6 Credit Unions That Don’t Use ChexSystems

ChexSystems is a financial database financial institutions use to assess the risk of potential customers based on their financial history. If you have a record of overdrafts, bounced checks, or other banking issues, you might be reported to ChexSystems, and this information can remain on your record for up to five years.

Do credit unions use ChexSystems?

Most credit unions use ChexSystems as part of their account approval process to evaluate potential members’ financial behavior. ChexSystems provides a report on past banking activities, which helps credit unions assess the risk of opening an account for an individual.

However, not all credit unions use ChexSystems, and some offer second-chance checking accounts for people who have been denied accounts elsewhere due to their ChexSystems report. These accounts may come with higher fees or specific requirements, such as setting up direct deposits or completing a money management course, but they provide an opportunity for individuals to rebuild their banking history.

Credit unions with no ChexSystems

Six credit unions that don’t use ChexSystems are:

• PenFed Credit Union
• Navy Federal Credit Union
• Cardinal Credit Union
• Midland Credit Union
• State Department Federal Credit Union
• North Georgia Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union

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• Available to everyone
• Digital wallet available with checking account
• Pay your friends and family

Membership requirements

Anyone can join PenFed.

Products

PenFed Credit Union offers a variety of financial products, including checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and retirement accounts. Members can also access loans such as auto loans, personal loans, mortgages, and student loans. PenFed provides credit cards with competitive rewards and benefits. The credit union supports members with mobile banking, online banking, and extensive ATM access.

What you’ll need to join

• Social Security number
• Current home address
• Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Credit card or bank account information to fund your new account

You can join PenFed online or by visiting one of its branches.

Navy Federal Credit Union

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• You or a family member must be an active duty, retired, or veteran of the armed forces to join
• Federally insured by NCUA

Membership requirements

You or a family member must be an active duty, retired, or veteran of the armed forces. See here for a full list of those eligible.

Products

Navy Federal Credit Union offers checking and savings accounts, including certificates of deposit, money market accounts, retirement savings accounts, and more. Members also have access to credit cards and loans, such as auto loans, personal loans, home loans, and student loans. The credit union offers mobile and online banking and has several physical branches and ATMs.

What you’ll need to join

• Social Security number
• Current home address
• Driver’s license or government ID
• Credit card or bank account and routing number to fund your account

Cardinal Credit Union

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• Anyone can join
• The official credit union of the Cleveland Browns
• Federally insured by NCUA

Membership requirements

Membership is open to anyone and is instant with account opening.

Productse

Cardinal Credit Union offers checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and multiple loan options. Services available to members include mobile banking, online banking, telephone banking, and shared branching.

What you’ll need to join

• Photo ID
• Credit card or bank account and routing number to fund your account

Midland Credit Union

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• Must live in one of several counties in Iowa
• Member discounts available with national brands

Membership requirements

You must live in Polk and contiguous counties, Story, Jasper, Marion, Warren, Madison, Dallas, or Boone in Iowa.

Products

Midland Credit Union offers checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, and loan options. It also offers e-services, mobile banking, and more.

What you’ll need to join

• Social Security number
• Current home address
• Photo ID
• Credit card or bank account and routing number

State Department Federal Credit Union

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• Must be affiliated with the Department of State, have organizational affiliates, have a family relation, or be a member of the American Consumer Council
• More than 90,000 members
• Access to low loan rates, free checking, rewards, and other exclusive services

Membership requirements

You must be affiliated with the Department of State, have organizational affiliates, have a family relation, or be a member of the American Consumer Council.

Products

State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) offers checking, savings, and youth accounts. Members can also apply for credit cards and loans for various financial needs. To start your membership, SDFCU will deposit $1 into a savings account in your name.

What you’ll need to join

• Home address
• Social Security number
• Driver’s license or identification card

North Georgia Credit Union

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• Must be a resident of one of several counties in Georgia
• Federally insured by NCUA
• Member of League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates

Membership requirements

Must be a resident of Stephens, Franklin, or Hart and Rabun counties in Georgia. Also, those affiliated with one of a number of participating employee groups can join. Check out the full list here.

Products

North Georgia Credit Union (NGCU) offers checking and savings accounts and a number of loan options. It serves over 100 Select Employee Groups.

What you’ll need to join

To become a member, you’ll need a regular share/savings account in your name. An initial deposit of $25 is required, plus a $5 one-time membership fee. Members must maintain a $25 balance in their savings account to remain members and demonstrate regular activity.