What is a second chance bank account?

A second chance bank account is a checking account designed for people who have been denied a traditional account due to a negative ChexSystems or Early Warning Services (EWS) record, past overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures. These accounts typically have no (or low) overdraft fees, modest monthly fees, and more lenient approval requirements. Many are certified by the CFE Fund Bank On program, which sets national standards for safe, affordable accounts (monthly fee of $5 or less, no overdraft fees, free bill pay).

What is ChexSystems and how does it affect me?

ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that tracks your banking history, similar to a credit bureau but for bank accounts. When you apply for a new checking account, most banks check ChexSystems. If you have a history of overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures, a negative ChexSystems report can cause your application to be denied. Reports generally remain on file for five years. You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report once per year at chexsystems.com.

What is Early Warning Services (EWS)?

Early Warning Services (EWS) is a consumer reporting agency owned by major banks including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and others. Like ChexSystems, EWS tracks banking history and negative records. Some banks use EWS instead of (or in addition to) ChexSystems. Chase Secure Banking, for example, uses EWS rather than ChexSystems. You can request a free EWS report once per year at earlywarning.com.

What is the Bank On program?

Bank On is a national initiative run by the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund that certifies bank and credit union accounts meeting safe, affordable standards. Certified accounts have a monthly fee of $5 or less, no overdraft fees, no overdraft or nonsufficient fund fees, free bill pay, and a debit card. As of 2026, more than 500 certified accounts are available at over 46,000 branches across every state and Washington DC. You can find certified accounts at joinbankon.org.

Can I open a second chance account online?

Yes. Most national neobank accounts (Chime, Varo, SoFi, GO2bank, Capital One 360, Ally) can be opened online in a few minutes with no ChexSystems check. Bank On certified accounts at Chase, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Bank of America, and Citi can also be opened online. Woodforest Second Chance Checking must be opened in person at a branch (typically inside Walmart). Some credit-union second-chance accounts require an in-person visit or membership eligibility.

How much do second chance accounts cost?

Costs vary widely. The best national neobank accounts (Chime, Varo, SoFi, Capital One 360, Ally) charge $0 monthly fee with no minimum deposit. Bank On certified accounts typically charge $4.95 to $5 per month, often waivable with direct deposit or a minimum balance. Traditional second-chance accounts at credit unions and community banks may charge $5 to $15 per month. Woodforest Second Chance Checking charges $9.95 per month with direct deposit ($11.95 without) plus a $9 one-time setup fee.

Can I switch from a second chance account to a regular account later?

Yes. Most second chance and Bank On certified accounts are designed as a pathway to regular banking. After maintaining the account in good standing for a set period (typically 6 to 24 months) with no overdrafts, negative balances, or unpaid fees, many banks will convert the account to a standard checking account or allow you to open one. Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking, for example, requires 365 days before conversion. Ask your bank about its specific graduation policy.

Are credit unions a good option for second chance banking?

Yes. Credit unions often offer second-chance or fresh-start checking accounts with lower fees and more personal service than large banks. Many are also Bank On certified. Membership is typically based on where you live, work, worship, or attend school. NCUA-insured credit unions are safe and federally regulated. Check the NerdWallet second-chance list by state or the Bank On registry to find credit unions in your area.

What if I am denied even for a second chance account?

If you are denied, request your free ChexSystems and EWS reports to see what is being reported and dispute any errors. Try a national neobank first (Chime, Varo, SoFi) since they do not use ChexSystems. If those fail, consider a prepaid debit card (such as GO2bank or Bluebird) as a temporary solution while you rebuild. You can also open a savings account or secured credit card to begin rebuilding your banking relationship. Pay off any outstanding bank debts, which often triggers removal from ChexSystems.

Does direct deposit help with second chance accounts?

Yes. Setting up direct deposit of your paycheck or government benefits is one of the most valuable things you can do. Many second-chance and Bank On accounts waive the monthly fee when you receive qualifying direct deposits (typically $100 to $500 per month). Direct deposit also demonstrates financial stability to the bank, which helps you graduate to a regular account. Most neobanks also offer early direct deposit, giving you access to your money up to two days sooner.

Second Chance Bank Accounts in Missouri (2026)

Missouri has excellent second-chance coverage with many credit unions (Columbia CU, Electro Savings CU, St. Louis Community CU, Health Care Family CU, United Consumers CU) and Bank On certified accounts at Great Southern Bank. St. Louis and Kansas City in particular have abundant options.

Last updated: 2026-08-03

The Short Answer

If you have been denied a checking account in Missouri because of a negative ChexSystems or Early Warning Services record, unpaid overdrafts, or past account closures, you still have real options. The nationwide accounts below are open toMissouri residents with no ChexSystems screening and low or zero fees, and theMissouri-specific banks and credit unions listed here offer second-chance, fresh start, or Bank On-certified accounts designed for people rebuilding their banking history. Most can be opened online in minutes.

Best Nationwide Second-Chance Accounts (available in Missouri)

These accounts are open to residents of every state, do not use ChexSystems to screen applicants, and carry low or no monthly fees. They are the easiest path back into banking.

Institution	Account	Monthly Fee	Min. Deposit	ChexSystems	Note / Eligibility
Chime	Chime Checking Account	$0	$0	No (no screening)	No ChexSystems or credit check. No overdraft fees, no monthly fee. Online-only with 60,000+ fee-free ATMs.
Chase	Chase Secure Banking	$4.95 (waivable with $250+ direct deposit or age 17-24)	$0	No (uses EWS, not ChexSystems)	Bank On certified. No overdraft fees. 4,700+ branches and 15,000+ ATMs. Cannot have had a Chase account closed previously.
Wells Fargo	Clear Access Banking	$5 (waivable with $250+ deposits or age 13-24)	$25	No (second-chance review, does not use ChexSystems)	Bank On certified. Checkless account, no overdraft fees. Designed for those unable to open standard accounts due to past banking history.
Capital One	360 Checking	$0	$0	No (stopped using ChexSystems in 2014)	No monthly fee, no minimum. 70,000+ fee-free ATMs. Branches in select states. Cash deposits at CVS/Walgreens.
SoFi	SoFi Checking and Savings	$0	$0	No (no ChexSystems screening)	No monthly fee, no minimum. Up to 3.10% APY on savings with eligible direct deposit. Overdraft coverage up to $50 with no fee.
Varo	Varo Bank Account	$0	$0	No (no ChexSystems screening)	Online-only bank. No monthly fee, no minimum balance. 40,000+ fee-free ATMs. Early direct deposit available.
U.S. Bank	Safe Debit Account	$4.95	$25	No (Bank On certified, lenient review)	Bank On certified checkless account. No overdraft fees. No paper checks. Available where U.S. Bank operates.
Bank of America	Advantage SafeBalance Banking	$4.95 (waivable with $500+ daily balance, age under 25, or Preferred Rewards)	$25	Yes, second-chance review (Bank On certified)	Bank On certified. No overdraft fees, no paper checks. Best for those who want a major bank with branches.

MissouriBanks & Credit Unions with Second-Chance Accounts

Local and regional institutions in Missouri that offer second-chance, fresh start, or Bank On-certified checking. Credit unions may require you to live or work in a qualifying county or join the credit union first.

Institution	Account	Monthly Fee	Min. Deposit	ChexSystems	Note / Eligibility
Columbia Credit Union	Fresh-Start Checking	Varies	Varies	Yes, second-chance review	Central MO
Electro Savings Credit Union	Fresh Start Checking	Varies	Varies	Yes, second-chance review	St. Louis area
First State Community Bank	New Opportunity Checking	Varies	Varies	Yes, second-chance review	Southwest MO
Health Care Family Credit Union	Fresh Start Checking	Varies	Varies	Yes, second-chance review	St. Louis area
Montgomery Bank	Montgomery New Start Checking	Varies	Varies	Yes, second-chance review	Southeast MO
St. Louis Community Credit Union	Freedom Checking	Varies	Varies	Yes, second-chance review	St. Louis area
United Consumers Credit Union	Second Chance Checking	Varies	Varies	Yes, second-chance review	Also serves KS
Great Southern Bank	Foundations Banking	$5 (Bank On certified)	Varies	Yes, second-chance review	Bank On certified, statewide

Bank On-certified institutions in Missouri: approximately 24. Bank On accounts meet national safe-account standards ($5 or less monthly fee, no overdraft fees, free bill pay). See the Bank On registry for the full current list.

How to Apply in Missouri

Apply online with Chime or SoFi for instant approval. For in-person service in St. Louis, visit St. Louis Community Credit Union or Electro Savings CU. For other areas, visit a Great Southern Bank branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a second chance bank account?: A second chance bank account is a checking account designed for people who have been denied a traditional account due to a negative ChexSystems or Early Warning Services (EWS) record, past overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures. These accounts typically have no (or low) overdraft fees, modest monthly fees, and more lenient approval requirements. Many are certified by the CFE Fund Bank On program, which sets national standards for safe, affordable accounts (monthly fee of $5 or less, no overdraft fees, free bill pay).
What is ChexSystems and how does it affect me?: ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that tracks your banking history, similar to a credit bureau but for bank accounts. When you apply for a new checking account, most banks check ChexSystems. If you have a history of overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures, a negative ChexSystems report can cause your application to be denied. Reports generally remain on file for five years. You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report once per year at chexsystems.com.
What is Early Warning Services (EWS)?: Early Warning Services (EWS) is a consumer reporting agency owned by major banks including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and others. Like ChexSystems, EWS tracks banking history and negative records. Some banks use EWS instead of (or in addition to) ChexSystems. Chase Secure Banking, for example, uses EWS rather than ChexSystems. You can request a free EWS report once per year at earlywarning.com.
What is the Bank On program?: Bank On is a national initiative run by the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund that certifies bank and credit union accounts meeting safe, affordable standards. Certified accounts have a monthly fee of $5 or less, no overdraft fees, no overdraft or nonsufficient fund fees, free bill pay, and a debit card. As of 2026, more than 500 certified accounts are available at over 46,000 branches across every state and Washington DC. You can find certified accounts at joinbankon.org.
Can I open a second chance account online?: Yes. Most national neobank accounts (Chime, Varo, SoFi, GO2bank, Capital One 360, Ally) can be opened online in a few minutes with no ChexSystems check. Bank On certified accounts at Chase, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Bank of America, and Citi can also be opened online. Woodforest Second Chance Checking must be opened in person at a branch (typically inside Walmart). Some credit-union second-chance accounts require an in-person visit or membership eligibility.
How much do second chance accounts cost?: Costs vary widely. The best national neobank accounts (Chime, Varo, SoFi, Capital One 360, Ally) charge $0 monthly fee with no minimum deposit. Bank On certified accounts typically charge $4.95 to $5 per month, often waivable with direct deposit or a minimum balance. Traditional second-chance accounts at credit unions and community banks may charge $5 to $15 per month. Woodforest Second Chance Checking charges $9.95 per month with direct deposit ($11.95 without) plus a $9 one-time setup fee.
Can I switch from a second chance account to a regular account later?: Yes. Most second chance and Bank On certified accounts are designed as a pathway to regular banking. After maintaining the account in good standing for a set period (typically 6 to 24 months) with no overdrafts, negative balances, or unpaid fees, many banks will convert the account to a standard checking account or allow you to open one. Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking, for example, requires 365 days before conversion. Ask your bank about its specific graduation policy.
Are credit unions a good option for second chance banking?: Yes. Credit unions often offer second-chance or fresh-start checking accounts with lower fees and more personal service than large banks. Many are also Bank On certified. Membership is typically based on where you live, work, worship, or attend school. NCUA-insured credit unions are safe and federally regulated. Check the NerdWallet second-chance list by state or the Bank On registry to find credit unions in your area.
What if I am denied even for a second chance account?: If you are denied, request your free ChexSystems and EWS reports to see what is being reported and dispute any errors. Try a national neobank first (Chime, Varo, SoFi) since they do not use ChexSystems. If those fail, consider a prepaid debit card (such as GO2bank or Bluebird) as a temporary solution while you rebuild. You can also open a savings account or secured credit card to begin rebuilding your banking relationship. Pay off any outstanding bank debts, which often triggers removal from ChexSystems.
Does direct deposit help with second chance accounts?: Yes. Setting up direct deposit of your paycheck or government benefits is one of the most valuable things you can do. Many second-chance and Bank On accounts waive the monthly fee when you receive qualifying direct deposits (typically $100 to $500 per month). Direct deposit also demonstrates financial stability to the bank, which helps you graduate to a regular account. Most neobanks also offer early direct deposit, giving you access to your money up to two days sooner.

Take Action -- Direct Links

Second Chance Banking -- General Guide
The national overview of second chance bank accounts, ChexSystems, and how they work.
Banks That Do Not Use ChexSystems
Full list of banks and online accounts that do not screen with ChexSystems.
Secured Credit Cards
Rebuild your credit alongside your new checking account with a secured card.
Credit Builder Loans & Accounts
Build credit and savings at the same time with a credit-builder loan.
How to Rebuild Your Credit
Step-by-step plan for rebuilding credit after financial setbacks.
Bank On -- Find a Certified Account
The CFE Fund Bank On registry of safe, affordable certified accounts nationwide.
NCUA Credit Union Locator
Find a federally insured credit union near you -- many offer second-chance products.

Related Resources on This Site

Helpful guides

SR22 InsuranceSR-22 insurance guide by state
Eviction-FriendlySecond chance apartments that accept evictions
halfway-housesHalfway houses -- how they work & finding one
transitional-housingTransitional housing programs -- complete guide

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not financial or legal advice. Account fees, eligibility, and availability change frequently and vary by institution and applicant. Always confirm current terms directly with the bank or credit union before applying.

← Mississippi

Back to Second Chance Banking

Montana→