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Did you know you could be denied the ability to open a checking account?

This happens to people who fail to maintain a good record with previous checking accounts.

Just like your credit score is monitored by credit bureaus, your checking account history is monitored by ChexSystems — which keeps track of various accounts a person has open.

Most banks refer to this monitoring system in order to gauge a person’s credibility.

Burning a bridge with banks in the past may hurt your ability to open a standard account, but there is hope.

If you are having a hard time opening a bank account, learn more about second chance accounts.

What is a second chance checking account?

A second chance checking account is a type of bank account used to help reestablish your credibility with banks and ChexSystems.

These types of accounts usually only offer very basic checking account services.

You may not want to settle for a standard account, but you need to prove that you’ve turned over a new leaf and that you’re ready to be trusted.

Good news for you, most second chance checking accounts are eligible for an upgrade to a standard account within at least a few months of opening the account and maintaining a positive balance.

That means the sooner you open a second chance checking account and maintain a positive reputation, the sooner you’re eligible to receive perks from standard and superior checking accounts.

Second chance checking account options

The following second chance checking account options are available to you at some of the most popular banks in the United States.

1. Bank of America

Bank of America offers a second chance checking account called the Safe Balance Account.

The account has a low maintenance fee of $4.95, but you won’t be able to write paper checks. Instead, your payment options include debit, mobile or online transfers or online bill pay.

The account also helps protect you from overdrawing your balance.

For people who want a low-cost basic checking account this can be a good choice, especially if you are guilty of constantly overdrawing your balance.

2. BB&T

BB&T has The Easy Checking Account, which features unlimited check writing, complimentary online and mobile banking with bill pay, money management tools, and online statements.

You can apply online or over the phone to open this account.

This account offers most of the features a standard account would provide, even the ability to write a check, and is a good choice if you still need to pay for expenses by using a check.

3. Chase

Chase’s Access Checking Account is an option for people who bank with Chase.

Customers are required to deposit at least $25 into an account to open one.

While most second chance checking accounts have a small monthly fee, Chase’s fee is higher, at $17, and it is unavoidable.

If you already have a bad reputation with managing your money and a checking account, you should probably stay away from an account with a fee this high.

It could leave you vulnerable to overdraft, which could further hurt your reputation with ChexSystems.

The only benefit of opening an Access Checking Account with Chase is the fact that it can eventually be upgraded to a normal account.

An account upgrade depends on your personal history with Chase and Chexsystems.

4. Citibank

Citibank: There is no official second chance account from Citibank, but you can open one even if you are blacklisted on Chexsystems, according to a representative from Citibank via chat.

You can visit a branch in person to have someone review your personal history to determine your eligibility.

The representative also added that maintaining a credit card in good standing may help establish credibility with Citibank.

If you’re finding it difficult to open a standard account elsewhere, you may want to try Citibank.

5. SunTrust

SunTrust does not offer a traditional second chance checking account, but you may still be able to open one.

According to an online representative, “It still may be possible. SunTrust requires two security checks prior to opening an account.

We will compare your application to Equifax and Decision Power, which are credit bureau-based systems used to qualify new account applications.

The Equifax inquiry posts to your credit report as a non-disclosed inquiry and will not affect your credit score nor appear on any credit watch services.

If we are unable to verify you through Equifax or Decision Power, Telecheck may also be contacted.”

6. PNC

PNC offers a second chance checking account called Foundation Checking.

This checking account requires a minimum of $25 to open and offers free service for an online account, or $2 a month if you would like to receive paper statements.

You do get the option of unlimited check writing, so anyone who needs this option will find this account convenient.

The downside to this account is that there is a daily ATM withdrawal limit of $100, which can make it difficult to pull out large amounts of cash.

After six months of maintaining a Foundation Checking Account in good standing, you are eligible to open normal checking account with PNC, so it may be worth opening for that reason alone.

7. U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank representative said there is no official account, but that applicants can have their information reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

So even if you are denied an account online, you may be able to go into a branch and have an account opened, depending on your situation. U.S. Bank is worth a try if your situation is not as dire and you think you may be able to sway the bank to allow you to open a standard account.

8. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo’s Opportunity Checking Account is available to anyone with a bad Checksystems record, as long as a $50 deposit is provided to open the account.

A monthly service fee of $12 is applied to paper statement accounts, while a $10 service fee is applied to accounts with paperless statements.

A member may have this fee waived if he or she has three or more accounts with the bank.

These include debit cards, online banking, and a savings account.

You must also have a minimum daily balance of $2,000, 10 debit card purchases and/or payments a month, or a total of $750 or more in direct deposits.

This account is a good option if you would like to upgrade to a normal account in the future, and if you’d like to utilize savings, mortgages or any other services provided by Wells Fargo.

Strive to reestablish your credibility with not only ChexSystems, but with banks in general.