The Best Banks & Credit Unions in Florida That Offer Second Chance Bank Accounts

1st National Bank of South Florida New Opportunity Checking

Alabama Credit Union Fix It Checking. Also in AL

Atlantic Coast Bank Coast Checking

Axiom Bank Opportunity Checking

CenterState Bank of Florida Fresh Start Checking

Central Credit Union of Florida Fresh Start Checking

Central Florida Postal Credit Union Second Chance Checking

City County Employees Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

Community First Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

Compass Financial Federal Credit Union Restart Checking

First American Bank Fresh Start Checking

First Florida Credit Union Smart Track Checking

Gold Coast Federal Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union My Opportunity Checking

Jax Federal Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

JetStream Federal Credit Union Second Chance Checking

Liberty Savings Bank Clean Slate Checking

McCoy Federal Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

MembersFirst Credit Union of Florida Second Chance Checking

Okaloosa County Teachers Federal Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

One South Bank One South Opportunity Checking

San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union Second Chance Checking

South Florida Federal Credit Union Second Chance Checking

• People's Alliance Federal Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  ID

  Special Notes

  Do not mention that you have found this account through our site, it will cause them to be suspicious that you have had problems with other banks.

  Email from Bank:

  We don't use any of those. We give everyone a new chance.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking, savings and business accounts

  Learn more about People's Alliance Federal Credit Union
• Campus USA Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  Credit report

  Email from Bank:

  We pull credit reports through Equifax.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking, savings and business accounts

  Learn more about Campus USA Credit Union
• Florida Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  TeleCheck and a credit report

  Email from Bank:

  We run each new account applicant through TeleCheck and pull a credit report from Equifax.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking, savings and business accounts

  Learn more about Florida Credit Union
• First Choice Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  ID and credit report

  Email from Bank:

  We require a valid drivers license and social security card. With a checking account we will pull credit.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking and savings

  Learn more about First Choice Credit Union
• 1st Credit Union of Gainesville

  Form of Verification:

  Credit report, telecheck, and OFAC

  Email from Bank:

  We use Equifax for credit on new accounts, and TeleCheck. Additionally, we run OFAC checks.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking, savings and business accounts

  Learn more about 1st Credit Union of Gainesville
• Eglin Federal Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  ID

  Special Notes

  They do not use ChexSystems, TeleCheck or EWS.

  Email from Bank:

  Eglin Federal Credit Union does not use ChexSystems or run a credit report when you open a checking account.

  Sincerely, Barbara

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking and savings

  Learn more about Eglin Federal Credit Union
• Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems

  Special Notes

  Must be paid and not show fraud for a checking but anyone can get a savings.

  USE CHEXSYSTEMS BUT ANYONE THAT QUALIFIES FOR MEMBERSHIP CAN GET A SAVINGS ACCOUNT.

  Email from Bank:

  Thank you for your recent email. If you qualify for membership you may open a savings account. If it has been 2 years from the date the account was paid in full then you could possibly be approved for a checking account.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal savings possibly checking

  Learn more about Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union
• Jetstream Federal Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems

  Special Notes

  IF CHEX IS PAID YOU CAN OPEN A SAVINGS ONLY

  SHOULD NOT SHOW FRAUD

  Email from Bank:

  IF YOU HAVE CHEXSYSTEMS, YOU CAN OPEN A SAVINGS BUT NOT A CHECKING ACCT.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Savings only

  Learn more about Jetstream Federal Credit Union
• Peoples Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems

  Special Notes

  Second Chance Checking

  • One time Membership Fee $5.00
  • One time Administrative Fee: $20.00
  • Minimum Deposit to Savings: $300.00
  • (Membership Share – As an account holder all members must maintain $50.00 in their savings (share) account. 2nd Chance Checking members must maintain $250. on hold in their savings (share) account as security. Deposits on hold will earn interest.)
  • Minimum Deposit to Checking: $50.00 (Cost of checks will be deducted from this amount.)

  Total amount to set up your account: $375.00

  Monthly service fee only $10. per month includes:

  • No per check charges
  • ATM Card (Nationwide access)
  • VISA/Debit Card (Worldwide access)
  • Unlimited Audio Teller Transactions
  • Unlimited On-Line Banking
  • Unlimited On-Line Bill Payer
  • Direct Deposit of your Paycheck, or any reoccurring deposit such as social security, pension, etc.

  Email from Bank:

  Hello good afternoon. Yes you may get an account with us.

  However if your name is still under ChexSystems you will have to get a Second chance account with us.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Second chance checking

  Learn more about Peoples Credit Union
• 1st National Bank of South Florida

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems

  Special Notes

  ChexSystems must be paid and not indicate fraud.

  Open a "New Opportunity Checking" Account and receive these benefits:

  • No Per-Check Fee
  • FREE Online Banking
  • FREE Online Bill Pay
  • FREE Online Statements
  • Opening required deposit - $100.
  • Monthly balance fee - $15.00 per month.
  • -after 6 months to a year you may be able to apply for a regular account

  Email from Bank:

  Anyone reported to check systems who live within our market area (Homestead, Miami or Ft. Lauderdale) can apply for the new opportunity checking account, but; not everyone who applies will be approved. A branch manager is required to review the check systems report and make that decision.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Second chance checking

  Learn more about 1st National Bank of South Florida
• Republic Bank & Trust Company

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems

  Special Notes

  A special electronic transaction account with no minimum balance for clients with no more than 4 ChexSystems records.

  Fresh Start

  • No minimum balance
  • Free Republic STAR/Presto ATM transactions
  • $2 ATM Transaction at any non-Republic/Presto ATM
  • $50 minimum opening deposit
  • Access the account with your CheckCard (make withdrawals at Star/PLUS/Presto ATMs; make purchases at retailers).
  • Free Internet Banking (not eligible for Bill Pay)
  • $10 Account setup fee
  • $12.95 Monthly fee with direct deposit; $19.95 Monthly fee without direct deposit

  Honor Plus Account

  • Rebuild your banking privileges with Republic Bank's Honor Plus Account. The Honor Plus Account is a no minimum balance account, with a Republic Bank CheckCard and unlimited check writing.
  • No minimum balance
  • Unlimited CheckCard transactions
  • Free Republic Bank Star/Presto ATM transactions
  • Free Internet banking
  • Unlimited automatic payments to pay your monthly bills
  • Eligible for Internet Bill Pay
  • Eligible to open savings product
  • Unlimited check writing

  Email from Bank:

  Yes, even if you have reports on ChexSystems you would still be eligible for either our Honor Plus or our Fresh Start accounts. You are eligible for Honor Plus if you have two or less reports on ChexSystems and at least one must be paid. You would be eligible for Fresh Start no matter the number of reports you have on ChexSystems. The main difference between the two accounts is the Fresh Start does not have check writing privileges. These are both available on our website or in any Banking Center.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Second chance checking

  Learn more about Republic Bank & Trust Company
• Jax Federal Credit Union

  Special Notes

  They only pull a credit report. You can get a savings if your score is too low. However, if you do direct deposit into savings, after a month, they will open a checking with a limited debit card.

  Email from person that got an account: Thanks for your help. I did find a bank it was Jax Federal Union.

  Email from person that got an account: I opened a checking account at Jacksonville credit union in Atlantic Beach, FL 32266 They don't use ChexSystems (only a hard credit check through Equifax)...they even told me I could get a car loan through them if I so choose.

  Email from person that got an account: The Representative I actually spoke to, "Judy", also indicated that JAXFCU used to allow Customers whose credit score was not high enough to get a checking account after having a savings account with direct deposit for a month, but now they rely on the credit score exclusively. However, they do offer Customers an opportunity to attend a free class called "Get Checking" (904-387-8850; and bring in a certificate indicating that they have passed the course in order to get a checking account.

  Email from Bank:

  We use an Equifax credit report for opening a new account or checking account. A score of 540 is required.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking, savings and business checking

  Learn more about Jax Federal Credit Union
• Grow Financial Federal Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  Credit report

  Special Notes

  Does not use ChexSystems.

  Anyone in Florida can get a membership and an account here. You do not have to be local to a branch to get a membership, you can open by mail

  Email from Bank:

  When a new account application is received, we pull the credit of the applicants. The information found on a credit report provides us with necessary information that we use to determine what products and services you qualify for and which ones will best suit your needs. If you don’t qualify for the regular checking they do have a starter checking.

  Grow Starter Checking is a basic checking account designed to help members build a strong credit history. It comes with all the standard features you need to manage your everyday spending and has just a $10 monthly service fee. And, if your Starter Checking Account is kept in good standing for one year, you can automatically step up to Grow Everyday Checking. It comes with a debit card as well .. it is a regular checking other than the monthly fee.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking, savings and business

  Learn more about Grow Financial Federal Credit Union
• Calhoun-Liberty Employees Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  Telecheck or a credit report

  Special Notes

  They do not use ChexSystems.

  Email from Bank:

  We use TeleCheck or credit report.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking and savings accounts

  Learn more about Calhoun-Liberty Employees Credit Union
• University Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  TeleCheck and a credit report

  Special Notes

  They do not use ChexSystems.

  Email from Bank:

  In addition to running credit, we use TeleCheck.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking and savings

  Learn more about University Credit Union
• Community Trust Federal Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  Credit report and ID

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking and savings

• Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  Credit report

  Email from Bank:

  We use Equifax decision power which includes pulling the credit report. We unfortunately do not obtain the score we are provided by an approval or denial from Equifax.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking and savings accounts

  Learn more about Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union
• Country Federal Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  Credit report

  Email from Bank:

  We verify with credit reports.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking and savings accounts

  Learn more about Country Federal Credit Union
• Gold Coast Federal Credit Union

  Special Notes

  This account was created for people who have had checking problems in the past.

  We realize everyone can have a financial problem. Things happen: medical bills, marital problems, the job change that didn’t work out. Then the bills pile up, checks bounce and your account is closed. When you go to another financial institution to open a checking account: you are refused because you’ve been reported to a check clearing agency. Just because your name is “on a list” shouldn’t mean that you will never be able to have a checking account.

  The Fresh Start Checking Account has these features:

  • $10.00 Monthly Service Charge
  • $5.00 ATM Set Up Fee
  • NO NSF Fees Are Refunded
  • NO Per Item Fees
  • FREE First Order Of Checks
  • FREE ATM Withdrawals At All Of Publix PRESTO! Machines
  • FREE Internet Account Access
  • Consumer Loan Discounts With Direct Deposit
  • Overdraft Protection Available
  • Re-Order Checks Online And Save Money

  Here is the best part: After you have gone 1 year with NO NSF’s or Overdrafts, you will “graduate” to Gold Coast FCU’s Easy Pay checking account.

  Email from Bank:

  If you are going to open a checking you will most likely have to open a Fresh Start Checking which has a $10 monthly fee.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Second chance checking

  Learn more about Gold Coast Federal Credit Union
• VyStar Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  TeleCheck

  Email from Bank:

  When establishing membership, information is obtained from Equifax, as well as TeleCheck. Once membership is established, additional accounts can be opened without the need for credit approval.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking, savings and business accounts

  Learn more about VyStar Credit Union
• Woodforest National Bank

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems and TeleCheck

  Special Notes

  You must apply in person and they are very friendly to those reported to ChexSystems.

  2nd Chance account is $7.95 if you have direct deposit. $9.95 if you do not.

  $25.00 one time debit card processing fee. There is a 15.00 monthly fee FOR A BUSINESS ACCOUNT.

  However, in 6 months or less, the branch determines if you can move to a regular account or open a savings in addition to the second chance account, regular accounts, you can open immediately! (Complimentary overdraft) requiring no credit will kick in after 30 days. It is $500 for direct deposit or $300 without it.

  All deposits are available immediately. ALSO! Phone and Online banking are immediate overnight and they're open 7 days! They are VERY friendly and nice to those reported to ChexSystems.

  Email from Bank:

  Before you can open an account with Woodforest National Bank we do run TeleCheck and ChexSystems. If you have any unpaid closures reported by a merchant or another financial institution on either one of these reports you will only qualify for our Second Chance Checking account. You will be able to open an account with us as long as we are able to properly verify your identity and you do not have an unpaid charged off account with Woodforest National Bank.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Second chance checking

  Learn more about Woodforest National Bank
• Space Coast Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems

  Special Notes

  In order to get a second chance checking here the debt to the reporting bank(s) MUST be paid and show on the report or you need a letter from the bank showing it has been taken care of

  SCCU's New Directions Checking Account has everything you need to run your household, including:

  • $25 minimum opening deposit
  • New Directions Savings Account required as your primary SCCU account
  • No minimum balance required
  • 20 check items per month FREE. 20 cents per check over 20 checks

  After you have held the account for at least one year, you may contact SCCU to request conversion to a regular account relationship. Approval will be dependent on your account history

  • Unlimited teller withdrawals
  • No direct deposit requirement
  • FREE Visa Debit/ATM card with no deposit capability and $100 withdrawal limit (debit cards issued subject to our usual credit criteria)

  Checks other than the approved, verified payroll check will be deposited to the savings account and will be held for 11 business days. FREE Online Banking.

  Email from Bank:

  Even if you have some other issues on your credit history, we have a “Fresh New Directions” savings and checking account that can be opened for you. It has some limitations that protect the credit union (for example, you can’t make ATM deposits) but it will give you a chance to create a good history.

  If you need to build or rebuild a good credit history, we have a savings-secured credit card product that allows you to have a credit card with a small limit that is guaranteed by money that is held in your savings account.

  You might have to be a member for a bit and build a good account history before we could issue one to you, but it’s a great product.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Our specially designed credit building checking account provides basic checking services for members with a negative credit history. This account also provides members with the opportunity to add additional services based on a history of good account management.

  Learn more about Space Coast Credit Union
• Members First Credit Union of Florida

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems

  Special Notes

  SECOND CHANCE CHECKING

  So you made a few mistakes...and when the dust settled, you were left with a few marks on ChexSystems. Second Chance Checking lets you chalk it up as experience and move on with your life. MembersFirst is handing you a clean slate. We're erasing the inconvenience of not having a checking account and offering you these benefits:

  • If you are reported to EWS, they will NOT approve you for the second chance account.

  Email from Bank:

  Offer extended to members in ChexSystems due to Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) activity only. Member's account must have been paid for at least 90 days before Second Chance Checking will be approved. Member may request a Regular Checking account after 12 successful months with no NSFs or overdrafts on the account. ATM privileges limited to $500 on-line and $100 off-line.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Second chance checking

  Learn more about Members First Credit Union of Florida
• First Florida Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems and EWS

  Special Notes

  Smart Track Checking

  Each year, thousands of people lose the right to have and use a checking account due to past challenges or financial mismanagement. This is devastating to consumers – forcing many into expensive and inconvenient methods of bill paying. That’s why First Florida Credit Union is pleased to offer the Smart Track Checking SM Account -- designed to:

  • Offer financial solutions unique to your individual circumstances
  • Provide you with a money-saving option
  • Provide education on how to achieve financial success

  Features Include:

  • Free BillPayer Service*
  • Free Online Banking
  • Free SmartTrack Visa® Check Card
  • Surcharge-free ATMs worldwide
  • Thousands of no-fee Shared Branching Locations nationwide
  • Free online educational course InBalance checking account management education program

  Account Requirements:**

  • Direct Deposit
  • Maintain your account in good standing.
  • No previous owed balances to the Credit Union
  • Pay $5 monthly fee

  Graduate to a No-Monthly-Fee Checking Account
  If you've had less than six returned checks in a rolling 12 month period, and you have completed the InBalance checking account management education program, (scoring 70% or higher on the exam), you may request to be moved into our No-Monthly-Service-Fee Checking Account or any other First Florida checking account. You are responsible for initiating the request.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Second chance checking

  Learn more about First Florida Credit Union
• Union State Bank

  Form of Verification:

  Total ID through TransUnion to verify identity

  Email from Bank:

  We normally do a Total ID through the credit bureau not a credit report.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking, savings and business accounts

  Learn more about Union State Bank
• Dade County Federal Credit Union

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems

  Special Notes

  Fraud can not be indicated on the ChexSystems report in order to get the second chance account. $100.00 initial deposit, comes with a debit card but NO check writing, and there is a $10.00 monthly fee.

  Email from Bank:

  Email from a person that got an account:

  I opened and account with Dade County Federal Credit Union:

  • 2nd chance checking, needs direct deposit every month
  • no paper checks and extra $10 fee per month, told it would be eligible for conversion to regular account in 6 months.
  • secured credit card available
  • secured loans available from $500. (Most banks in Miami area ask for 3000 +)

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Second chance checking

  Learn more about Dade County Federal Credit Union
• BankUnited

  Form of Verification:

  ChexSystems

  Special Notes

  Special Notes from person that got an account:

  Bank United changed their ChexSystems policy back in March. They will open a checking and savings as long as the chex entry is Paid. They will also accept a letter from the reporting bank that it is paid. The bank changed ownership and is trying to get more business. This is a BIG change, Bank United of old was Chex and credit report crazy. They will be opening some branches in NYC later this year. Kudos to the new investors that bought BU.

  Types of Accounts Offered:

  Personal checking, savings and business accounts

  Learn more about BankUnited