Does First Trust Credit Union Use ChexSystems? Is it Good for Bad Credit?

Considering First Trust Credit Union or already applying for its account? Find out whether First Trust Credit Union uses ChexSystems and offers a second chance checking or savings account.

You walk into your local bank branch and sit down with your bank representative to talk about opening a checking account. Maybe you’ve been through some financial difficulties in the past, but you are ready to get back on track. But maybe not. You may think your financials are in good shape.

You wait with bated breath through the application process, only to let it out in a sigh of disappointment.

The banking representative turns to you and says, “I’m sorry, but we can’t open an account for you right now. You were rejected by ChexSystems.”

At that point, the banker probably explained ChexSystems to you in detail. If you haven't already, you can read our in-depth guide to ChexSystems and ChexSystems removal, and why it may be having a negative impact on your financial life.

Denials like these are surprisingly common. In fact, CNN has reported that approximately 15% of bank applicants are denied regular bank accounts.

First Trust Credit Union

Several members of our community have reported that First Trust Credit Union DOES use ChexSystems but you can still qualify for an account if you don't owe any money to the bank. A second chance checking or savings account is another option to consider. Check out their financial products below and visit the official website to learn more.

Top Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems

Below you will find banks that don’t use ChexSystems as an alternative to First Trust Credit Union in any step of the process. You can be sure that these banks won’t ever cross reference your records before deciding whether to let you open an account.

The list is suggested by our readers. Please consider the Unchex editor's curated list of banks that don't use ChexSystems for all the banking options available nationwide.

Editor's Choice

CIT Bank

The CIT Bank Savings Connect account is the best among banks that don’t use ChexSystems. Unlike many other non-ChexSystems accounts, the CIT Bank Savings Connect is also a high-yield savings account that can help grow your savings much faster than most other banks can.

Features and Benefits:

  • Interest-bearing
  • Minimum balance requirement: $0
  • Monthly maintenance fee: $0
  • Monthly ATM charge reimbursements of up to $30

Why is it recommended for you?

Although CIT Bank has a relatively high minimum deposit ($100) to get started, it offers one of the best interest rates among online banks, and has no opening, monthly servicing, online transfer or incoming wire fees.

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The Best Alternative

The Complete ChexSystems Removal Kit

Our comprehensive ChexSystems Removal Guide includes the exact documents and instructions guaranteed to help you get off ChexSystems and start banking again.

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Main Office
950 E US Highway 20 Michigan City, IN 46360-7470
Deposit Insurance
NCUA
Established On
-
CEO
Kim Kniola
Headquarter
Indiana
Number of Members
12,416
Community Bank
-
Institution Class
Federally Insured State-Chartered Credit Union
Institution Type
Credit Union
Credit Union Programs
Brokered Certificates of Deposit, Approved Mortgage Seller, Mortgage Processing
Low Income Designation
No
Member of FHLB
Yes
Total Assets
$95,791,395
Asset Concentration
-
Charter Number
68596
Routing Number
-
Membership Eligibility
First Trust serves anyone living or working in La Porte, Porter, Jasper, Newton, and Pulaski Counties of Indiana. We also serve Select Employee Groups of Starke and White Counties in Indiana.
Accounts Offered
-
Electronic Services
Share Account Transfers, New Loan, Loan Payments, Download Account History, Account Balance Inquiry, Share Draft Orders, New Share Account, Bill Payment, e-Statements, View Account History, Member Application
Access to Electronic Services
Audio Response/Phone Based, Mobile Banking, Home Banking via Internet Website, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)
Services & Products: Credit
Business Loans, Real Estate Loans, Overdraft Protection/ Courtesy Pay, Indirect Business Loans, Indirect Consumer Loans, Risk Based Loans, Credit Builder, Debt Cancellation/Suspension, Overdraft Lines of Credit
Services & Products: Depository
Business Share Accounts, No Cost Share Drafts, Share Certificates with low minimum balance requirement
Services & Products: Financial Education
In-School Branches
Services & Products: Other
Student Scholarship, Insurance/Investment Sales, No Cost Bill Payer
Services & Products: Transactional
ATM/Debit Card Program, No surcharge ATMs, Money orders