Category Archives: Second Chance Banks in California

Banks in California That Do Not Use Chexsystems

Some California Banks specifically offer a Second Chance Checking Account Program, which means they’ll open an account for you even if you’re on Chexsystems as long as any money owed has already been paid. Some banks have other names for these banking programs such as “Opportunity Checking” or “Fresh Start Checking.” To open a checking account through one of these special bank programs, you usually have to apply in person and, in many cases, the bank requires you take a class on how to balance your checking account and avoid overdrawing your account.

The best checking accounts you can open online with no credit check, no opening deposit and no Chexsystems are:

• Scottrade Bank – Open a checking account online with no opening deposit, no monthly or ATM fees, including most cash withdrawal fees charged by another bank. Free checks. Set up direct deposit online or make deposits at a local branch. Scottrade Bank has hundreds of branches nationwide.

• Discover Bank – Open a Discover Bank savings account online instantly and earn a rate 5x the National Savings Average with a low opening deposit and access to your cash anytime.   Discover Bank is currently offering a $50 bonus if you also open a checking account. To open a Discover Bank checking account, you have to open either a Discover Savings account or credit card. You have 30 days to make a deposit at a local branch or by setting up direct deposit. You can also make your opening deposit by mail. 

• BBVA Compass Bank – Open an online checking account with the new ClearConnect checking account.  The BBVA Compass ClearConnect Checking Account is a free checking account and offers customers the chance to open an online checking account for only $25. Enjoy no monthly service charges, free online and mobile banking, bill pay and online statements. The ClearConnect Checking Account has no ATM fees at any BBVA Compass or Allpoint® ATM. You’ll also receive a BBVA Compass Visa® Debit Card you can personalize with you favorite photoCompass Bank has hundreds of branches nationwide and in California including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Modesto, Sacramento, San Rafael, Castro Valley, Fresno, Stockton, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Menlo Park, Campbell, Union City, Cupertino, Santa Rosa, CA and many others.
  Compass Bank Second Chance Checking

The banks on the list of Second Chance Banks in California do not use Chexsystems or check your credit history. Most have short, online applications and most of them do not require an opening deposit as most banks require. So, you can open a checking account online and get an instant account number to set up direct deposit. Or you can mail in the opening deposit or sometimes use a credit card or prepaid card.

Los Angeles Federal Credit Union offers Los Angeles residents a Second Chance Checking Account. Checking Account holders pay $15 in monthly service fees. Second Chance Checking Accounts convert to no-fee checking accounts for account holders who remain in “good standing” for 12 consecutive months. The Los Angeles Federal Credit Union has locations in Los Angeles, El Monte, Gardena, Playa del Rey, San Pedro, and Glendale, CA.

Yet, if you don’t have the money available to pay off your old, overdrawn bank accounts, even banks specifically offering second chance checking might not let you open a bank account. Your Chexsystem record stays on file for 5 years unless the information in Chexsystem’s report is inaccurate and you file a dispute. Even if you pay off your old bank account, you still have to make sure the bank sends a letter to Chexsystems requesting the removal of any negative information. Our list of recommended national and local second chance banks in California include banks that do not use Chexsystems or check your credit history.