Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Personal Finance 6 Credit Unions That Don’t Use ChexSystems Updated Feb 05, 2025 4-min read Written by Dave Rathmanner Written by Dave Rathmanner Expertise: Student loans, personal loans, credit cards, small business loans, consumer personal finance habits Dave Rathmanner has researched and developed content on a variety of finance topics, such as student loans, personal loans, credit cards, and small business loans. Dave’s work has been featured by outlets including the Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg, Forbes, CNBC, U.S. News, Consumer Reports, Yahoo Finance, and NPR. Learn more about Dave Rathmanner 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. Table of Contents Skip to Section Do credit unions use ChexSystems?Credit unions with no ChexSystems 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 Vist website Available to everyoneDigital wallet available with checking accountPay 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 Visit website You or a family member must be an active duty, retired, or veteran of the armed forces to joinFederally 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 View Rates Anyone can joinThe official credit union of the Cleveland BrownsFederally 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 Visit website Must live in one of several counties in IowaMember 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 Visit website Must be affiliated with the Department of State, have organizational affiliates, have a family relation, or be a member of the American Consumer CouncilMore than 90,000 membersAccess 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 Visit website Must be a resident of one of several counties in GeorgiaFederally insured by NCUAMember 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. 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