Chase does not currently offer a dedicated second chance checking account

Chase, one of the largest banks in the United States, does not have a specific product marketed as a "second chance" checking account. If you have been denied a regular Chase checking account because of a banking history issue — such as unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or being listed in ChexSystems — Chase's standard accounts will likely not be available to you either.

However, this does not mean Chase has no options. Chase does offer accounts that may work for people rebuilding their banking history, and there are concrete steps you can take to understand your situation and explore what might be possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase does not market a second chance checking account, but some of its basic accounts may be available depending on why you were denied.
  • Your banking history is tracked by ChexSystems, a reporting agency that Chase and most other banks check before opening accounts.
  • You can request your own ChexSystems report for free to see what information is blocking you from opening an account.
  • If you have unpaid fees or overdrafts with Chase or another bank, paying them off may allow you to open an account later.
  • If Chase is not an option, credit unions and online banks often have accounts designed for people with banking history issues.

Why Chase might have turned you down

Banks use a system called ChexSystems to share information about customers who have had problems with checking accounts. If you have unpaid overdraft fees, a history of bounced checks, fraud, or other serious issues, ChexSystems will flag your name. When you explore for a checking account at Chase or most other banks, they check this system first.

Chase also maintains its own internal records. If you previously had a Chase account and left it with a negative balance or closed it under bad circumstances, Chase's system will remember that even if ChexSystems does not.

A second reason for denial is being on the Early Warning Services list, another banking database that tracks fraud and identity theft. If you appear on this list, most mainstream banks will not open accounts for you.

How to find out what is blocking you

Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what it is. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free once per year. Go to www.chexsystems.com and click "Dispute Center" or call 1-800-428-9623. You will need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. The report will arrive by mail within about two weeks.

Your report will show any negative items — unpaid fees, bounced checks, fraud reports — and the bank or creditor that reported them. If the information is wrong, you can file a dispute directly through ChexSystems. If the information is correct but old, it will eventually fall off (typically after five years).

You can also contact Chase directly and ask why your process was denied. By law, they must tell you. Ask specifically whether it was a ChexSystems issue, an internal Chase record, or something else. This answer will guide your next step.

What to do if you have unpaid fees or overdrafts

If your ChexSystems report shows unpaid overdraft fees or bounced check fees, the fastest path forward is to pay them. Contact the bank that reported the negative item and ask what you owe. Once you pay, ask them to request that ChexSystems remove or update the record. Some banks will do this; others will not, but it is worth asking.

Even if ChexSystems does not remove the item when ready, paying it shows good faith. Many banks, including Chase, are more willing to open accounts for people who have resolved past problems than for people who ignore them. You may need to wait a few months after paying before reapplying, but your chances improve significantly.

If the amount is large and you cannot pay it all at once, contact the bank and ask about a payment plan. Some will negotiate, especially if the debt is several years old.

Chase accounts that might be available to you

If your issue is minor or has been resolved, Chase's Chase Total Checking or Chase Sapphire Checking accounts may still be available. These are not second chance accounts — they have the same requirements as any other Chase account — but they are worth trying if your situation has improved.

Chase also offers Chase find Checking in some states, which is designed for people who are new to banking or rebuilding credit. This account has lower fees and no minimum balance requirement. It is not may provide to be available if you have been denied before, but it is worth asking about when you contact Chase.

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask specifically whether you would be able to open a find Checking account given your situation. Be honest about what happened. The person on the phone can sometimes override a denial or suggest alternatives.

Better options if Chase will not work

If Chase continues to deny you, do not assume all banks will. Credit unions often have more flexible policies than large national banks. Many credit unions offer second chance checking accounts or will work with people who have ChexSystems records. You do not need to be a member to ask — call and describe your situation.

Online banks like Chime, LendingClub, and Varo also tend to have fewer restrictions. Some do not check ChexSystems at all, or they check it but do not automatically deny based on older negative items. These accounts are often free, have no minimum balance, and can be opened entirely online.

Prepaid debit cards are another option while you rebuild. They are not checking accounts, but they work similarly — you can receive direct deposit, pay bills, and withdraw cash. They do not report to ChexSystems, so your banking history does not affect whether you can get one.

How long negative items stay on your record

ChexSystems records typically remain for five years from the date they were reported. After five years, they fall off automatically and will no longer appear on your report. This does not erase the debt itself — you may still owe the money — but it does mean banks will no longer see the negative item when they check your history.

If you are close to the five-year mark, it may be worth waiting a few months before reapplying to Chase. Once the item drops off, your chances of approval improve dramatically.

If the item is older than five years and still appearing on your report, contact ChexSystems and dispute it. Items that are older than the retention period should be removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I am on ChexSystems?

Not automatically. Chase checks ChexSystems for all applicants, and most negative items will result in a denial. However, if your issue is resolved or very old, you may still be approved. The only way to know is to explore or call and ask.

How long does it take to get off ChexSystems?

Negative items typically stay for five years from the date they were reported. After five years, they are automatically removed. You cannot remove items early unless they are inaccurate, in which case you can dispute them.

What is the difference between ChexSystems and Early Warning Services?

ChexSystems tracks overdrafts, bounced checks, and account misuse. Early Warning Services tracks fraud and identity theft. Both are checked by banks, and appearing on either list will likely result in denial. You can request reports from both for free.

If I pay off old overdraft fees, will Chase reconsider my process?

Possibly. Paying off old debts shows responsibility and may improve your chances, but it does not may provide approval. Wait a few months after paying, then reapply or call Chase to ask about your options.

Are there banks that do not use ChexSystems?

Some online banks and credit unions do not check ChexSystems or check it but do not automatically deny based on older items. Call ahead and ask before explore. Prepaid debit cards also do not require ChexSystems approval.