An access checking account is a bank account designed for people who are new to banking or returning after a gap, with simpler requirements and lower fees than standard accounts

An access checking account (sometimes called a "second chance" or "basic" checking account) is built around one idea: if you have not had a bank account before, or if your banking history has problems, you should still be able to have one. Banks offer these accounts because they know that people without bank accounts often end up paying more money overall — through check-cashing fees, money orders, and payday loans — than they would pay in monthly bank fees.

The account works like any other checking account: you deposit money, write checks, use a debit card, and pay bills. The difference is in what the bank does not require from you. Most access accounts do not check ChexSystems (a banking history report) or they check it but overlook certain problems. Some do not require a minimum balance. Many have lower monthly fees or no monthly fee at all.

You should know that "access account" is not an official banking term. Different banks call them different things, and what one bank calls an access account might not exist at another bank. The best way to find one is to call banks in your area and say: "I am looking for a checking account for someone new to banking" or "I had trouble with a bank account before — do you have accounts for people in that situation?"

Key Takeaways

  • Access checking accounts are designed for people without banking history or with past banking problems, and they have fewer requirements than standard accounts.
  • You will need a government ID and proof of address to open one, just as you would with any checking account.
  • These accounts may have lower monthly fees, no minimum balance requirement, or both, but fees vary widely by bank.
  • Banks do not call these accounts by one standard name, so you need to ask directly whether a bank offers accounts for people new to banking or with banking history issues.
  • An access account is a real checking account — you can use it to receive paychecks, pay bills, and build a relationship with a bank.

What makes an access account different from a regular checking account

The main difference is what the bank overlooks or does not check. When you open a regular checking account, the bank usually runs your name through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking problems like bounced checks, unpaid overdrafts, or accounts closed by the bank. If ChexSystems shows problems, the bank may refuse to open an account for you.

An access account either skips this check entirely or runs it but ignores certain issues. Some banks will open an access account for you even if ChexSystems shows you owe money from a past account, or if you closed an account with a negative balance. Other banks check ChexSystems but only care about very recent problems — say, in the last two years — and overlook older ones.

Access accounts also often have lower or no monthly maintenance fees. A regular checking account might charge $10 to $15 per month; an access account might charge $5 per month or nothing at all. Some access accounts waive the fee if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck, which gives you an incentive to use the account for regular income.

What you need to open an access checking account

The documents are the same as for any checking account. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, state ID card, or passport) and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address on it. The document usually needs to be from the last 30 to 60 days.

Some banks also ask for a second form of ID if your photo ID does not have your address on it. A few banks ask for a Social Security number, though not all do — if you do not have one, ask the bank whether it is required or whether you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

You do not need a minimum opening deposit at most access accounts, though some banks ask for $25 or $50. Call ahead to confirm what the bank needs before you go in. If you are opening the account in person at a branch, bring originals of your documents — banks do not accept photocopies or photos of documents.

How fees work on access checking accounts

Access accounts are cheaper than regular accounts, but "cheaper" does not mean "free." You should know what fees exist before you open the account, because fees are one of the main reasons people close accounts and stop banking altogether.

Common fees on access accounts include a monthly maintenance fee (often $0 to $5, compared to $10 to $15 on regular accounts), overdraft fees (charged when you spend more than you have), and out-of-network ATM fees (charged when you use an ATM that does not belong to your bank). Some banks charge a fee to speak to a teller instead of using the ATM or online banking, though this is less common now.

Before you open an account, ask the bank for a fee schedule — a document that lists every fee the account can have. Read it. If a fee confuses you, ask the bank to explain it. Many banks will waive certain fees if you meet a condition, like setting up direct deposit or keeping a small balance in the account. These conditions are worth asking about.

How an access account helps you build banking history

One reason to use an access account is that it creates a record. Every time you deposit money, write a check, or use your debit card, the bank records it. After you have used the account responsibly for several months — making deposits, not overdrawing, keeping a small balance — you build what is called banking history.

Banking history matters because it shows other banks and lenders that you can manage money. After six months to a year of using an access account well, you may be able to move to a regular checking account with better features, or to open a savings account. Some banks will even offer you a small loan or credit card after you have shown good account behavior.

The bank reports your account activity to ChexSystems, so positive history (no overdrafts, no closed accounts) gradually replaces negative history. This is why using an access account responsibly is one of the fastest ways to repair banking problems.

Where to find an access checking account

Start with banks and credit unions in your area. Call the main number and ask whether they offer checking accounts for people new to banking or with past banking problems. You can also visit a branch in person and ask a teller the same question.

Credit unions often have access accounts and may be more flexible than large banks. If you belong to a credit union through your employer, school, or community, ask whether it offers accounts for people new to banking.

Online banks sometimes offer access accounts, but they require you to verify your identity online, which can be harder if you do not have a lot of documents or if you are not comfortable with technology. If you prefer to work with a person, a local bank or credit union branch is usually easier.

Avoid banks that advertise "second chance" or "access" accounts but charge very high fees — more than $10 to $15 per month, or large overdraft fees. These accounts exist, but they are not a good deal. A regular bank account with reasonable fees is better than an expensive "access" account.

The difference between an access account and a prepaid card

You might see prepaid cards advertised as an alternative to a checking account. A prepaid card looks like a debit card and works like one, but it is not a bank account. You load money onto the card, and you can spend it, but you cannot write checks, set up automatic bill payments, or receive direct deposit the same way you can with a checking account.

Prepaid cards often have higher fees than access checking accounts — sometimes $5 to $10 per month just to have the card, plus fees for ATM withdrawals, balance inquiries, and other transactions. An access checking account is almost always cheaper and more useful than a prepaid card.

The one advantage of a prepaid card is that you do not need banking history or a ChexSystems check to get one. But if you can open an access checking account, do that instead. It builds real banking history and costs less over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an access checking account if I still owe money from a closed account?

Many access accounts are designed for people in exactly this situation. Some banks will open an account even if you owe money; others will open one if the debt is old enough (usually more than two years). Call banks in your area and ask directly. If a bank says no, try another one — policies vary.

Do I need direct deposit to open an access account?

No. Direct deposit is optional. However, some banks waive the monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, so it is worth asking about. If you do not have a job or paycheck, you can still open and use an access account — you just may pay a small monthly fee.

What happens if I overdraw an access account?

If you spend more money than you have, the bank will charge an overdraft fee (usually $25 to $35 per transaction). Some access accounts offer overdraft protection, which means the bank will transfer money from a savings account or line of credit instead of charging a fee. Ask whether your bank offers this before you open the account.

Can I switch from an access account to a regular checking account later?

Yes. After you have used an access account responsibly for several months, you can ask your bank about upgrading to a regular account with better features. Many banks will do this automatically once your banking history improves, or you can ask a teller to help you switch.

Is an access checking account the same as a savings account?

No. A checking account is for money you use regularly — paying bills, buying things, receiving paychecks. A savings account is for money you want to keep and grow. You can have both. Some access accounts come with a linked savings account, or you can open a savings account separately.