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Connecticut Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions

Banks-in-Connecticut-that-don't-use-ChexSystems

Banks in Connecticut that offer second chance banking can help the thousands of households in Connecticut that are living without a bank account or, have a bank account with limited services continues to grow.

In 2017, one in 5 Connecticut households is unbanked or underbanked, according to data compiled by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. People without any type of account climbed in the state over the past six years.

Connecticut ranked 21st in the nation in the percentage of unbanked households. In the Hartford-East Hartford-West Hartford metropolitan statistical area, a slightly higher percentage of households are unbanked or underbanked – 25.6 percent. In the New Haven-Milford MSA, that percentage is slightly lower than statewide, at 19.5 percent. The Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk MSA is lower still, at 18 percent.

Check out our list of second chance checking accounts in Connecticut. 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.

Connecticut 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

OneUnited Bank's Online Checking Account is available to people in ALL STATES. We like OneUnited Bank because customers can add cash to the OneUnited Bank Debit Card at over 90,000 locations across the country through a partnership with Green Dot®.

OneUnited Bank offers the Black Wall Street Checking account with no monthly fee. However, if you don't qualify, they offer the U2 E-Checking Account specifically designed for bad credit.

To get started go to the “Get the Card” button, enter your name, email address and cell phone number. Choose the Black Wall Street Checking account option along with the opening deposit ($25.00 minimum), then complete your identification details (name, address, SSN, and employer).

Black Wall Street Checking Account Features

  • Minimum opening deposit of $25 (can be funded with a credit card).
  • No monthly fee.
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with early direct deposit.
  • Free Online & Mobile Banking.
  • Obtain Cash, Surcharge Free at Over 35,000 ATMs Nationwide.
  • Deposit checks through the mobile app.
  • Free Bill Pay
  • OneUnited also offers a secured credit card that reports to the major credit bureaus.

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Bank of America

Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Account is available to unbanked people through an initiative by the state of Connecticut. The Bank On Connecticut program lets unbanked people access free financial education and a basic checking account with access to a debit card but no written checks.

Community Credit Union of New Milford

They offer free checking with no minimum balance, no service restrictions, no trial periods ChexSystems is used but it depends on what the ChexSystems report contains. Fraud is typically a deal breaker and it's always best to have paid any bank owed. Anyone eligible for a membership can open a Savings Account.

Corporate America Family Federal Credit Union

They offer a Fresh Start Checking Account that gives you the chance to rebuild a positive checking account history. You must keep a minimum balance of $100 in your Regular Share Account. There is $10 monthly fee.

COREPLUS Federal Credit Union

A ChexSystems report is pulled but you may be able to open a checking if fraud is not indicated and the bank has been paid. Any eligible member can get a savings account regardless of ChexSystems.

Eastern Savings Bank

Eastern Savings Bank offers a Restart Checking Account available to individuals with paid ChexSystems records with no fraud indicated.  Open this account with just $25 and enjoy. There is o minimum balance requirement. The monthly service charge is $6.95.

Enfield Community Federal Credit Union

A ChexSystems report is pulled but you may be able to open a checking account depending on what's in the report. Fraud typically is a deal-breaker. And, it's best to have the records paid. Anyone eligible for membership can open a Savings Account.

FineX Credit Union

Finex Re-start Checking gives you exactly a second chance at banking. It’s the opportunity to make a fresh start even if you’ve had issues with your checking accounts in the past. No minimum balance and Monthly service fee of $15. The account is available for any Finex member who has one occurrence on ChexSystems for an amount equal to or less than $500 with the occurrence taking place more than 12 months from new account opening. Direct deposit or a current phone bill is required to open the account.

Hartford Federal Credit Union

2nd Chance Checking is designed to assist members who do not qualify for the regular checking account due to prior checking activity. There is a $5 monthly service fee but after a period of responsible use, members are able to transition to Classic Checking.

Jewett City Savings Bank

They do use ChexSystems but if the account is paid and does not indicate fraud you can open a checking
A debit card may not be issued for the first 3 months to be certain the account stays in good standing.

Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union

They offer a Second Chance Checking Account.

Rockland Trust

They use chexsystems but if the reporting bank is paid and no fraud is indicated they will probably open the account. For best results there should only be one reporting bank

Seasons Federal Credit Union

They use ChexSystems but anyone that is eligible for membership can open a savings. For a checking they may open an account if no fraud is reported and the debt to the reporting bank is paid.

Sikorsky Credit Union

They use ChexSystems but anyone eligible for a membership can get a savings account. For a checking account, it would depend on the record. For best results: Only one reporting bank, no debt owed to reporting bank and no fraud indicated.

Webster Bank

Webster Bank uses a ChexSystems report to open accounts but they offer a second chance account called Opportunity Checking. There is a $50 minimum opening deposit required. The monthly service charge is $16.95 without direct deposit and $11.95 with direct deposit.

Westerly Community Credit Union

They offer a Second Chance Checking Account for a 10.00 monthly fee.

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