Hundreds of dollars can be spent a year when you do not have a checking or savings account. In DC, it is estimated that the unbanked/underbanked spend roughly $800/year in check cashing and money order fees. It is an expensive reality that many DC residents are dealing with.
Save money and avoid paying the cost of check cashing fees by opening a bank account at a second chance bank or credit union in Washington, DC. Even if you’ve had problems with an account in the past, or have never had an account before you may be able to open a new account in the District of Columbia.
Check out our list of second chance checking accounts in Washington DC. 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.
Washington DC 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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OneUnited Bank
Open a second chance checking account if you’ve had problems with ChexSystems or EWS. OneUnited Bank’s U2 E-Checking Account is for people with a less than perfect banking history. The online account is available in all states and requires a minimum opening deposit of $25. During the application process you'll need to choose the “U2 E-Checking (2nd Chance) Account” option plus choose an artful debit card design or just the plain debit card design.
Library of Congress Federal Credit Union
Library of Congress Federal Credit does not use ChexSystems or EWS. You will need proper identification to open a Free Checking Account. You can earn dividends from first day of deposit, there are no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirement, no per check charges, unlimited check writing, a Visa debit card, online and mobile banking and direct deposit.
Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal does not use ChexSystems or EWS to open a bank account but there are strict requirements to become a member. Membership is open if you are affiliated with the Armed Forces, DoD, Coast Guard or National Guard. This includes Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard regular Active Duty and reservists, and Army and Air National Guard personnel. Active duty and Retired military are eligible but unfortunately Veterans are not. DoD civilian employees and contractors assigned to U.S. Government Installations may be eligible.
PNC Bank
PNC Bank offers the “Foundations Checking” for customers that are entering or re-establishing themselves in the banking system. The account is eligible for upgrade to a regular account in 6 months with good account management. There is a monthly service fee of $7 and a fee for a paper statement is $2 per month.
United Bank
United Bank offers several checking accounts and they do have a free account for everyone. The “United FREE Checking offers No minimum balance; No monthly service charge; No per check charge; Unlimited check writing; United VISA® Check Card*; FREE Online Banking; FREE Bill Pay and eStatements. They do not use ChexSystems. The minimum opening deposit is $50.
Washington Savings Bank
The Rewards Card Checking offers deposit of payroll or government benefit with a monthly fee of $5.05 and $7.95 per month without direct deposit, you'll receive a checkbook and Mastercard® debit card with no overdraft fees or ATM fees! Free nationwide ATM access at over 55,000 Allpoint®.
Wells Fargo – Opportunity Checking
This is a traditional checking account with a visa debit card and checks; however, it comes with some restrictions. This account will definitely help you stay within your budget. Deposits cannot be made through the ATM and you may not be able to get cash back immediately upon depositing a check. Once you remain in good standing for some time, Wells Fargo may offer you an upgrade to a regular checking account, with less restrictions.