Banks in Florida that don’t use Chexsystems: Get a Second Chance

If you are in ChexSystems or EWS find a new account at banks in Florida that don’t use ChexSystems.

Florida has a problem with unbanked consumers and in South Florida, the numbers are quite alarming. A survey by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. found that 31.3 percent of South Florida residents are either unbanked or underbanked.

If you are unbanked in Florida due to ChexSystems check out our list of banks in Florida that don’t use ChexSystems. It’s estimated the unbanked can pay from 1-10% of salary for check cashing services.

Get back into banking. A negative ChexSystems record can remain 5 years unless you successfully dispute ChexSystems to get it deleted. For consumers with an EWS record, it can last for 7 years unless you’re able to successfully dispute EWS.

Whether you choose a bank or credit union, Florida residents have several choices for banks in Florida that don’t use ChexSystems. Take the time to build a solid banking relationship that will help you grow your money while maintaining a safe place to conduct daily expense transactions.

Banks in Florida that don’t use ChexSystems

BBVA Online Checking

BBVA offers an online checking account. It’s a fee-free account that makes it easy to manage your money on the go with mobile banking. BBVA has many locations throughout the state of Florida. Customers enjoy free checking, unlimited check writing, cash back in categories like gas and groceries throughout the year. Free ATMs at BBVA and at 55,000 AllPoint ATMs in the network. Unlimited check writing, bill payment and mobile check deposit also included.

What else can you expect from this checking account?

• Apply with only $25 opening deposit
• No monthly Service Charge
• Earn cash back on everyday debit and credit card purchases
• Complimentary Online Banking and Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and Online Statements
• No ATM withdrawal fees at any BBVA or Allpoint® ATM
• BBVA USA, Member FDIC

List of Florida Banks and Credit Unions that offer Second Chance Checking

OneUnited Bank

They offer a second chance account called the U2 E-Checking Account that is available for anyone in the country. The minimum opening deposit is a steep $50 and the monthly maintenance fee is $12. Applying online will get the first month’s fee waived. OneUnited Bank has a branch in Miami, Florida. Open online today.

1st National Bank of South Florida

They use Chexsystems but they do offer New Opportunity checking for those reported

1st Credit Union of Gainesville

They use Telecheck, an Equifax credit report and OFAC

Ameris Bank

They use Chexsystems but as long as the report is paid and only one bank is reported you can get an account. Fraud and account abuse can not be indicated

Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union

They use Chexsystems but anyone that is eligible for membership can get a savings account. if the chexsystems report is 2 years old or older, and the reporting bank is paid and showing no fraud, you can possibly open a checking

Axiom Bank

Axiom Bank does use ChexSystems but they offer an account called “Opportunity Checking.” It features unlimited check writing, free online banking with bill pay, a $10 monthly service fee and it requires a $25 minimum opening deposit.

Alabama Credit Union

Open the “Fix-It Checking” account. There is no monthly service fee but there is a required $200 opening deposit. Account features are a Visa debit card, Free Online & Mobile Banking and Free Electronic Bill-Pay.

Bank United

They use Chexsystems but as long as the report does not indicate fraud and is paid, you can open a savings and checking. For the best results, only one bank should be reported

Bank Of The Ozarks

They offer a second chance checking called pathway checking

Calhoun Liberty Employees Credit Union

They do not use Chexsystems. They use Telecheck and a credit report

Campus USA Credit Union

They use an Equifax credit report

Center State Bank

They offer Fresh Start checking

Centenniel Bank 

They offer a second chance checking

Central Credit Union of Florida

They offer Fresh Slate checking

Community First Credit Union

They do use Chexsystems but they offer Fresh Start Checking

Coral Community Federal Credit Union

They use Chexsystems and an Equifax Credit report
Anyone eligible for membership can get a savings. If your report has no fraud and the reporting bank is paid, you can get a checking.

CFE Federal Credit Union

They use Equifax Decision Power

Country Federal Credit Union

They use a credit report

Eglin Credit Union

Eglin Federal Credit Union does not use Chexsystems. They offer what is called the “Basic Checking Account.” The minimum deposit to open the account is $25 which includes a one-time Account Opening Fee of $5.00. It comes with a $5 monthly service fee. After a year of successful account management you may be eligible for a Premium Checking Account.

First Florida Credit Union

First Florida Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called “Smart Track Checking.” In order to qualify you must have direct deposit. The account features free bill payer service, online banking and a Visa Debit Card. There is a $5.00 monthly fee. After 12 months of good account management you can graduate to a no-monthly fee checking account.

First American Bank

They offer Fresh Start checking

First Choice Credit Union

First Choice Credit Union uses a credit report to open accounts. They offer many accounts including a “Value Checking” account. No minimum balance is required, there are no monthly service charges or per check charges. Customers get a debit card, internet account access and free 24 hour call access by phone.

First Coast Community Bank

They use an Equifax credit report and a score of 500 or more is required

Florida Credit Union

Florida Credit union does not use ChexSystems but they do run Telechick and a credit report. They offer free Checking Accounts with several features including free debit cards, online banking, and checking overdraft protection.

Gold Coast Federal Credit Union

They offer a “Fresh Start” checking account for people who have had checking problems in the past. The account will graduate to a Gold Coast FCU’s Easy Pay checking account after you have gone 1 year with NO NSF’s or Overdrafts.

Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union

They offer an account called My Opportunity checking

JAX Federal Credit Union

They use an Equifax credit report and require a score of 540 or higher They offer second chance checking

Jet Stream Federal Credit Union

They offer second chance checking

Liberty Savings Bank

Liberty Savings Bank offers a second chance checking called “Clean Slate Checking.” There is no minimum balance required and after 12 months of responsible account management with no NSFs or Overdrafts you can convert your account to a regular checking account.

McCoy Federal Credit Union

They offer Fresh Start checking

Members First Credit Union

They offer second chance checking.  If you are reported to EWS, they will NOT approve you for the second chance account Offer extended to members in ChexSystems due to Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) activity only. Member’s account must have been paid for at least 90 days before Second Chance Checking will be approved

One South Bank

They offer Opportunity Checking

People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union

People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union does not use ChexSystems or EWS. They offer several checking accounts along with an option for overdraft protection. The overdraft coverage requires a savings account.

Priority Credit Union

They offer a second chance checking account

Republic Bank

They offer a second chance account called Checking Builder

San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union

They offer second chance checking

South Florida Federal Credit Union

They offer second chance checking

Southern Commerce Bank

They do offer second chance checking at the locations “ inside WalMart ONLY”
as long as there are not too many reported on your chexsystems report, they will open the account.
this is a FREE checking

Space Coast Credit Union

They do use chexsystems but they offer New Directions Checking

Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union

They use a product called “Deposit Shield” provided by Equifax

University Credit Union

They use Telecheck and a credit report

Union State Bank

Union State Bank does not use Chexsystems or EWS. They offer several checking accounts including one called “Freedom Checking” that features free monthly checking, unlimited check writing, free online bill pay, a debit card and a $50 minimum opening deposit.

United Bank

United Bank offers the “Gateway Checking Account” designed for customers with LOW or NO credit or who have had issues managing their accounts a second chance to qualify for a checking account. With proper account management you may be able to upgrade the account in 6 months. The Gateway Checking account features online bill pay for $4.95, mobile check deposit for $2 per deposit, telephone banking 24/7, itemized statements and e-statements, a monthly service fee of $10 and a variety of check options.

Vystar Credit Union

They use Telecheck

Woodforest

Woodforest offers a “Second Chance” account. The minimum opening deposit is $25.00. There is a monthly service charge which breaksdown as follows: $7.95 with direct deposit(3); $9.95 without direct deposit and a $9.00 one-time account set up fee.

Non-ChexSystems Banks by State

Second chance banking is available in all 50 States. Find additional options in your area and share the list of second chance banks with friends and family that may be unbanked.

  by Lisa Phillips on  February 4, 2020