Despite the message seen when you visit the national Get Checking website, the program continues to operate in the Los Angeles area.

Get Checking is a 6 hour educational program designed to help individuals who do not have a banking relationship to gain access to financial services. This program is particularly useful to people who are unable to open a new bank account due to bad credit or a failed ChexSystems verification.

By taking the Get Checking class, those with a negative ChexSystems report can avoid the normal five-year waiting period required by most financial institutions. Once you complete the course, which includes passing a quiz, and repaying all outstanding debt reported with ChexSystems, a participating financial institution will allow you to open a checking account upon presentation of the program’s certificate of completion.

The cost of the course is $60. Prior to registering for the class you must first obtain a copy of your ChexSystems report (at no cost). You will need a copy of this report and a current photo I.D. in order to attend class.

Participating Los Angeles Area Banks:

Arrowhead Credit Union
Citibank (formerly Cal Fed)
Financial Partners Credit Union
First Bank & Trust
Harbor Federal Credit Union
LA Schools Federal Credit Union
Lockheed Federal Credit Union
OneUnited Bank
Orange County Teachers FCU
Partners Federal Credit Union
Pasadena Schools FCU
Service Plus Credit Union
Telesis Community Credit Union
Union Bank of California
U.S. Bank
Wescom Credit Union

There are also some banks located outside of CA that will open a second chance checking account to anyone regardless of credit or ChexSystems.

For more information contact:
ByDesign Financial Services
Los Angeles Main Office
Tel: (800) 750-2227