Second chance banks in Georgia offer an opportunity for people to re-enter the banking system along with building a positive banking history.
According to a FDIC national survey, Georgia is one of the top states leading in unbanked households at 10.6 percent even though the number of unbanked households has dropped nationwide.
Living without a bank account can be expensive especially if you depend on alternative financial services such as check cashing stores in Georgia, title loans, and even pawn shops. Alternative financial services often charge much higher rates than banks.
Check out our list of second chance checking accounts in Georgia. 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.
Georgia Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions
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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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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Associated Credit Union
Associated Credit Union does not use ChexSystems, they use an Equifax credit report. They offer two checking accounts, the Associated Checking and Simple Checking. Both accounts require a minimum $25 to open.
Community Bank & Trust
Community Bank & Trust offers a checking account called “Second Slice.” Community Bank & Trust is a Georgia second chance bank option. The minimum required to open the Second Slice account is $100. You get unlimited check writing, ATM Card, access to mobile banking apps, e-statements and direct deposit is available.
DOCO Credit Union
Visit DOCO Credit Union to inquire about a special account designed for members who truly need a fresh start.
Excel Federal Credit Union
Find a Second Chance Bank Account in Georgia at Excel Federal Credit Union. Excel Credit Union offers a Fresh Start Checking Account designed for those who are working to reestablish their credit. There are fees associated with this account. You must speak with member services for more information and to see if you qualify.
First State Bank
First State Bank has an Access Checking account with a $10 monthly service fee. It requires a $100 minimum deposit to open. Maintain a $1,000 average daily balance or have $500 in Direct Deposits to avoid the $10 monthly service fee.
Georgia United Credit Union
Georgia United Credit Union offers a Restart Checking Account for members looking for a second chance at banking. There is a $12 per month fee for the second chance checking account. The minimum opening deposit is $25 and direct deposit is required.
Georgia’s Own Credit Union
The “Resolution Checking” is designed to help re-establish financial stability for members who have had previous credit problems and are not eligible for other checking accounts. You must speak with Georgia’s Own representatives for details and important account features.
Members United Credit Union
Visit Members United Credit Union to inquire about the Second Chance Checking account designed to help repair a poor checking history.
Peach State Federal Credit Union
A Fresh Start Checking Account is available to people in ChexSystems. Account holders have access to a debit card but there is a monthly checking fee. After the account has been open for 12 consecutive months, the member may request to have their account changed to either a Basic or Premium Checking Account.
Renasant Bank
You can have a ChexSystems, Telecheck or EWS record but there must not be any money owed to Renasant Bank. Checking accounts offer free online bill pay along with mobile banking. You should apply online.
Robins Federal Credit Union
The Second Chance Checking account at Robins Federal includes many of the same features as the Classic Checking account, but is designed to help rebuild your financial history and put you on the path to a bright financial future. Some of the features include a monthly service fee of $10, unlimited check writing, free Visa debit card, free online banking, mobile banking and after 12 months of good account management you will be eligible to apply for a Classic Checking. The minimum required to open the Second Chance account is $50.
Rochelle State Bank
There are several accounts available to people in ChexSystems because they only require proper identification to open an account. The Regular Checking Account requires a $100 opening deposit. Should your balance falls below $500 on any day in the month, your account will be subject to a $5.00 maintenance fee for that month.
Seaside Island Bank
Seaside Island Bank has an Access Checking account with a $10 monthly service fee. It requires a $100 minimum deposit to open. Maintain a $1,000 average daily balance or have $500 in Direct Deposits to avoid the $10 monthly service fee.
The Heritage Bank
The Heritage Bank does not use ChexSystems, Telecheck or EWS. The account must be opened in-person and only proper identification is required. Several different checking accounts are available but the one with no monthly maintenance is called “Connect Checking”. The minimum deposit to open is $50.
Woodforest
Woodforest offers a “Second Chance” account. The minimum opening deposit is $25.00. There is a monthly service charge which breaksdown as follows: $7.95 with direct deposit(3); $9.95 without direct deposit and a $9.00 one-time account set up fee.
Best tips to manage second chance banking
If you want to ensure your new second chance account will stay open try these account management tips:
- Keep a cushion in your account and link a savings account to your checking account to cover possible overdrafts.
- Online banking allows you to access your account from anywhere in the world, any day of the week, at any time of day and as often as you want, for free. Check your account balances, move money between accounts and pay bills electronically.
- Getting an account with overdraft protection can eliminate the problem of bounced checks and prevent you from paying returned check fees from the merchant that received the bounced check and your bank for non-sufficient funds fees.
The most important action to take once you open a new bank account is to avoid overdrafts, bounced checks and depositing third-party checks into your account. These actions can lead to account closing and a lower ChexSystems score.