Maine Banks & Credit Unions That Don't Use ChexSystems

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.

The Best Alternative

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Capital One Bank

One of the best options for banking is the Capital One 360 Checking Account. There are many unique features offered at this bank for those who have poor banking history. This bank is mainly an online bank that has many ATMs across the nation, including in Maine. Most ATMs will be found in stores (e.g., CVS and Target). They offer in-person support services through other banks. Another benefit is a savings account that has similar benefits as the checking account.

Pros:

• No overdraft fees, and if you attempt to overdraft, then you have the option to pull the money from a linked savings account or decline the transaction
• No fees for maintaining a checking account
• Can connect with Zelle
• Interest-yielding checking account
• Permits check-writing and has affordable restocking options

Cons:

• No in-person branches; support is offered online or through another institution

Learn more about Capital One Bank

TD Bank

TD Bank is another reputable bank that does not use ChexSystems for those who want to open a checking account. Unlike Capital One, the TD Bank Convenience Checking Account does not yield interest. However, there is in-person support. This bank is a great option if in-person support in Maine is more important to you than yielding interest.

Pros:

• No minimum balance
• Check-writing ability
• Free use of TD Bank ATMs

Cons:

• $15 monthly fee (unless a $100 minimum daily balance is met, or the account holder is between the ages of 17-23)
• No interest
• Small fee for paper statements
• Possible overdraft fees

Learn more about TD Bank

Bank of America

Although Bank of America uses ChexSystems, it offers a second-chance bank account for those with negative banking history. This is a great option for those who would like to eventually be upgraded to a regular checking account.

Pros:

• Fees are as low as $4.95, and with some qualifications, fees are waived completely
• Connects with Zelle
• Digital wallet
• No overdraft fees, and if you attempt to overdraft, then the transaction will be cancelled
• In-person branches

Cons:

• No checks
• Not an interest-yielding account
• $25 minimum-balance deposit

Learn more about Bank of America

Midcoast Federal Credit Union

For those living on the coast of Maine, Midcoast Federal Credit Union is a great choice. They offer many local branches on the coast of Maine to which you can go for support. They also have many shared banking services with other institutions if you are not in the area. They offer two types of checking accounts: one regular, and one for those who need help getting their finances back on track.

Pros:

• No fees
• Access to many ATMs in Maine where no fees will be charged
• Access to many shared branching services
• Access to in-person branches
• Guidance on how to get your finances back on track

Cons:

• Must meet the eligibility requirements to become a member of the credit union (e.g., living or being a part of one of their five listed counties)
• No overdraft protection on Compass Checking Account

Learn more about Midcoast Federal Credit Union

Eastmill Federal Credit Union

Eastmill Federal Credit Union is another bank that does not use ChexSystems to screen its customers. It is a credit union in Maine that emphasizes fraud prevention. The problem with this is that the bank will hold up checks if they believe it is fraud. However, this offers its customers protection. They also offer a savings account in which they pay dividends instead of interest.

Pros:

• In-person locations in Maine
• Check-writing ability
• No fees
• No minimum balance required

Cons:

• Will hold up a check if they believe there is potential fraud
• Overdraft fees

Learn more about Eastmill Federal Credit Union