Checking customers earn 2% cash back on common everyday expenses at convenience stores, drugstores, restaurants, and bars – including deliveries – and gas stations, as well as recurring payments on utilities and monthly subscriptions including phone, cable, TV and other streaming services, and 1% cash back on all other debit card charges. 2% cash back is limited to $500 in rewards per calendar year; after $500, customers earn 1% cash back on all eligible debit card charges for the remainder of the year. Some limitations apply. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information.
Upgrade is a financial technology company, not a bank. Rewards Checking services provided by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. Upgrade VISA® Debit Cards issued by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Personal Loans made by Upgrade's bank partners. Personal Credit Lines are issued by Cross River Bank, a New Jersey State Chartered Commercial Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. The Upgrade Card is issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

Current Checking Account


The Current Checking Account can be opened with a minimum of $10 with a debit card or an existing checking account.

Current Account Features

  • $10 minimum opening deposit.
  • Savings feature that pays 4.00% APY on balances up to $6,000.
  • No overdraft fees when you overdraw by up to $200 with Overdrive™.
  • Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit.
  • Earn points for unlimited cashback at participating retailers.
  • Gas station holds immediately credited to your account.
  • Send money instantly for free.
  • 24/7 member support.

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Eastmill Federal Credit Union

Eastmaill Federal Credit Union in Maine does not use ChexSystems or EWS. Applicants only need to provide proper identification. They offer a checking account with no minimum balance required and no monthly fees.

Five County Credit Union

They offer a Second Chance Checking account. Once a member has established an active account history for one year, they can request a conversion to a regular checking account. The Second Chance Checking offers check writing, online banking, e-statements, direct deposit, online bill pay and a Visa check card. There is a $5 monthly fee for the account.

Midcoast Federal Credit Union

Midcoast Federal CU does not use ChexSystems but they will run a credit report. They offer several checking account options to choose. Checking features include a free VISA® ATM/Debit Card, free eServices like Midcoast Connection, bill pay, eStatements and mobile banking.

Saco Valley Credit Union

Saco Valley Credit Union only requires proper identification to open an account. They offer a checking account with lots of features including no monthly fees, unlimited check writing, unlimited online bill pay service, online account management, direct deposit, free e-statement with online banking and overdraft protection is available.

Town & Country Federal Credit Union

Town & Country Federal CU does not use ChexSystems but they do run a credit report. They offer several different checking accounts to choose from. Some features include No monthly service fee no minimum balance requirements, unlimited check writing, free online banking with bill pay, free E-Statements and a free Visa® debit card. There is no minimum opening deposit required.

New Dimension Federal Credit Union

ChexSystems is used to verify new accounts but if it is paid for 1 or more years and fraud is not indicated, you may be able to open an account.

Infinity Federal Credit Union

They offer second chance checking called the “Bridge Checking Account.” It helps members get back on their feet. Members enjoy no monthly service charge, no minimum opening deposit and unlimited check writing.

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