Our 7 Top Banks With No Credit Check for 2026

Not having access to a basic checking account makes everything about money management harder — from receiving your paycheck to paying bills to dealing with cash. Having negative marks in your credit or banking history has traditionally made many bank accounts out of reach. But that’s changing. Second-chance bank accounts and online banks with no credit check make it much easier to get banked regardless of your financial history.

You don’t have to rely on prepaid cards or check-cashing stores forever. No-credit-check banks make full-service banking accessible, even if you have a history of unpaid fees, overdrafts or a low credit score. In this guide, we’ll review some options for no-credit-check banks and second-chance accounts. We’ll help you choose the account that’s right for you based on features, fees, online and mobile access, branch access and other tools to help you rebuild your finances.

Our List: The Best Banks with No Credit Check in 2026

The best bank account for you depends on your needs and financial goals. Compare your options to determine which best fits your situation — whether you have bad credit, negative ChexSystems marks or just need an accessible online bank account with no credit check.

All of the accounts in our list are FDIC-insured, full-service checking accounts available throughout the United States. We’ve included a mix of online banks, banking apps and traditional banks to help you see your range of options and figure out what might be the best fit for you.

Online Banks and Fintech Accounts with No Credit Check

Many options are offered through financial technology (fintech) companies. These accounts tend to skip both the credit check and consumer banking reports from ChexSystems and Early Warning Services (EWS). It makes them deliberately welcoming to users who’ve had trouble opening bank accounts elsewhere.

These accounts come with added perks that are less common with traditional financial institutions. This might include early direct deposit access, low or no fees, accessible overdraft protection and easy-to-use mobile apps.

1. SoFi Checking and Savings

SoFi is one of few fintech companies that are also FDIC-member banks. In addition to a standard checking account, the company offers a full suite of financial services including joint bank accounts, private student loan refinancing, personal loans, mortgages, investing, insurance and credit cards.

SoFi does require a credit check to open a bank account, but it doesn’t run a hard credit pull (the kind that affects your credit score). It runs a soft credit pull, according to its FAQ, “to obtain information for your account.” 

SoFi is known for its high-yield savings account. But it also has one of the highest new customer bank bonus offers: up to $300. You’ll earn up to 3.30% APY on money in savings and 0.50% on checking funds. The bonus is tiered; to get the full $300, make sure your qualifying direct deposits total $5,000 or more. And for a limited time, earn an extra .70% Boost on Savings APY for 6 months on new accounts with Direct Deposit. Terms apply.

And for big savers, it partners with a network of banks to offer you the option for a whopping $3 million in FDIC insurance (way above the standard $250,000).

Key features:

• Soft credit check to open an account (no impact on credit score).
• High-yield savings account.
• Earn 0.50% APY on checking account balance.
• No monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance.
• No minimum opening deposit.
• Fee-free overdraft protection up to $50 when you have direct deposit of $1,000 or more.
• Automated savings tools including vaults for dedicated saving and debit card round ups.
• Best for: Fee-free, feature-rich checking and savings accounts with full suite of financial services.

2. Chime®

Chime is a bank with no credit check and no ChexSystems check. The online bank account positions itself as a strong second chance banking option for anyone with a negative banking history ready to start over.

Chime* is a fintech company that offers online and mobile banking in its app through its FDIC-insured banking partners The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. 

Chime is best known for its early direct deposit feature — depending on how your employer processes payroll, you get access to your paycheck up to two days ahead of payday. Plus, through Chime’s SpotMe® feature, you can overdraft up to $200 with no fees as long as you have monthly direct deposits into the account of $200 or more.

Key features

• No credit check or ChexSystems.
• No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance.
• No minimum opening deposit.
• Fee-free ATM network.
• Get your paycheck up to two days early.
• Overdraft up to $200 with no fees.
• Bill-pay and checks available through the mobile app.
• Best for: No-fee banking with no ChexSystems check

3. Current

Current is popular with adults and teens who want to open a bank account without a credit check. It’s a fintech platform that offers banking in partnership with FDIC-insured institutions Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank. Though it doesn’t tout second-chance banking explicitly, Current doesn’t require a credit check to sign up. That includes for its credit builder card.

Current offers a less straightforward banking experience than some competitors. It instead focuses on a range of financial services. You can get a debit card or a so-called Builder Card for spending and building credit. And you’ll have access to features that support budgeting, saving, paycheck advance and fee-free crypto trading (through partner Zero Hash).

Key features:

• No credit check.
• No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance.
• No minimum opening deposit.
• Adult or teen accounts.
• Fee-free overdraft starting at $25.
• Cash deposits through retailers like CVS and Walmart.
• High-yield Savings Pods with bonuses up to 4.00% APY.
• Automatic savings with round ups.
• Best for: No-credit-check banking for savings and credit building for teens.

4. GO2bank

GO2bank is mobile banking from FDIC-member Green Dot Bank designed explicitly with disadvantaged folks and second-chance banking in mind. You can open a secured credit card with no credit check, and users report GO2bank doesn’t use ChexSystems when you open a checking account (but you should confirm the current process before opening an account).

This no-credit-check bank includes features to help you rebuild your finances, including early direct deposit, cash-back when you buy eGift cards through the app and overdraft protection up to $300.

Key features:

• No credit check to open a secured credit card.
• Users report no ChexSystems.
• $5 monthly fee waived if you receive direct deposit.
• Paychecks up to two days early, government benefits up to four days early
• Cash-back rewards for purchasing eGift cards in the app.
• Opt-in overdraft protection. $15 fee waived if you replenish within 24 hours.
• Open an account in the app or by purchasing a card at a retail store.
• Fee-free cash deposit at Walgreens, deposit with fee at other retail locations.
• Best for: Rebuilding finances with no-credit-check bank.

5. Varo Bank

Varo Bank is a unique fintech company that’s also a nationally chartered bank with FDIC insurance.

It touts its second-chance banking through several products that help you build credit and save money, and there’s no ChexSystems and no credit check to open an account. Varo is best known for its credit and savings building features, including a credit-builder credit card with no credit check, high-yield savings account and auto-savings tools.

Key features:

• No credit check or ChexSystems.
• No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance.
• No minimum opening deposit.
• Get your paycheck up to two days early.
• Flat-fee cash advance between $20 and $500.
• High-yield savings account with APY from 2.5% to 5.00%.
• Credit builder account with no credit check.
• Best for: FDIC-insured bank with savings and credit-building tools

Second-Chance and Traditional Bank Accounts With Easier Approval

Although shiny fintech platforms are attractive to some folks, you might prefer a familiar institution with physical locations where you can speak with a teller. In that case, turn to established banks that offer second-chance banking accounts or other accounts designed with a negative or nonexistent banking history in mind.

These institutions tend to use ChexSystems, credit checks and/or EWS for all accounts. If you absolutely need a bank account with no credit check, look for a fintech. But the accounts below might be easier to qualify for, even if you’ve had trouble opening other accounts.

Bonus: Traditional banks tend to beat out fintechs for offering the best bank promotions, so keep an eye out for cash-back perks you could claim.

6. Chase Secure Banking℠

Chase Secure Banking checking account is widely framed as a second-chance banking option. Many people report being approved for this bank account after being denied for another Chase checking account, so this could be an option if you otherwise have trouble qualifying for a bank account.

The account comes with built-in credit-building and budgeting features, as well as early direct deposit. There’s no overdraft service, so no need to fear overdraft fees.

Account holders report they were able to open a Chase Secure Banking account without a ChexSystems check. Some sources, however, say that, while Chase will run a ChexSystems check, your record won’t affect your eligibility for an account. Sources also report Chase might run a soft credit check and a check with Early Warning Services (EWS), a fraud-detection service. This account might not be a guaranteed option, but it could be something to look into if you have negative marks in your banking history.

Chase Secure Checking doesn’t match the convenience and simplicity of many online banks or fintech companies, but it’s a solid option if you want the familiarity and longevity of a well-known, brick-and-mortar financial institution.

Key features:

• $4.95 monthly fee, waived if you have $250 or more in monthly direct deposits.
• No overdraft service and no overdraft fees.
• Access to Chase’s ATM network, bill pay, money orders and bank branches.
• Best for: Brick-and-mortar branch access and ATM network.

7. Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®

Bank of America offers SafeBalance accounts for individuals or families, both designed to help children and young adults get started with banking. The Advantage SafeBalance account is a digital bank account targeted for people under age 25.

As long as you’re younger than 25, the account comes with no monthly maintenance fee. Once you reach age 25, you’ll have to maintain a minimum balance of $500 or join BoA’s Preferred Rewards program to avoid a $4.95 monthly maintenance fee. The account mitigates the risk of overspending and overdraft fees by offering no overdraft service. Banking is entirely digital; you won’t get a paper checkbook.

SafeBalance Banking is designed for young adults with little or no banking history, rather than those who want to rebuild their finances. If you have negative marks in your banking history, or a limited credit or work history in the U.S., BoA says you could be required to provide additional forms to verify your ID. 

Key features:

• No monthly maintenance fee if you’re under age 25.
• No overdraft service and no overdraft fees.
• ChexSystems and credit check are likely, but lack of history can be overcome.
• Access to Bank of America’s ATM network, financial services and bank branches.

Best for: Young adults who want secure digital checking with branch access.

The Truth about Banks with No Credit Check

When you’re looking for a no credit check checking account, you might assume “no credit check” means automatic approval. But that’s not necessarily true. Banks might overlook your credit history, but they rely much more heavily on your banking history to determine whether to give you an account.

Credit Checks vs. Banking History Checks

Banks report your account activity to consumer reporting agencies much like credit card companies report to credit bureaus. The most common reporting agencies for banks are:

• ChexSystems, which is owned by the fintech and payment processing company FNIS and keeps a record of overdrafts, unpaid fees and involuntary account closures.
• Early Warning Services (EWS), which is co-owned by major national banks and keeps a record of potential fraudulent activity.

Lack of banking history doesn’t tend to hurt you as significantly as lack of credit history does in lending, but negative marks can make it tough to get a bank account. If you have unpaid fees or overdraft debt, or if your history is flagged for opening multiple bank accounts in a short period, or there’s any indication of fraud, you could be denied a bank account. That’s all regardless of your credit score.

Traditional banks tend to report to and pull from a combination of your credit history (with reporting agencies Equifax, TransUnion and/or Experian), ChexSystems, and EWS. Fintechs might do the same, but are less likely to pull a ChexSystems or EWS report.

When a bank does a credit check to open a bank account, it will always do what’s known as a “soft credit check” or “soft credit pull,” as opposed to a “hard credit check.” A soft pull means it looks at your credit history, but it doesn’t report the check, because it wasn’t used to request credit. A hard pull, in contrast, is used when you apply for a credit card or loan; it makes a mark in your credit history noting that you’ve applied for new credit. Banks most often use a soft credit pull as a method of verifying your identity, and this has no effect on your credit score.

Banks rely most heavily on ChexSystems to determine your eligibility for a bank account. They don’t want to take on customers with a history of overspending, unpaid fees or frequent account closures. If you’re being denied for new bank accounts, it’s most likely due to your ChexSystems history, not your credit history. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report every 12 months through the ChexSystems website to see what’s on your report and dispute any inaccuracies.

‘No Credit Check’ Can Mean Different Things

When individuals or publications offer recommendations for “no credit check” banks, they might mean different things. Banks with no credit check could mean:

• No background check at all. These banks explicitly skip a credit check, ChexSystems and EWS to offer truly accessible banking. 
• No credit check, but they use ChexSystems or EWS. Many traditional financial institutions rely on ChexSystems and EWS to approve or deny bank account applications. But they don’t run a credit check unless you apply for a credit product.
• No hard credit check. Some fintechs skip ChexSystems and EWS, but they use a soft credit check to verify your identity and might use the information in your credit history to determine your eligibility for an account.

Before you go through the trouble to apply, double check a bank’s fine print and FAQs, and chat with a customer service rep to find out what kind of background check they’ll do when you apply. If you consistently have trouble opening a bank account, explicitly ask about second-chance bank accounts for people with negative ChexSystems history.

Pros and Cons of Banks with No Credit Checks

Finding a bank that’ll approve your application might be your main objective right now, but it’s important to understand potential drawbacks of no-check-check banks, too. Compare the features of accounts you can qualify for to make sure you’re getting the best bank account for your circumstances.

Benefits

• Easier approval if you have negative credit or banking history.
• Often include low-cost savings and credit-building features.
• Often include no-fee overdraft protection or no overdraft service to avoid fees.
• Less likely to have monthly maintenance fees.
• More likely to have mobile and online banking and early direct deposit.

Drawbacks

• More likely to be a fintech company with money held by a third-party bank.
• More likely to be digital-first, with no paper checks and limited options for cash deposits.
• Must have stable income, direct deposit or minimum balance to avoid monthly fees.
• Approval is never guaranteed.

How to Choose the Right Bank Account with No Credit Check

Avoid disappointment by vetting bank accounts before you apply. Here’s how to choose the best bank account for your circumstances.

Step 1. Check Your Banking History

Check your reported banking history with ChexSystems and Early Warning Services to see what a bank will see about you. You’re entitled to a copy of these reports once every 12 months under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the U.S.

• Get your ChexSystems report.
• Get your EWS report.

Depending on the kind of information, negative marks on ChexSystems or EWS can stay on your report for between five and seven years, based on the FCRA.

To clean up your reported history:

• Repay negative balances and fees if you can. Confirm with the bank that they’ll report the payment to ChexSystems to eliminate the negative mark.
• Dispute errors on your report. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends filing a dispute with the reporting agency (ChexSystems and/or EWS) and with the bank that provided the incorrect information. 

You can also request your credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com and take the same steps to clean up any negative marks there. 

Step 2. Match Your Situation to the Right Account Type

Once you know how your credit and banking history will look if they’re checked, you can figure out what you’re looking for in a “no-credit-check” bank. 

• If you have poor credit but a fine banking history, most accounts should be available to you.
• If you’re a recent immigrant with no U.S. banking or credit history, ask about bank accounts for immigrants or non-citizens at local banks and credit unions, or look for online options such as Remitly or Zolve.
• If you have negative ChexSystems marks, stick with accounts that don’t do a ChexSystems check, including Chime and Varo, or accounts with traditional institutions explicitly defined as “second-chance” accounts.
• If your history is flagged for fraud, even second-chance accounts might deny your application. Work to get the fraud marks removed. In the meantime, you might have to rely on prepaid card services and online lenders as alternatives to banking.

Step 3. Compare Fees and Everyday Features

After you’ve narrowed your account options, compare what’s available to you. Even with limited approval options, you might have access to a variety of features with different banks.

Consider these common banking features and fees:

• Monthly maintenance fees (and options for waiving it).
• Overdraft protection and fees.
• Credit-building, saving and budgeting features.
• Mobile, online and branch banking options and quality (depending on your preference).
• ATM networks for withdrawing and depositing cash.
• ATM fees (in-network versus out of network).
• Fees for money transfers, bill pay, checks and other services you’ll use.
• Other options for handling cash, such as retail locations or bank branches.
• Check mailing, checkbooks and bill pay options.
• Early paycheck access.
• Integration with Zelle, PayPal, Plaid and other common financial services.
• Joint account options.
• Parent-owned/monitored account options.

Pro tip: Compare no-credit-check banks to the features found in The Penny Hoarder’s lists of best checking accounts and best savings accounts.

Are No-Credit-Check Bank Accounts Worth It?

Bank accounts that skip the credit check or ChexSystems are an important option for anyone who’s had trouble opening a bank account elsewhere. Second-chance bank accounts are typically full-service checking accounts with low fees that cover all of your basic banking needs. They’re a step up from prepaid cards or check-cashing stores that often fill in when you’re unable to access a bank account.

Digital banks that offer no-credit-check accounts tend to offer unique features that aren’t common at traditional institutions. This includes early direct deposit, fee-free overdraft protection, credit-building tools and easy-to-use mobile apps.

If you need more banking tools, such as credit cards, loans, insurance and investing, a no-credit-check account can offer a bridge to build your banking history and help you qualify for an account with more features in the future.

FAQ: Banks with No Credit Check

Dana Miranda is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance® and author of YOU DON’T NEED A BUDGET. She writes Healthy Rich, a newsletter about money for misfits.

*Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.

MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS ID 2316451).

Chime is recommended by more of its users in the 2024 Qualtrics® NPS study when compared to top national banks and select fintechs. THE #1 MOST LOVED BANKING APP is a Registered Trademark of Chime Financial, Inc.

* Terms apply. Limited time only, must open the new account and complete qualifying activities to earn 3 individual rewards, up to a max of $350.00, as described at https://www.chime.com/policies/newmemberofferv3.

1 Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

2 Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at FCTI® ATMs in a 7-Eleven® or Speedway, or any Allpoint® or Visa® Plus Alliance ATM participating in the Allpoint network.

3 SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month.

Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. SpotMe for Credit and SpotMe on Debit share a single SpotMe limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won’t cover non-card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe Terms and Conditions.

4 With a qualifying direct deposit, earn 1.5% cash back on eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases. Please refer to the Secured Chime Visa® Credit Card – Cash Rewards Program Addendum for details and more information on rotating cash back categories.

5 On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

6 Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.

7 Money added to Chime Card™ will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Chime Card, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

8 You must notify your financial institution immediately of any unauthorized use. For specific restrictions, limitations and other details, please consult your issuer.

9 To be eligible for Chime+™ status, you must receive a qualifying direct deposit to your Chime Checking Account in the preceding 34 days. Certain products marketed as Chime+ benefits have additional eligibility requirements. While some Chime+ benefits may have associated fees, none of these fees are mandatory to access Chime+ benefits or to maintain Chime+ status. See Chime+ Terms and Conditions for details.

10 To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account in the preceding 36 days as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details.

11 Top three national bank ranking according to the Federal Reserve Statistical Release based on domestic assets; number of ATMs self-reported by Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo – June 2025.

12 To apply for a Chime Card, you must also open a Chime Checking Account.

13 Chime Visa® Credit Card holders – Deposits and debit refunds go to your Checking Account, then transfer to your Chime Card Secured Deposit Account – other than Chime Card cash deposits at retailers, which go to your Chime Card Account, then transfer to your Secured Deposit Account. Funds are moved from your Secured Deposit Account to your Checking Account to facilitate outbound transfers and debit purchases. Your Available balance is the money you can spend with your Chime Card or Checking Account. See account agreements and statements for details.

14 Chime will report the following activities, as applicable, to TransUnion®, Experian®, and Equifax®: amount past due; payment status of the last paid-off balance; how long you’ve had your card; current statement balance; last balance payment date; and highest balance before paying it off.