Negative records on a personal ChexSystems report can make it difficult or even impossible to open a business checking account. Even if you plan to resolve the issues, some items can remain on your report for up to five years. In the meantime, it’s important to look for banks that don’t rely on ChexSystems for approval.
When a business or one of its owners appears on a ChexSystems report, opening a traditional business bank account can be a challenge. The financial institutions featured in this article offer business checking accounts that don’t use ChexSystems, providing accessible alternatives for those with a less-than-perfect banking history.
Here are five business checking accounts without ChexSystems, with links directly to the provider:
- Bluevine
Bluevine is a financial technology company, not a bank.
Deposits are FDIC-insured through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC, and program banks. : Best overall for the highest interest returns and line of credit - Novo Novo Platform Inc. (‶Novo″) is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A., Member FDIC. : Best digital-only bank for rapid access to funds and faster payments
- Mercury Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC. : Best for tech companies, startups, and businesses needing additional FDIC insurance
- Capital One Capital One, N.A., is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). : Best for unlimited everyday transactions with branch access
- Found Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Piermont Bank, Member FDIC. : Best for business owners seeking an all-in-one solution for bookkeeping tools
Looking for a solid banking solution? Earn $400 with U.S. Bank Business Essentials. Terms apply. |
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Earn a $400 bonus when you open a U.S. Bank Business Essentials Account or $1,000 when you open a Platinum Business Checking Account online with promo code Q3AFL25 and complete qualifying activities, subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through September 30, 2025. Member FDIC. |
Best business checking accounts with no ChexSystems at a glance
Bluevine: Best overall for the highest interest returns and line of credit
What I like
- $300 sign-up bonus for new business checking account holders (use referral code: FSM300)
- Three checking options with competitive interest
- Integrates with QuickBooks
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back business Mastercard
Drawbacks
- No savings, money market, and CD accounts
- No physical branch location
- Fee for depositing cash
Features
- No monthly maintenance fee
- No minimum balance requirement
- Reduced standard payment fees for Bluevine Plus and Bluevine Premier checking
- Free debit card (with up to 4 free additional debit cards for authorized users) and two free checkbook orders per year
- Integrates with QuickBooks and Xero
- Connects with business payment solutions, including Wise, Venmo, and Expensify
- Has live customer support from dedicated professionals
- Offers a line of credit & credit card products
- Automatic transfers with sub-accounts
When to use Bluevine Standard business checking
- You seek to earn interest on a second-chance business checking account: If you are looking for a second-chance business checking account that earns interest, Bluevine is a great choice. With Bluevine Standard, you can earn 1.5% APY on balances up to $250,000 if you either spend $500 on your debit or credit card monthly or receive $2,500 per month in customer payments.
- You need a line of credit: Bluevine has an excellent line of credit. In fact, for borrowers who qualify, it is our choice as the best small business lines of credit.
- You want a fee-free business checking account: Bluevine charges no monthly fees or transaction fees, lacks a minimum opening deposit or minimum balance requirement, and is one of our best small business checking accounts. It is also a great option if you’re looking for an online business checking account with no credit check.
When to choose an alternative
- You need to make cash deposits regularly or withdraw cash out-of-network: One area that can be costly for Bluevine users is making cash deposits and non-network ATM withdrawals. Deposits must be completed at a Green Dot retail location for up to $4.95 per deposit. Bluevine also charges $2.50 for out-of-network ATM withdrawals on top of third-party fees. Consider a traditional bank like Capital One or Wells Fargo instead.
Novo: Best digital-only bank for rapid access to funds and faster payments
What we like
- Monthly refunds up to $7 in ATM fees
- No maintenance fees
- Novo Boost and Express ACH allow faster access to your funds
Drawbacks
- Unable to deposit cash directly
- Lack of savings accounts
- Non-interest-bearing account
Features
- Integrates with other business tools, such as QuickBooks, Xero, Stripe, Square, PayPal, Wise, and Shopify
- Set aside funds for taxes and other large business expenses with Novo Reserves
- Deposit checks directly through the mobile app
- Online banking includes unlimited invoicing and bill pay
- Novo Boost, in coordination with Stripe, allows you to access funds faster
- Express ACH lets you accept or receive same-day ACH payments
- Quick financing option, merchant cash advance up to $75,000
- Virtual debit card available immediately, one free physical debit card per user
- Paper checks can be sent straight from the app
- Live customer support from dedicated professionals
Special offer | None |
Required opening deposit | None |
Required balance minimum | None |
Transaction limit before fees | Unlimited |
Monthly fee | None |
Domestic wire transfer fees |
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International wire transfer fees |
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ATM fees | None; refunds third-party ATM surcharges up to $7 monthly |
Cash deposited | N/A; money orders can be purchased and deposited through the app |
APY | None |
When to use Novo Business Checking
- You use Stripe, Square, or PayPal and want faster access to your funds: If you use Stripe, Square, or PayPal and want faster access to your funds, Novo is a top choice for a business checking account without ChexSystems. With its Novo Boost feature, you can receive payments from major online processors more quickly than with traditional banks. By linking your account to Stripe, Square, or PayPal, you can get paid faster through multiple methods, including card payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo.
- You need to send or receive same-day ACH payments: Novo allows you to send and receive same-day ACH payments through its Express ACH product. The combination of Novo Boost and Express ACH gives you access to your money faster than other digital-only providers. Novo is one of our top business bank accounts for LLCs and the best banks for small businesses for offering a speedy option to access your funds.
- You want a mostly fee-free online bank account: With no monthly fees, NSF fees, transaction limits, minimum opening deposit, or minimum balance requirements, Novo’s business checking is largely fee-free. It even refunds up to $7 in third-party ATM fees each month.
When to choose an alternative
- You want to earn interest on your business funds: Novo doesn’t offer any interest-bearing checking accounts. Consider opening an account with Bluevine to earn interest on your business checking.
Mercury: Best for tech companies, startups, and businesses wanting additional FDIC insurance
What I like
- No monthly maintenance fee on introductory account
- No fees for domestic or international wires
- Treasury product offers outstanding yield on balances over $500,000
- FDIC coverage of up to $5 million
Drawbacks
- Accounts unavailable to sole proprietorships
- No paper check-writing abilities
- Limited lending options and no cash deposits
Features
- Earn interest with Mercury Treasury Treasury accounts are advised by Mercury Advisory LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“Mercury Advisory”), and are custodied by Apex Clearing Corporation, a registered broker dealer and member FINRA / SIPC. Treasury accounts are not FDIC insured. product if you have more than $500,000 in Mercury accounts and activate Treasury
- Set customer user permissions for your team members
- Create auto-transfer rules for your accounts
- Integrate accounts with QuickBooks and Xero accounting software
- Virtual debit cards available right away, with physical debit cards arriving in the mail in a few days
- Checks can be be sent through online banking
- Business payment integrations with Shopify, Stripe, Zapier, Amazon, Square, and PayPal
- Email customer service available
- Savings account provided when you open checking account
- Other products include Mercury Treasury, capital and venture debt, and credit card
Special offer | $300 cash back when you deposit $10,000 within 90 days of account opening |
Required opening deposit | None |
Required balance minimum | None |
Transaction limit before fees | Unlimited |
Monthly fee | None |
Domestic wire transfer fees | None |
International wire transfer fees | None as long as it is sent through Mercury’s structure |
ATM fees | No charge for out-of-network ATMs, although operator fees apply; free access to the Allpoint ATM network |
Cash deposited | N/A |
APY | None |
When to use Mercury Business Checking
- Tech companies and startups with larger balances: With Mercury Treasury Treasury accounts are advised by Mercury Advisory LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (‶Mercury Advisory″), and are custodied by Apex Clearing Corporation, a registered broker dealer and member FINRA / SIPC. Treasury accounts are not FDIC insured. , you can earn interest on balances exceeding $500,000. This makes Mercury the ideal business banking provider for tech companies and larger startups.
- Companies looking for extended FDIC insurance and great additional perks: Mercury Vault uses partner banks and a sweep network to extend your FDIC insurance up to $5 million. In addition, Mercury offers discounts, credits, and extended free trials for popular business tools and software, such as Google Cloud, QuickBooks Online, and Slack. Visit Mercury’s Perks page for the list of deals.
- Businesses wanting an exclusive cash back bonus for a new account: If you use our affiliate link to sign up for a new account, you can get a $300 cash back bonus if you deposit $10,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
When to choose an alternative
- You are a sole proprietor: While most businesses incorporated in the US are eligible for an account, Mercury is unavailable to sole proprietorships and trusts. Consider traditional banks like Chase and U.S. Bank, and fintechs like Bluevine as alternatives.
You may also be interested in our detailed comparisons to find the best fit:
Capital One: Best for unlimited everyday transactions with branch access
What we like
- Unlimited transactions
- Easy ATM access
- No opening deposit
Drawbacks
- Account doesn’t earn interest
- Limited physical locations
- Low cash deposit limit
Features
- Pay bills, track accounts, transfer funds, and deposit checks with the mobile app
- Free debit card
- Physical checks (cost based on type ordered)
- Support by phone is available daily from 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. EST or in-branch during business hours
- Other products include lending products, credit cards, and savings accounts
- Free overdraft protection with a linked Capital One Business deposit account
- Free ACH payments
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Required Opening Deposit | $0 |
Required Balance Minimum | None |
Transaction Limit Before Fees | Unlimited digital transactions |
ACH Fees | None |
Monthly Fees | $15; waivable if conditions are met |
Domestic Wire Transfer Fees |
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International Wire Fees |
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ATM Fees | |
Cash Deposited | Up to $5,000 per month free, $1 for every $1,000 after that |
APY | N/A |
When to use Capital One Basic Checking
- You need a brick-and-mortar bank with unlimited free everyday transactions: Capital One doesn’t charge fees for everyday account transactions. You get unlimited deposits, withdrawals, and transfers, excluding international wires, cashier’s checks, and other services.
- You seek a business bank account with an easily waivable monthly fee: While Capital One charges a $15 monthly fee, it can be waived—you just need a 30- or 90-day balance average of $2,000. Capital One is also in our roundup of the best banks for small businesses in New York.
- You want a full suite of financial products: Capital One offers business checking alongside credit cards, loans, merchant services, and savings options, making it easy to manage all your business finances under one roof.
When to choose an alternative
- You require in-person banking services and your business is outside the Capital One footprint: If you don’t have access to a nearby Capital One branch, which are located only in select states including Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., consider an alternative like Wells Fargo. It offers more than 4,200 branches across 36 states and the District of Columbia.
Found: Best for business owners seeking an all-in-one solution for bookkeeping and tax tools
What we like
- No required monthly fees, minimum balances, account fees, or sign-up fees
- Excellent expense tracking on both its desktop and mobile apps
- Helps you track tax write-offs and gives you real-time tax estimates
Drawbacks
- No lending products
- Interest earning only through the paid-tier Found Plus
- Cannot purchase checks or issue them from the app
Features
- Provides a business debit Mastercard, which allows you to track expenses and receive purchase alerts
- Debit cards can be frozen in the Found app
- Desktop site and mobile app available
- Connect to accounting software and payment apps, such as Cash App, PayPal, Square, Venmo, and Stripe
- Integrated bookkeeping allows you to categorize expenses, customize invoices, capture receipts, and set custom rules
- Track tax write-offs in the app
- View your tax estimate update in real time
- Pay your taxes directly from the app (Schedule C filers only)
- Send your Schedule C directly from the app
- Make cash deposits at over 77,000 retail locations
- Customer service via email, online form, and support guides on the website
Required opening deposit | None |
Required balance minimum | None |
Transaction limit before fees | Unlimited |
ACH fees | None |
Monthly fee |
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Domestic wire transfer fees | Free incoming wires; outgoing wires only sent to Found customers |
International wire fees | Unavailable |
ATM fees | Found doesn’t charge for ATM usage; third-party ATM fees will likely apply |
Cash deposited | Accepted at over 77,000 retail locations; $2 fee per cash deposit |
APY |
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When to use Found Business Checking
- You want a simple, all-in-one business account: The Found account includes built-in bookkeeping, tax tools, and invoicing to streamline your finances without juggling multiple apps.
- You need a flexible banking solution: The Found account has no monthly fees, no credit checks, and no ChexSystems screening, making it ideal for freelancers and self-employed professionals.
- You seek a hassle-free way to manage business finances: Found helps you track income and expenses in one place, perfect for solo entrepreneurs or those just starting out.
When to choose an alternative
- You need more robust features for scaling your business: Consider Bluevine or Novo for higher transaction limits, integrations with accounting tools, or access to funding options like lines of credit or merchant cash advances.
How I evaluated the best business checking accounts that don’t use ChexSystems
To identify the best business checking accounts for those affected by ChexSystems, I conducted in-depth research on dozens of banks and financial technology companies. I reviewed official websites, account disclosures, and third-party resources to determine which institutions either do not use ChexSystems or offer more accessible approval processes.
I also considered account features such as fees, transaction limits, integrations, accessibility, and overall usability for different types of business owners. The goal was to highlight accounts that offer practical solutions for entrepreneurs seeking a fresh start or second chance with business banking.
Second-chance business banking options
Second-chance business banking options are designed for entrepreneurs who may have a rocky financial history or negative marks on their ChexSystems report. These include business checking accounts that don’t use ChexSystems, offering a way to get your finances back on track even if traditional banks have turned you away due to past issues like overdrafts or unpaid fees.
These accounts typically skip ChexSystems during the application process, giving business owners a fresh opportunity to open a checking account despite past banking issues. Many of them also avoid hard credit checks and offer simplified approval requirements, making them accessible to those rebuilding their financial profile. They’re especially helpful for sole proprietors, freelancers, and startups who need a reliable place to manage income and expenses without the barriers of traditional banking.
How to recover from a negative ChexSystems report
If you have negative items on your ChexSystems report, you should try to get those resolved, even if you decide to use an institution that doesn’t use ChexSystems. Check out our guide on how ChexSystems impacts your business, and follow the four steps below to resolve any outstanding issues.
Step 1: Request a copy of your report and dispute any errors. You can request reports on ChexSystems’ website once a year. You can also request it by mail. If there are errors, you can submit disputes on ChexSystems’ website.
Step 2: Pay any debts. Once you have disputed any errors, pay any outstanding debts. If you cannot pay them off completely, set up a payment plan to pay them off.
Step 3: Verify that satisfied debts and errors are removed. Check your report annually to ensure that paid debts and reported errors were removed from your report.
Step 4: Request that satisfied debts be removed. Once a debt has been paid off or settled, request that the financial institution update your record.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
You can open a business bank account if you are on ChexSystems, but you will have to find a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems. The better option is to resolve any outstanding issues on your ChexSystems report to limit the impact ChexSystems can have on your business.
While you could find a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems to open an account, the best plan of action is to follow these steps to resolve any issues and limit the impact ChexSystems can have on your business:
- Request a copy of your ChexSystems report from the company’s website.
- Dispute any errors on the report.
- Pay any debts or set up payment plans.
- Review the report annually to make sure the negative reports fall off your report.
Banks like Bluevine, Novo, Mercury, and Found do not use ChexSystems, making them strong options for business owners with past banking issues. Capital One is not a known user of ChexSystems but may rely on other methods, such as credit checks or internal risk assessments, when reviewing applications.
Yes, many banks allow you to open a business account even if you have bad credit. Some may perform a soft credit check, but it typically does not affect your approval or score. Many providers focus more on verifying your identity and business details.
Bottom line
Many banks offer business checking accounts that do not require a ChexSystems review. However, they may still use alternative methods to assess risk and verify your identity. This could include a soft credit inquiry or checks through services like Early Warning Services (EWS) or TeleCheck. It’s a good idea to monitor your ChexSystems report regularly so you can address any issues before applying for a new account.
