Texas has multiple banks that offer second chance checking accounts for consumers with past banking issues.
According to a 2019 FDIC Unbanked Survey, 7.7% of people in Texas are unbanked.
There’s a high cost for living outside the banking system. For example, check-cashing companies charge their customers between 1 and 12 percent of a check’s value.
Traditional banking is not only convenient but can save you money. Check out our list of second chance checking accounts in Texas. 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.
Second chance checking accounts in Texas
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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Bancorp South
Build a positive checking account history with Bancorp South second chance checking account. Second Chance Checking can help get you back on the right track.
Bank of Texas
Bank of Texas offers an account called “Opportunity Checking” that is designed to let you start over even though you have a ChexSystems record. The minimum opening deposit is $50. The account comes with a Free Visa Debit Card, Online BillPay charge for a $3.95 monthly fee that includes 15 payments per month & $0.20 per payment thereafter. There is a monthly service fee of $14.95.
Kelly Community Federal Credit Union
They offer a checking account called the “Smart Choice Checking.” This account helps those with imperfect checking histories.
Landmark Bank
Landmark Bank offers a second chance checking account called “Rebound Checking”. This account offers a free Visa® Debit Card, a free box of Landmark Bank logo checks and up to 5 ATM Network fees waived per-month. There is a monthly service fee of $9.99. Plus, if you keep your second chance checking account in good standing for 12 consecutive months, you will be eligible to switch to another checking account type, including Better Free Checking
Rio Bank
They offer Fresh Start Checking that comes with an $11.56 monthly fee.
Peoples Bank
They offer second chance checking if you have been denied a checking account because of past problems with ChexSystems or TeleCheck. Requires a $30 opening deposit.
SouthSide Bank
Re-establish and restore checking history with a second chance checking account called Next Checking.
Carmine State Bank
They require a drivers license and a social security card to open new accounts.
Columbus State Bank
They use Telecheck to open new accounts.
1st Convenience Bank
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.
Fort Hood National Bank
Fort Hood National Bank only requires valid identification to open new accounts.
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.
First National Bank of Lake Jackson
They use Telecheck to verify new customers.
First State Bank
They use Telecheck to verify new customers.
Grand Bank Of Texas
Grand Bank of Texas uses Telecheck. They offer several checking accounts including the GRAND E-CHECKING that requires an opening deposit of $25, no monthly service charge and no minimum balance requirements. There is a $5 per month charge if you want paper statements with images – $5.00 per month.
Texas Gulf Bank
They use Telecheck to verify new accounts.
Credit Unions in Texas
There are multiple credit unions in Texas 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.
Allied Federal Credit Union
Allied Federal Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called “Fresh Start Checking.” It’s designed for members who have been turned away from other financial institutions due to past account discrepancies. There is a $10.00 monthly service charge.
American Airlines Credit Union
American Airlines Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called “Ascend Checking.” If you’ve had troubles with a checking account in the past and are ready to rebuild your history, Ascend Checking can help you get there.
Chocolate Bayou Credit Union
They offer an account called Clean Slate Checking, if you’re credit isn’t in the best shape
Corporate America Family Federal Credit Union
They offer a Fresh Start Checking Account with these requirements: (1) Be a member of Corporate America Family Credit Union; (2) Keep a minimum balance of $100 in your Regular Share Account; (3) $10 monthly fee.
Energy Captial Credit Union
Energy Capital Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking account available for most individuals with previous bank collection activities of $100 or less. There is no minimum balance but there is a $10 monthly service fee.
First Central Credit Union
They offer a second chance account called New Beginnings Checking for members who do not qualify for our regular checking account due to prior financial difficulties.
First Service Credit Union
Fresh Start Checking for members who need a second chance at having a checking account
Harris County Federal Credit Union
Harris County Federal Credit Union offers the Second Chance Share Draft Checking designed to provide members who have a negative checking account history the opportunity to reestablish themselves. This account also has unlimited check writing privileges.
Houston Metropolitan Federal Credit Union
Houston Metropolitan Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called “Freedom Second Chance Checking.” It requires a $5 minimum to open account plus comes with a $10 monthly service fee if minimum daily balance of $250 is not maintained.
Las Colinas Federal Credit Union
They offer second chance checking account that requires $25 to open. The monthly fee is $10.
Member Source Credit Union
Member Source Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called Select Checking. If you’ve experienced a credit hardship and need a “Second Chance” checking account, Select Checking is for you.
Members Choice Credit Union
A second chance checking account called “Opportunity Checking” is available for members who need to get their finances back in order. It’s $25 to open plus a $5 monthly fee if you don’t have at least a $400 monthly direct deposit.
Members Trust of the Southwest Federal Credit Union
They offer second chance checking called Start-Up Checking. $50 is required to open the account. In 6 months you can apply for a Visa debit card.
Memorial Credit Union
They offer second chance checking called “New Path Checking.”
Nascoga Federal Credit Union
They offer Fresh Start Checking that requires a $25 minimum deposit required to open and a $10 per month service charge / $7.50 with direct deposit.
Neighborhood Credit Union
Fresh Start Checking is available for those who have had closures at other financial institutions but the monthly fee is a little high at $20.
North East Texas Credit Union
They use Telecheck and offer Fresh Start Checking. Minimum opening deposit is $100. A $50 pledge balance must remain in the account at all times and there is a $10/month account fee.
Postel Family Credit Union
They offer Fresh Start Checking.
Premier America Credit Union
Premier America Credit Union offers a “Fresh Start” checking account for people with past ChexSystems records. The minimum deposit required to open an account is $25. There is a monthly service fee of $13 but it can be reduced to $10 with minimum of $200 monthly direct deposit. You must open the account in a branch.
Prestige Community Credit Union
They offer Fresh Start Checking. $10 monthly fee with direct deposit, $15 monthly fee without direct deposit.
SELECT Federal Credit Union
They offer Fresh Start Checking. Minimum to open is $25.00, account subject to a monthly service charge of $10.00
Star of Texas Credit Union
They offer second chance checking. $50 minimum opening balance; $10 monthly maintenance fee required; $100 deposit required to be on hold for 12 months in a savings account; monies will be released after the 12 month period if account is converted to a regular checking account.
Tarrant County’s Credit Union
They offer Fresh Start Checking for members with less than perfect credit.
Texas People Federal Credit Union
They offer Opportunity Checking.
TruWest Credit Union
TruWest CU has an account called “Opportunity Checking”. 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.
United San Antonio Community Federal Credit Union
United SA Federal Credit Union offers a “Do-Over Checking Account”. There is a $25 minimum opening deposit, unlimited check writing, no minimum balance requirement and a monthly fee of $10. Other features include a MasterCard® Check Card, Free E-Bills with no limit on the number of payments.
United SA Federal Credit Union
They offer second chance checking called Do Over checking
Unity One Credit Union
They do offer a second chance account called Clean Start Checking.
Velocity Credit Union
They offer a second chance account called Access Checking.
Western Federal Credit Union
They offer a second chance account called Right Start Checking
Chemcel Federal Credit Union
They use Telecheck to open new account.
City Credit Union
They use Telecheck to open new accounts.
Doches Credit Union
Telecheck is used to verify new account.
East Texas Professional Community Credit Union
They use Telecheck.
Firstmark Credit Union
They use Telecheck and a credit report to verify your identity.
Lufkin Federal Credit Union
They require proper identification and a Social Security card to open new accounts.
Pantex Federal Credit Union
They use a credit report to open new accounts.
Primeway Federal Credit Union
They use Telecheck to verify new accounts.
River City Federal Credit Union
They use Telecheck to verify new accounts.
Shell Federal Credit Union
They use Telecheck to verify new accounts.
Smart Financial Credit Union
They use Telecheck to verify new accounts.
Texas Bay Area Credit Union
They use Telecheck to verify new accounts.
Texas Catholic Community Credit Union
They use Telecheck to verify new accounts.
United Heritage Credit Union
They use Telecheck and a proper ID. They also offer a second chance account
Final thoughts
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.
Whether you choose a bank or credit union, 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.
