South Dakota Banks & Credit Unions That Don't Use ChexSystems

U.S. Bank

US Bank’s approval requirements are more lenient if you apply in person, rather than online. Although US Bank uses ChexSystems for verification, some US Bank branches give regular accounts to individuals who have been reported to ChexSystems, as long as they have not been reported to ChexSystems for fraudulent activities, and they do not owe the bank any money.

However, not all bank branches use this policy. Some branches may deny your application, while others may offer Second-Chance Checking. Before opening an account, you should contact your local branch to confirm their banking policies. A safe debit account doesn’t come with checks, and monthly fees may be $5 a month or under. To open a US Bank checking account, you need an SSN, a valid government-issued ID, and an initial deposit of $25.

US Bank’s featured checking accounts are:

Easy Checking: Easy checking is a basic checking account with a monthly maintenance fee of $6.95, which can be waived if:

• Your combined monthly deposits totals $1K,
• OR you are 65 years or older,
• OR you have an average account balance $1500+.

The benefit of an easy checking account is that you pay no overdraft protection transfer fees. The account includes a US Bank Visa card, mobile and online banking, bill pay, and more. This account is best for everyday banking needs.

Gold Checking: Gold checking accounts come with lots of extra benefits, and a monthly maintenance fee of $14.50 that can be waived if you open a US Bank personal loan, credit card, mortgage, or line of credit. It includes no withdrawal fees at US Bank ATMs, and no charges on your first two transactions on non-US Bank ATMs.

Platinum Checking: Platinum checking is a top-tier checking account with an attached monthly maintenance fee of $24.95 that can be waived if you have a personal trust relationship with US Bank wealth management, or you have a combined personal and credit balance of $25K with US Bank or US Bankcorp investments.

Learn more about U.S. Bank

First Dakota National Bank

The First Dakota National Bank verifies applicants using credit records. They confirm information and trustworthiness using a credit bureau. To open an account with First Dakota National Bank, you will need an SSN, a copy of your driver’s license, and any other government-issued ID.

The bank provides several checking options:

FirstPartners Checking: The FirstPartners Checking Account has many advantages. There are no debit-card charges; there are bonus rates on Certificates of Deposit, and a $5 discount on social events, travel opportunities, annual safe-deposit-box rental, and educational events. The FirstPartners Checking Account comes with a monthly maintenance fee of $25, which can be waived if you maintain a combined balance of $25K in trust relationships, money markets, Certificates of Deposit, loans or lines of credit, and investment relationships. This account pays interest based on daily balances. If your daily balance is up to $499.99, then you attract an interest rate of 0.01%; a daily balance of $500-$4,999.99 attracts an interest rate of 0.02%; $5K-$24,999.99 attracts an interest rate of 0.03%; $25K-$49,999.99 attracts an interest rate of 0.04%, and $50K and above attracts an interest rate of 0.05%.

ClassicChoice Checking: This checking account also pays interest based on daily balances. If your daily balance is up to $499.99, then you attract an interest rate of 0.01%; a daily balance of $500-$4,999.99 attracts an interest rate of 0.02%; $5K-$24,999.99 attracts an interest rate of 0.03%, and $25K and above attracts an interest rate of 0.04%. With a ClassicChoice Checking Account, you must maintain a minimum balance of $1K to avoid monthly maintenance charges. This account comes with unlimited debit-card purchases and check writing, no withdrawal and transfer charges at First Dakota National Bank ATMs, Moneypass ATMs, and Network ATMs, plus no withdrawal and transfer charges on your first two transactions at other ATMs.

FirstChoice Checking: The FirstChoice Checking Account is an account for students up to age 23. It comes with no withdrawal charges on ATMs at other banks; the account allows you to check if you are scholarship eligible; it requires no minimum balance; it offers travel opportunities; it comes with unlimited debit-card purchases and check writing; there are no withdrawal and transfer charges at First Dakota National Bank ATMs, Moneypass ATMs, and Network ATMs, and there are no withdrawal and transfer charges on your first four transactions at other ATMs.

Free Checking: The Free Checking Account comes with unlimited check writing, no monthly service charge, no minimum-balance requirement, a free debit card, no withdrawal charges at Moneypass and First Dakota National Bank ATMs, a $2 transfer and withdrawal fee at other ATMs, free check safekeeping, and travel opportunities.

Health Savings Account: This is an interest-yielding account that helps you plan for medical expenses. It is a tax-advantaged account. It comes with a free debit card. You can choose how you want to spend your money for qualified medical expenses.

Learn more about First Dakota National Bank

Bank of the West

Bank of the West offers a Fresh-Start Checking Account (also known as a Second-Chance Checking Account). You may apply if you have not been reported for fraud, and your most recent ChexSystems entry is older than one year. There is a monthly fee of $12 associated with the account.

Bank of the West offers a variety of checking-account options:

Any Deposit Checking: This account offers savings and overdraft protection. There is no monthly service charge for customers under 25 years of age, and no minimum-balance requirements.

Premiere Checking: This is an interest-yielding account with no ATM withdrawal fees, and free checks. It offers special rates on Certificates of Deposit. The account comes with a monthly service charge of $25, which is waived if you have a combined account balance of $25K in eligible accounts.

1% for the Planet Checking: This checking account is for climate-change action. There is no minimum-balance requirement, and no service charge if you are under 25 years of age. At no added cost to you, the account gives back to environmental nonprofits.

Learn more about Bank of the West

Great Western Bank

Great Western Bank utilizes ChexSystems as a verification system. However, you may still apply if:

• Your credit report is no more than one year old
• AND you were reported by just one bank
• AND your debt to the aforementioned bank has been paid in full
• AND you have not been reported for fraud.

It is recommended that you open an online account with Great Western Bank. There are personal checking and savings accounts available.

Great Western Bank offers two personal checking-account options:

Essential Checking: This is a basic checking account to meet your everyday banking needs. This account comes with unlimited check writing, free ATM withdrawals, text-message banking, and free access to online bank statements. A minimum $25 initial deposit must be made to open the account. An Essential Checking Account comes with a $7 monthly service charge, which can be waived if:

• You maintain an average monthly balance of $1K
• OR you are age 60 or older
• OR your deposit per statement cycle totals at least $250.

Relationship Checking: The Relationship Checking Account is an interest-bearing account. You get $400 back on mortgage loans, $100 cash back on home equity lines of credit, free incoming domestic wire transfers, and so much more. You need a minimum initial deposit of $25 to open an account. The account attracts a monthly service charge of $15, which is waived if you have an average checking balance of $5K per month, or you have a $25K combined deposit account balance per month.

Learn more about Great Western Bank

Farmers and Merchants State Bank

When applying at Farmers and Merchants State Banks, just a form of government-issued identification and a Social Security card are required. The bank will only run a credit report if you want a debit card, which will be issued to you if there aren’t too many negative entries on your report.

Farmers and Merchants State Bank offer several personal checking-account options:

Secure Checking: This account comes with a monthly charge of $4.95, unlimited check writing, a free debit card, ATM fee refunds, no minimum-balance requirement, and free monthly online statements. This account also comes with free ID protection, identity and theft monitoring, and resolution service.

Health Savings Account: This account helps you save for medical expenses in advance; the account is tax-advantaged; it features tiered interest based on your account balance, and there is no withdrawal charge. It comes with a free debit card.

Bucks-Back Checking: This account pays you $5 when you attain certain qualifiers. The account includes a free debit card, unlimited check writing, free online bank statements, and fee refunds on ATM withdrawals. There is a $5 monthly service charge attached to this account.

Loyalty Reward Checking: This is an interest-yielding account that rewards you for your everyday banking behaviors. This account comes with unlimited check writing, free online bank statements, and a free debit card. The account attracts a charge of $5 monthly, which can be waived if you attain qualifiers every month.

Smart Checking: The Smart Checking Account is a basic checking account. It has many advantages: there is no monthly service charge; the account comes with a free debit card, free online monthly statements, no minimum-balance requirement, and ATM fee refunds.

Learn more about Farmers and Merchants State Bank