second chance checking account

second chance checking account

Some banks and credit unions offer “second chance” checking accounts for people who have been reported to ChexSystems. The accounts can help people rebuild their banking histories, but they don’t have all the services that come with regular checking accounts.

Second chance checking accounts usually have monthly fees that can’t be waived, and they often carry more requirements than standard checking accounts, such as setting up direct deposit or completing a money management class. You typically can’t enroll in an overdraft program, since the point of a second chance account is to demonstrate that you can avoid overdrawing.

These checking accounts can help improve banking history, but they don’t rebuild credit. For that, consider a secured credit card.

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