Second chance checking accounts in Arizona give people with ChexSystems records an opportunity to open a traditional checking account.
A 2023 FDIC study found that 3.0% of Arizonians are unbanked. It’s estimated the unbanked can pay from 1-10% of salary for check cashing services – not to mention how prepaid debit card fees add up.
Check out our list of second chance checking accounts in Arizona. 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.
Arizona Online No-ChexSystems Banks
SoFi Bank
$50 minimum deposit
Welcome bonus up to $300
No monthly maintenance fees
Get paid up to two days early
55,000+ fee-free ATMs
Upgrade Rewards Checking
$0 minimum to open
Up to 2% cash back on purchases
Get paid up to two days early
More than 55,000 free ATMs
Acorns
$25 minimum deposit
Earn 2.57% APY on Checking and 4.05% APY on Emergency Fund
Get paid up to 2 days early
Tungsten metal debit card
55,000+ fee-free ATMs
Arizona Second Chance Banks
1st Convenience Bank
1st Convenience Bank is an Arizona second chance bank account option. 1st Convenience Bank does not use ChexSystems and can be opened with only $1. The Checking with Interest monthly maintenance fee is $12. Customers enjoy a FREE Debit MasterCard®; FREE Online Services and FREE Money Orders.
Bank of Arizona
Bank of Arizona offers second chance checking as long as the item in ChexSystems is paid and does not reflect fraud. The Opportunity Checking Account requires a $50 minimum opening deposit; Free ATMs; and has a monthly service fee of $15.05.
Bank of the West
Bank of the West does run a ChexSystems report but they have a second chance banking program called “Fresh Start.” Your Chexsystem listing must be older than one year and it cannot be for fraud. Basic checking has a $10 monthly fee but it is waived when you: Maintain an average monthly balance of $1000; Receive a direct deposit of $250; or Use your Bank of the West Debit Card for 10 or more purchases during each statement cycle.
Fort Sill National Bank
Fort Sill National bank does not use ChexSystems but a credit report will be pulled. They have several checking account packages to choose from but the Basic Checking includes a $5.00 Minimum deposit required to open account, has no monthly fees, unlimited check writing and a Visa CheckCard.
Great Western Bank
They use ChexSystems but if you have only 1 report, over 1 year old, and it is paid and not showing any fraud, they will open the account Best to apply over the phone.
Pima Federal Credit Union
The Fresh Start Checking is designed to allow those who have previously been denied access to a checking account a chance to get back into banking. The Fresh Start Checking comes with a monthly fee of $10 and allows access to a checking account, unlimited check writing ability, a debit card and access to over 50,000+ surcharge free ATMs.
SunWest Federal Credit Union
They use ChexSystems but with a membership you can open a savings. After 1 year, they will allow you to open a checking.
TCF Bank
TCF Bank requires that you do not owe them any money. They have a Free Checking account with a minimum opening deposit of $25; FREE Online Banking & Bill Pay; FREE Mobile Banking; and FREE Withdrawals and Deposits at TCF ATMs.
TruWest Credit Union
TruWest CU has an account called “Opportunity Checking”. TruWest credit union is an Arizona second chance bank option. It is a second chance checking account that comes with a monthly service fee, ATM cash card or reloadable prepaid debit card with a VISA® logo, unlimited check writing and an opportunity to upgrade to a regular checking account if your account is in good standing for six consecutive months.
Western State Bank
They use a credit report when opening a checking account. For a savings account, they do not run a credit report.
Arizona Second Chance Credit Unions
There are multiple credit unions in Arizona that offer second chance checking accounts. But unlike banks, credit unions may have restrictions on membership. Potential members have to meet membership requirements that vary depending on the credit union’s objective.
If you are eligible to join a credit union, they typically offer a variety of excellent financial products including second chance checking accounts.
Altier Credit Union
Free checking with no minimum balance requirements, no monthly fees, and a free Visa debit card. They pull Experian credit report.
Arizona State Credit Union
Offers several checking accounts to choose from. They use ChexSystems if you apply online. EWS will be used if you apply in person.
Canyon State Credit Union
They offer second chance checking called Try Again Checking Account. It can help you build a history of responsible money management. If you have a record on Chex Systems due to an unpaid closure or NSF activity, Canyon State Credit Union may be able to help.
Corporate America Family Federal Credit Union
They offer a Fresh Start Checking Account that gives you the chance to rebuild your checking account history. You must keep a minimum balance of $100 in your Regular Share Account and there is a $10 monthly fee.
Conchise Credit Union
Conchise Credit Union uses a credit report to screen new customers. There is a $25 minimum opening deposit requirement.
Coconino Federal Credit Union
Offers several checking accounts to choose from. They use ChexSystems but will open an account if there is only 1 paid ChexSystems record and no fraud was indicated.
First American Community Credit Union
You must bring show your paid in full receipts from any previously owed financial institution to open a second chance checking account. The monthly fee is $10.
Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union
The Fresh Start Checking Account is called Mission Checking Account. It requires a minimum $20 opening deposit along with a $20 monthly service fee.
Tucson Federal Credit Union
Tucson Federal Credit Union offers a Second Chance Checking Account. But you must not have any fraud indicated on ChexSystems and no owed balances to ChexSystems. The Second Chance Account offers you many of the benefits of a Regular Checking account and after 12 months of successfully maintaining your Second Chance Account, you will be automatically be upgraded. You may also qualify for a $500 Visa Platinum credit card.
Final thoughts
A negative ChexSystems record can remain for 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.
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. There’s no reason to waste money by paying fees to conduct daily financial transactions.
ChexSystems Resources
- Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems – Take a look at our list of banks that do not use ChexSystems for a new checking account.
- EWS (Early Warning Services) – EWS is similar to ChexSystems and can prevent you from opening a checking account.
- Check your ChexSystems Report – Unsure what information exists in your ChexSystems report? Learn how to find out.
- ChexSystems Scores – Did you know that you have a ChexSystems score similar to a credit score? Find out how to get yours.
- Account Abuse – Find out why ChexSystems often reports customers for account abuse with no real explanation of what that notation means.
