AM Trust Bank is a community bank focused on serving people who are new to the formal banking system
AM Trust Bank is a state-chartered bank based in Arizona that specializes in banking products for people who may have difficulty opening accounts at larger banks. The bank was created specifically to serve unbanked and underbanked communities — people who either have never had a bank account or have been turned away by mainstream banks because of past financial problems, lack of credit history, or other barriers.
The bank operates physical branches in Arizona and also offers services by mail and phone. Unlike some online-only banks, AM Trust Bank maintains in-person locations where you can walk in, speak to someone face-to-face, and handle your banking needs without needing a computer or smartphone.
The core idea behind AM Trust Bank is straightforward: banking should be accessible to everyone, regardless of your past. The bank does not use ChexSystems (the banking history report that many large banks check before opening an account), which means a previous banking problem will not automatically disqualify you.
Key Takeaways
- AM Trust Bank does not use ChexSystems reports, so past banking issues or account closures at other banks will not prevent you from opening an account.
- The bank offers basic checking and savings accounts designed for people new to banking or returning after a gap, with lower minimum balance requirements than many mainstream banks.
- You can open an account in person at an Arizona branch, or by mail if you live outside Arizona, without needing online banking to get your free guide.
- The bank charges fees for some services, so you should understand what those are before opening an account and compare them to other community banks in your area.
Who AM Trust Bank serves and why it exists
AM Trust Bank was founded to fill a gap in the banking system. Many people — including those with no credit history, those who have had accounts closed due to overdrafts or fraud, or those who straightforward prefer in-person banking — struggle to open accounts at national banks like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo. Those banks use ChexSystems, a reporting system that tracks banking problems, and they often deny accounts to people with negative marks on that report.
AM Trust Bank does not participate in ChexSystems, which means the bank makes its own decisions about who can open an account. This does not mean anyone can open an account with no questions asked — the bank still verifies your identity and may ask about your banking history — but it does mean your past will not automatically disqualify you.
The bank also focuses on people who prefer or need in-person banking. Not everyone has reliable internet access, a computer, or comfort with online banking. AM Trust Bank's physical branches in Arizona allow you to deposit checks, withdraw cash, and speak to a banker without logging into an app.
What accounts and services AM Trust Bank offers
AM Trust Bank offers checking accounts and savings accounts designed for people new to banking. A checking account is for everyday spending — you get a debit card and checks, and you can pay bills by transferring money. A savings account is for money you want to set aside and earn a small amount of interest on.
The bank's checking accounts typically have lower minimum balance requirements than national banks. For example, some accounts may require you to keep only $25 or $50 in the account to avoid monthly fees, whereas Chase or Bank of America might require $500 or more. The exact requirements and fees change, so you should contact the bank directly or visit a branch to learn what is current.
AM Trust Bank also offers services like money orders, bill pay, and direct deposit. If you receive a paycheck, government benefits, or other regular income, you can set up direct deposit so the money goes straight into your account without you having to visit the bank.
How to open an account with AM Trust Bank
If you live in Arizona, the easiest way to open an account is to visit a branch in person. Bring a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement). A banker will help you fill out the account process, answer your questions, and you can usually start using your account the same day.
If you live outside Arizona, you can open an account by mail. Contact the bank to request an process, fill it out, and mail it back with copies of your ID and proof of address. This process takes longer — usually one to two weeks — but it allows you to open an account without traveling to Arizona.
When you open an account, the bank will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and other identifying information. This is standard practice at all banks and is required by federal law. The bank uses this information to verify your identity and to check that you are not on a list of people banned from banking due to fraud or other serious issues.
Fees and costs you should know about
Like all banks, AM Trust Bank charges fees for certain services. Monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and fees for services like wire transfers or stop payments are common. The exact fees depend on which account you choose and what services you use.
Before opening an account, ask the bank for a complete fee schedule. This is a document that lists every fee the bank charges and when it applies. Understanding these fees upfront helps you avoid surprises and choose an account that fits your budget.
Some fees you can avoid by managing your account carefully. For example, if you keep a minimum balance in your account, the bank may waive the monthly maintenance fee. If you do not overdraw your account (spend more money than you have), you will not pay overdraft fees. Other fees, like the cost of a wire transfer, only explore if you use that service.
How AM Trust Bank compares to other community banks
AM Trust Bank is one of several community banks and credit unions that serve people new to banking or returning after a gap. Other options include local credit unions, which are member-owned financial institutions that often have lower fees and more flexible lending practices, and other community banks in your state.
The main advantage of AM Trust Bank is that it does not use ChexSystems and has physical branches in Arizona. If you live in Arizona and prefer in-person banking, this bank may be a good fit. If you live outside Arizona, you may find a local community bank or credit union closer to home that offers similar services.
To compare, contact several banks and credit unions in your area and ask about their account requirements, fees, and whether they use ChexSystems. A few phone calls will help you understand your options and choose the bank that works best for your situation.
What happens after you open an account
Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card (a card you can use to pay for things or withdraw cash from ATMs) and checks if you opened a checking account. You can start depositing money right away — either by visiting a branch, using direct deposit if your employer or benefits program offers it, or by mailing in a check.
The bank will provide you with online banking access if you want it, though it is not required. You can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills online. If you do not want to use online banking, you can manage your account by visiting a branch or calling the bank.
Keep track of your spending so you do not overdraw your account. An overdraft happens when you spend more money than you have, and it triggers a fee. The easiest way to avoid this is to check your balance regularly and only spend money you actually have in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an AM Trust Bank account if I have been denied by other banks?
Possibly. Since AM Trust Bank does not use ChexSystems, a past denial at another bank will not automatically disqualify you. However, the bank still verifies your identity and may ask about your banking history. Contact the bank directly to discuss your situation — a banker can tell you whether you can open an account.
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?
Yes. Federal law requires all banks to collect your Social Security number as part of the account opening process. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — ask the bank whether this is an option.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
You will need some form of government-issued photo ID to open an account. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This is a straightforward photo ID that costs less than a driver's license and serves the same purpose for banking.
Can I use AM Trust Bank if I live outside Arizona?
Yes, you can open an account by mail. However, you will not have access to physical branches, so you will need to be comfortable with mail deposits, online banking, or phone banking. If you prefer in-person banking, a local community bank or credit union in your state may be a better fit.
What is the difference between a checking account and a savings account?
A checking account is for everyday spending — you get a debit card and checks to pay for things. A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and earn interest on. Many people have both: they use checking for bills and daily expenses, and savings for money they are setting aside for emergencies or future goals.