The 5 best second chance checking accounts of 2026

Banks don't generally consider your credit score when you open a new checking account, but they will screen your banking history using a reporting agency called ChexSystems. If you have a track record of overdrafts, unpaid fees or other negative marks, you may not get approved.

There are second-chance checking accounts that don't require a ChexSystems review, however, making them advantageous if you're trying to rebuild your banking history.

CNBC Select has picked the best second-chance checking accounts, based on fees, rewards and other criteria. For more on how we made our selections, read our methodology.

Who's this for? If you're looking to avoid banking fees, Chime® Checking* is our pick. It doesn't charge a monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fee or foreign transaction fee.

Standout benefits: Debit cardholders have access to over 50,000 ATMs, including fee-free transactions with Allpoint ATMs, MoneyPass ATMs located at 7-Elevens and Visa Plus Alliance ATMs. These ATMs can be found at stores such as Target, Walgreens and CVS.

Who's this for? With a Varo debit card, you can earn up to 6% cash back (up to $50 back per month) on eligible purchases with specific retailers. Offers vary, but past brands have included McDonald's, Popeyes, Macy's, PetSmart and Forever 21.

Standout benefits: This online lender doesn't charge a monthly maintenance fee or overdraft fees and there is no minimum balance requirement.

Who's this for? Chase Secure Banking℠ is a second-chance account with a rare opportunity to earn a welcome bonus.

Standout benefits: New Chase Secure Banking account members can currently earn a $100 bonus after completing 10 qualifying transactions within the first 60 days after opening the account. (Offer expires 1/21/2026). Qualifying transactions include online bill payments, debit card purchases, ACH credits, Zelle transactions and Chase QuickDeposit activity.

Who's this for? Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking is a checkless checking account for people who need to improve their financial record. The $5 monthly fee is waived for members of Wells Fargo's Worldwide Military Banking program, provided they make a qualifying monthly non-civilian military direct deposit to a Wells Fargo account.

Standout benefit: Members enjoy free access to non-Wells Fargo ATMs, no overdraft fees, a contactless debit card and no foreign transaction fees. After 365 days, your Clear Access account can convert to any eligible Wells Fargo consumer checking account.

Who's this for? If you don't need branches, Go2Bank is an easy-to-get online checking account that doesn't require a ChexSystems review or any opening deposit or minimum balance.

Standout benefits: You can earn cashback (up to 7%) on in-app e-gift card purchases and access a wide network of fee-free ATMs. The $5 monthly fee is waived with at least one qualifying payroll or government benefits direct deposit of $100 or more.

Second-chance bank accounts are designed for people unable to qualify for a standard checking account due to blemishes in their banking history, such as unpaid fees, involuntary account closures or a history of overdrafts.

These accounts are designed to repair a checkered financial record, so they tend to have higher fees, fewer perks and additional requirements for approval.

Just like with a secured credit card, however, you may qualify for an upgrade to a standard account after you successfully manage your account for a certain amount of time.

When you're choosing a second-chance checking account, look for one that helps you rebuild your financial standing without adding extra stress. Look for accounts with low or no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements and features like direct deposit or mobile banking.

Make sure the bank reports to the major credit bureaus so your good habits can help improve your financial profile, and check whether the account can eventually transition into a standard checking account after a period of responsible use.

Second-chance accounts can offer financial services to people unable to open a standard bank account, but they come with drawbacks/

You must approach your second-chance account wisely. Here are some tips to ensure that:

• Understand the fees - Read the account terms carefully. Many second-chance accounts come with monthly fees or transaction limits that can't be waived, unlike some standard checking accounts. Make sure you also know how to avoid any extra charges.
• Keep a cushion in your account - Try to always keep a small buffer (even $20 to $50) to avoid overdraft fees.
• Pay bills through the account - Use your account to pay recurring bills (like utilities or subscriptions). This shows consistent activity and helps rebuild your banking history.
• Track your spending - Use your bank's mobile app, text alert or budgeting apps to keep a close eye on balances.

There are other ways to build your financial strength while managing your money effectively.

Prepaid debit card

A prepaid debit card works like a debit card but isn't linked to a traditional bank account. Instead, you load money and use it to make purchases or pay bills. Because you're only spending money you've already added, there's no interest or risk of overdraft. Prepaid cards don't require a credit check, so you can get one regardless of your credit history.

The PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® lets you earn 5% back on up to $1,000 spent in your selected category every month.

The FamZoo Prepaid Card allows parents to set up automated billing for recurring expenses (like cell phone plans) and determine interest rates on family loans.

Secured credit card

Designed for people building or rebuilding their credit, secured credit cards require a refundable deposit that usually becomes the credit limit. As long as you pay your balance on time and in full, you'll build a positive credit history and eventually qualify for an unsecured card.

You can get approved for the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card with a deposit of just a $49 deposit. After just six months of on-time payments, you may qualify for a higher limit.

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice to help them make informed financial decisions. Every bank account review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

To determine the best second-chance checking accounts, CNBC Select analyzed more than 25 traditional banks, credit unions and online banks.

We only considered checking accounts that don't require a ChexSystems review during the application process. We also compared each account on a variety of features, including:

• Minimum balance requirement
• Initial deposit requirement
• Fees
• Nationwide availability
• Branch locations
• Online accessibility
• ATM network
• Ease of use and account accessibility

We also considered CNBC Select audience data, when available, including general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.

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For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here.

*Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

**Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

Information about Chase Secure Banking^SM has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.