Illinois Banks & Credit Unions That Don't Use ChexSystems

ChexSystems can be a real pain to deal with when you’re trying to get a bank account opened in your name. It was established as a system to monitor and screen people who are looking to open checking and savings accounts. But the side effects of this kind system can result in you being unable to open a bank account even if you haven’t done anything shady.

Fortunately, there are still more than a couple of banks in Illinois that don’t use ChexSystems for verification. We’ll be looking at some of these banks as well as what your options look like if you get flagged by ChexSystems.

Old National Bank

Form of verification:

ChexSystems

Old National has a "New Start Account" -- there's no restriction on if the chex entries are paid or not - is up to the branch manager. Old National has locations in Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. The account is only offered in branches and can't be open on the phone or online. Account is $8 a month - has all the features as a regular account. If it stays in good standing for 12 months, account can become Free Checking or any other Old National checking account.

Email from the bank:

Yes, we do offer a New Start checking account. To open one please visit any Old National Banking Center and they can assist you with this.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Old National Bank

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.

Learn More

US Employees Credit Union

Form of verification:

TeleCheck

Email from the bank:

USECU verifies information through TeleCheck.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about US Employees Credit Union

Central Federal Savings and Loan Association

Form of verification:

TeleCheck

They do not use ChexSystems, they do use TeleCheck.

Email from the bank:

We currently use TeleCheck for any new checking or savings accounts opened.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Central Federal Savings and Loan Association

Vantage Credit Union

Form of verification:

Uses TeleCheck and credit report

Email from the bank:

To open your membership, you may stop by any of our branch locations listed on the back of the brochure. There is no charge to join the credit union. We require a $5.00 deposit that is not available unless you decide to close your membership. Our savings and checking accounts have no minimum balance requirements or monthly service charge. If your current address is not printed on your driver's license, please bring a utility bill with you for proof of residence. In addition, if you are interested in a loan please bring a recent pay stub.

We verify a credit bureau report and TeleCheck when applying for membership. In order to open a checking account, Members must have a credit score of 499 or higher and pass the TeleCheck screening. If the credit score is below 499 or if the TeleCheck screening is not passed, we can open a restricted savings account with limited services. If both the credit score and TeleCheck screening are not favorable, we are not able to open any account. Vantage Credit Union is one of the best in the area and our values of service and education have helped us continue to grow over the years to help improve the financial lives of our Members. I think you will be pleased with the full array of services we have to offer.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Vantage Credit Union

Midwest America Federal Credit Union

Form of verification:

TeleCheck

Email from the bank:

We use a system available through TeleCheck.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Midwest America Federal Credit Union

Chester National Bank

Form of verification:

TeleCheck

Email from the bank:

We use TeleCheck

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Chester National Bank

Glenview State Bank

Form of verification:

Credit report 650-700 score required and generally they use TransUnion

Email from the bank:

At Glenview State Bank, we utilize a credit report.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking, savings, and business accounts

Learn more about Glenview State Bank

R.I.A. Federal Credit Union

Form of verification:

Credit report

Email from the bank:

When opening a Checking or Savings account we pull a credit report. Most people will qualify for a savings account regardless of the result of their credit report; however, the determination of eligibility for a checking account would be at the discretion of the manager opening the account and is dependant on the outcome of the report. All members must also qualify for our field of membership before an account can be opened.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about R.I.A. Federal Credit Union

Generations Credit Union

They do not use ChexSystems.
Email from the bank:

We are required by law to verify the identity of our members and verify that the member is within our field of membership. This is accomplished when you provide a government issued photo id (usually your driver's license) and a second form of government issued id (usually SSN card or voter registration card). Once we have verified your identity and confirmed that you are within our field of membership, then we can accept you as a member of our credit union. Membership will require a membership fee of fifty cents and a deposit of $25 into a regular share account (savings). That is all there is to the process of establishing membership and opening a savings account.

You can apply for a share draft (checking) account once you've established membership. The checking account does require an approval process that includes a credit bureau report. I presume from the nature of your question that you may have an issue with the credit report? If so, please be aware that depending on the severity of your issue, we still may be able help you through one of our programs. Please let me know if there is anything further you'd like for information or feel free to call our office and speak directly to our staff.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Generations Credit Union

Advantage One Credit Union

Form of verification:

Credit report

Email from the bank:

First we have to have you become a member with the credit union and fill out membership cards and put $5.00 in a savings acct. Then if you want to open a checking acct we have to do a background check. In doing so we run a credit report. If you are eligible we give you your 1st 50 checks free, a debit card with a $5.00 fee. If you have any other questions please feel free to call 712-792-9728 and talk to Katie or Jean.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Advantage One Credit Union

U.S. Bank

Form of verification:

ChexSystems

It has been reported that if your report is 21/2 yrs or older, they will not even see it. If this is your situation you can apply online, if not, you would need to visit an “in store” branch.

Most US banks “in store” branches are giving accounts to most people on ChexSystems. These are regular accounts, not 2nd chance checking...as long as you do NOT owe US Bank money and you are not reported on your ChexSystems report for any kind of " fraudulent activity "

There are some branches that are still not using this policy so it might be a good idea to call a branch local to you and ask about their policy first before going in.

Some “in store” branches have signs that actually says “ChexSystems? no problem!”… yet others will not open accounts at all. People are approved everyday.

Some branches do offer 2nd chance checking and some have been able to open business accounts when all debt to reporting bank(s) are paid and fraud is not indicated

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking, savings and business accounts

Learn more about U.S. Bank

Archer Heights Credit Union

Form of verification:

Credit report

Email from person that got an account:

Archer Heights Credit Union: Fantastic place! Account opened in 15 minutes. You have to apply for the ATM/debit card. I don't know the results yet. I know the girl that opened the account said she had to put my information for OFAC. You have to open a savings with at least $50 and that $50 must stay in the account. The place is a bit disorganized. Every teller handles the transactions different. The girl that opened my account said the checks would be held for 10 days. The teller that actually took the deposits made the funds available immediatly. The next deposit I made (2 checks totalling around $400) was held for 5 business days and then the 3 set of deposits I made around $300 into savings (no holds) and $500 into checking ($160 held for 3 days and $100 held for 1 day and the rest was immediatly available. Not sure why there is always a difference). Location isn't conveinant and there is only one location but overall a good experience.

Email from the bank:

WE TAKE A CREDIT REPORT. FOR ALL ACCOUNTS We use a credit report for identification purposes.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Archer Heights Credit Union

Premier Credit Union

Form of verification:

ChexSystems

If debt is paid to reporting bank and fraud is not reported, they will open an account (see email below).

Email from the bank:

You can still open an account with us, you would just have to wait 6 months to be issued a debit card and courtesy pay on your account. After 6 months we will rerun your ChexSystems and if nothing changes, you are allowed to have a debit card and courtesy pay.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings accounts

Learn more about Premier Credit Union

Glenview Credit Union

Form of verification:

ChexSystems

Email from the bank:

Providing you qualify under our membership parameters, we require a U.S. Government issued photo I.D. such as a drivers license, state I.D., Passport. If you open a checking account we do run ChexSystems. However – because we offer credit builder accounts --a ChexSystems record may determine a specific limit on a debit card, could require direct deposit, but probably would not exclude a person from getting a checking account with us.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Glenview Credit Union

Neighbors Credit Union

Form of verification:

TeleCheck and a credit report

Email from the bank:

When we open a new account, whether it is a savings or checking account, we run your name through TeleCheck. We do also run a credit report when you open a new checking account.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings accounts

Learn more about Neighbors Credit Union

Illinois Community Credit Union

Form of verification:

Credit report

They do not use ChexSystems..person that got an account. However, Illinois Community Credit Union does not use ChexSystems or EWS. They base their decision on your credit score, and depending on your score, you are either eligible for their classic (free) checking or their basic (second chance) checking.

Email from the bank:

When you open a savings account with Illinois Community Credit we do run your credit report and that will determine what you are eligible for.

Types of accounts offered:

Personal checking and savings

Learn more about Illinois Community Credit Union

See More Options in Your Area