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

  • Daniel Weiss Daniel Weiss
  • July 19, 2021

ChexSystems can be a real pain to deal with when you’re trying to get a bank account opened in your name. It was established as a system to monitor and screen people who are looking to open checking and savings accounts. But the side effects of this kind system can result in you being unable to open a bank account even if you haven’t done anything shady.

Fortunately, there are still more than a couple of banks in Georgia that don’t use ChexSystems for verification. We’ll be looking at some of these banks as well as what your options look like if you get flagged by ChexSystems.

Your Top Pick

BBVA Online Checking

BBVA is one of the most well-known banks for Georgia residents that are looking for a second chance bank account.

You can open this account with as little as $25 for your initial deposit.

Why is it recommended for you?

Right now, a free checking account at BBVA is the only trusted option for customers looking for a Second Chance Checking account with high approval rate and excellent features and conditions. Use this opportunity to rebuild your credit while having a bank account with no restrictions.

  • Relaxed account opening requirements
  • Free ATM withdrawals on BBVA ATMs
  • Online and mobile banking facilities included
  • Customizable banking alerts
  • No hidden fees or ATM charges
  • Online & mobile banking facilities included
  • Customizable banking alerts
  • Available nationwide (except Alaska and Hawaii)
  • Member FDIC

You can open this account with as little as $25 for your initial deposit

Open a BBVA Account Now!

Local Banking Options

Following is the web's most comprehensive list of banks and credit unions in Georgia that do not use ChexSystems and which may approve you for a bank account.

Please note that any unsuccessful attempt to open an account may have a negative impact on your credit history and score.

To avoid this, please check if there are any proven, top picked solutions are available in your area (listed above) or on our page with best non-ChexSystems banks and other banking alternatives.

See more: Comprehensive List of Non-ChexSystems Banks

Another note to add is that it's a good idea to get your free annual report and try to dispute ChexSystems.

This list also contains email responses from banks as well as applicants’ personal experiences and comments. This page is updated regularly, so please consider adding it to your bookmarks.

Atlanta Federal Credit Union Second Chance Checking

Community Bank & Trust (“Red Apple”) Second Slice Checking

Doco Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

Excel Federal Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

Georgia United Credit Union Restart Checking

Georgia’s Own Credit Union Resolution Checking

Health Center Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

Members United Credit Union Second Chance Checking

Peach State Federal Credit Union Fresh Start Checking

Robins Federal Credit Union Second Chance Checking

  • Georgia's Own Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    Credit report and EWS

    Special Notes

    They do not use ChexSystems but they do use EWS. If you have a record with EWS, you will be denied.

    Email from Bank:

    We use Equifax and EWS for credit reporting when opening a new checking account.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking and savings

    Learn more about Georgia's Own Credit Union
  • The Heritage Bank
    Form of Verification:

    Credit report

    Special Notes

    They do not use ChexSystems.

    Email from Bank:

    We do not use ChexSystems, TeleCheck, Early Warning, or a credit report when opening an account. The only thing needed is a valid picture ID from a state or government source. Examples would be a driver’s license or military ID. The initial account must be opened in person.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking, savings, and business accounts

    Learn more about The Heritage Bank
  • Associated Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    TeleCheck and Equifax

    Special Notes

    Some people have been denied due to credit issues but they do not use ChexSystems or TeleCheck. You may apply online. Most are approved for the savings only.

    Email from Bank:

    We use the Equifax and TeleCheck systems.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking and savings

    Learn more about Associated Credit Union
  • Exchange Bank
    Form of Verification:

    Credit report

    Special Notes

    It has been reported that they are picky about credit.

    Email from Bank:

    Hello, thank you so much for inquiring via our Website! In order for us to process a checking account we would require a credit report, Savings accounts do not require this report.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking, savings and business checking

    Learn more about Exchange Bank
  • Altamaha Bank & Trust
    Email from Bank:

    We use a credit report 600 or higher of a score is required.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking, savings and business checking

    Learn more about Altamaha Bank & Trust
  • Bank of Eastman
    Form of Verification:

    Credit report

    Special Notes

    IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT THEY ARE VERY PICKY ABOUT CREDIT BUT THEY DO NOT USE CHEXSYSTEMS.

    Email from Bank:

    WE USE CREDIT REPORTS. We don't determine by the score, we look at the past payment history, charge-off's, repossessions...that sort of things.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking, savings and business checking

    Learn more about Bank of Eastman
  • HALLCO Community Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    ChexSystems

    Special Notes

    Need a second chance on a checking account? Look at the following features of HALLCO'S Secured Share Draft account:

    This account was designed and created to help members rebuild their financial reputation. Below are the features that are unique to the Secured Share Draft Account.

    6-month probation period: We will monitor your account for 6 months from the date the account is opened. Your account will be converted to a Silver Share Draft account after 6 months if there are no overdrafts, returned items, or other improper transactions. The 6-month probation period resets any time your account is overdrawn. Your account will be closed if the credit union determines there are any improper transactions. It is your responsibility to notify the credit union once you have completed your 6-months probation.

    A deposit of $100 must be placed on hold in your savings until your account is converted to a Silver Share Draft account.

    • No per check charges.
    • You pay for the printing of your checks.
    • Dividends will not be paid on this or the Silver Share Draft Account.
    • You will have the choice of an ATM or Debit Card.
    • There will be a $10 monthly account maintenance fee.
    • Please refer to the Fee Schedule for other applicable charges.
    • Education classes available.
    • Free 24/7 Telephone and Internet access. You may be eligible for a secured VISA Credit Card
    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Second chance checking

    Learn more about HALLCO Community Credit Union
  • GeoVista Federal Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    TeleCheck and a credit report

    Email from Bank:

    We use TeleCheck but it is the same thing as ChexSystems. We also pull a credit report but we don't use it to decide whether or not we open the account.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking and savings accounts

    Learn more about GeoVista Federal Credit Union
  • North Georgia Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    Equifax Credit report

    Special Notes

    Anyone can get a savings but the checking depends on what is reported on the Equifax report.

    Email from Bank:

    We do pull a credit report when we open a savings and checking account. No, not for opening a savings account. Really I would say that with a checking account it just depends on the information more than the score. If you have had any charge-off's, bankruptcy filings, delinquencies, etc. a checking account application would need to be sent to the credit committee for their approval. - Just like a loan would. Sometimes it helps if you apply for a checking account with a debit card only - no checks.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking and savings accounts

    Learn more about North Georgia Credit Union
  • Fort McPherson Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    Equifax credit report

    Email from Bank:

    I called and they said they do not look for a score but they look at the overall report.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking and savings accounts

    Learn more about Fort McPherson Credit Union
  • The Wright Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    Equifax credit report

    Email from Bank:

    I called and they look at the overall credit report

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking and savings

    Learn more about The Wright Credit Union
  • Workmen's Circle Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    ID

    Special Notes

    They do not offer checking accounts but anyone eligible for a membership there can get a savings There is a required minimum deposit of $50.00 to open an account. This is not a fee, only a minimum balance for your membership in Workmen's Circle Credit Union. If you should ever choose to close your account, the $50.00 (plus earned dividends) will be returned to you.

    Email from Bank:

    We only verify identity

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Savings only

    Learn more about Workmen's Circle Credit Union
  • Chatham Federal Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    Equifax credit report

    Special Notes

    For a checking you must have an E – level or higher but anyone can get a savings.

    Email from Bank:

    We do use a credit report

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Checking, savings accounts

    Learn more about Chatham Federal 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
  • BOND Community Federal Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    ChexSystems

    Special Notes

    Anyone can get a savings and if the debt to the reporting bank is paid and no fraud is reported, you can get a checking later.

    Email from Bank:

    Yes, as long as you fall within our field of membership qualifications, you can open an savings account with a paid chexsystemS record. And as long as your savings account stays in good standing for the first 6 months of your membership you will then be eligible to open a checking account.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking and savings accounts

    Learn more about BOND Community Federal Credit Union
  • Members United Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    TeleCheck

    Email from Bank:

    We use TeleCheck when opening new checking accounts.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking and savings

    Learn more about Members United Credit Union
  • Flagstar Bank
    Form of Verification:

    ChexSystems

    Special Notes

    They do offer second chance checking called a "Next Step Checking" for those reported to ChexSystems. They will look at

    1. How old the report is
    2. The dollar amount owed
    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Second chance checking

    Learn more about Flagstar Bank
  • Flint Community Bank
    Form of Verification:

    Equifax credit report

    Special Notes

    They look at the overall credit but generally they are also looking for a score of about 600 or so.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking, savings and business accounts

    Learn more about Flint Community Bank
  • Atlantic Coast Bank
    Form of Verification:

    See special notes

    Special Notes

    Renasant Bank has now taken over all Crescent Bank locations.

    You MUST apply online ..if you apply in person, the old locations of Crescent are still running ChexSystems and they will deny you. DO NOT apply for a business account in person either, they will not approve and they will close your personal account.

    This is only good for those who apply online for a personal account. Other states are still approving in person for both personal and business accounts.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal Checking, savings, and business

    Learn more about Atlantic Coast Bank
  • Rochelle State Bank
    Form of Verification:

    ChexSystems

    Special Notes

    Get started today with a Fresh Start Checking Account

    • Only $100 to Open the Account
    • No Minimum Balance Requirement
    • ATM Privileges*
    • Unlimited Check Writing

    FREE Online Banking Plus, when your Fresh Start account has maintained good standing for 6 months, you may apply for a FREE debit card. Additionally, after your account has maintained good standing for a year, you may apply to have your account converted to the Atlantic Coast Bank checking product of your choice!

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Second chance checking

    Learn more about Rochelle State Bank
  • South Georgia Banking Company
    Form of Verification:

    Credit report / Social security card and drivers license

    Special Notes

    I verified that they do not use ChexSystems, TeleCheck, or EWS but they will run a credit report.

    They do require a score of 620 or more and the report should not show a lot of write offs, collections, or bankruptcies. They will overlook medical collections.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Personal checking, savings and business accounts

    Learn more about South Georgia Banking Company
  • Interstate Unlimited Federal Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    ChexSystems

    Special Notes

    Any eligible member can open a savings.

    Email from Bank:

    We do run ChexSystems when we open accounts. If you do have a record we can still offer you a savings account with a restricted Debit Card (the card will only work at ATM machines).

    We also pull your credit report, but the score is not used in the decision of what accounts we can offer you. It is actually used as tool to help us provide savings to you.

    Learn more about Interstate Unlimited Federal Credit Union
  • Robins Federal Credit Union
    Form of Verification:

    ChexSystems and a credit report

    Email from Bank:

    Robins FCU will run a Chex Systems Report and a Credit Report (Equifax) on all prospective member’s. All prospective member’s within our field of member are eligible for a Savings Account. We do not deny member’s a Checking due to their credit. However, we do deny a Checking if the prospective member has a hit on record with Chex Systems. I hope this answers your questions.

    Types of Accounts Offered:

    Savings only if reported to ChexSystems.

    Learn more about Robins Federal Credit Union
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