Pennsylvania has a high number of unbanked consumers. Approximately 14.3% of Philadelphia residents are unbanked. In Pittsburgh more than 10% of residents have no bank account according to FDIC.
The unbanked rely on prepaid cards, check cashing operations and even payday lending to provide financial services. Relying on payday loans and check cashing operations is a costly alternative.
It is important for consumers to have long-term financial stability while building wealth. Traditional banking services offer a greater chance for families to achieve their financial goals. If you are a Pennsylvania resident you may be able to open a non-chexsystems bank account or second chance checking account in your area.
A negative ChexSystems record can remain 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.
Check out our list of second chance checking accounts in Pennsylvania. 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.
Pennsylvania 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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United Bank
United Bank offers several checking accounts and they do have a free account for everyone. The “United FREE Checking offers No minimum balance; No monthly service charge; No per check charge; Unlimited check writing; United VISA® Check Card*; FREE Online Banking; FREE Bill Pay and eStatements. They do not use ChexSystems. The minimum opening deposit is $50.
Allegent Community Federal Credit Union
Residents of Pittsburgh looking for a no-chexsystems bank may be qualified to open a Fresh Start checking account. The account features a Visa debit card, free online banking and bill pay and unlimited check writing. Direct deposit is required along with a $9 monthly service fee. The required opening deposit is $25. There are restrictions with this account but after 12 months of active use with no NSF’s members are eligible to upgrade to a regular checking account.
PNC Bank
Customers seeking to re-establish themselves in the banking system may qualify for the “Foundation Checking” account. There is a monthly service fee of $7. An additional fee of $2 will be charge if you prefer paper statements. There are no options to avoid the monthly service charge. Once your account has been opened for 6 months or more you may be eligible to upgrade to a different checking account.
Meadville Area Federal Credit Union
The 2nd Chance Checking account is for consumers with previous unsatisfactory checking account performance. The monthly service fee is $5 and is debited from your account monthly. A $35.00 deposit is required to be secured in the regular share savings account as a good faith gesture of intent to maintain a satisfactory checking account. The member will NOT be eligible for a debit card during the period in which they are enrolled in the 2nd Chance Checking Account program. At the conclusion of the 12 month period you will be eligible for a standard checking account if you have maintained a satisfactory checking account record.
Sun Federal Credit Union
Sun Federal’s “Fresh Start Checking” account can help you get back on track, build a history of responsible account management, and improve your financial standing. The Fresh Start checking account features all the benefits of the regular checking accounts for a small monthly fee of $10. You must complete the credit union’s CheckRight financial education course to help you manage your money. After 12 months in good standing you can apply for a regular, fee-free checking account.
West Branch Valley Federal Credit Union
If you have been denied a checking account they offer a “Second Chance Checking” account. Even if you’ve been reported to ChexSystems in Pennsylvania you can open the Second Chance Checking account to make deposits, conveniently pay bills online, access ATM’s worldwide, or simply shop and pay with your Visa check card.
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.