What A Plus Bank offers and who it serves
A Plus Bank is a federally chartered bank that focuses on serving customers who have had trouble with traditional banking — people with prior overdrafts, closed accounts, or no banking history at all. The bank operates both in-person branches and online, and it does not use ChexSystems, the checking account verification system that most banks check before opening an account.
The bank's main product is a checking account designed to be accessible to people who would be turned down elsewhere. There is no minimum balance requirement to open or maintain an account, and the bank reports account activity to the major credit bureaus, which means responsible use can help build your credit history.
A Plus Bank is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account category, the same protection that covers accounts at any other bank. This means your money is protected if the bank fails, though that protection does not cover investment products or money market accounts held elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- A Plus Bank does not use ChexSystems to screen applicants, so you can open an account even if you were closed out of other banks.
- The checking account has no minimum balance and no monthly maintenance fee, but overdraft fees apply if you spend more than you have.
- You can deposit checks by mail, at an ATM, or through mobile deposit, and you can withdraw cash at any A Plus Bank branch or at ATMs in their network.
- The bank reports your account history to credit bureaus, so on-time deposits and no overdrafts can help build your credit score over time.
- A Plus Bank accounts are FDIC-insured, meaning your deposits are protected up to $250,000 if the bank fails.
How to open an account and what documents you need
Opening an account at A Plus Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. If you do not have a current address, some branches will accept a letter from a shelter or social service agency.
You can open an account in person at a branch or online through their website. In-person opening takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Online opening is faster but may require you to verify your identity by uploading photos of your ID and proof of address, which can take a few hours to a business day to process.
Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account before the card arrives by setting up direct deposit, transferring money from another bank, or depositing checks by mail.
Fees, overdrafts, and what happens when you overspend
A Plus Bank charges an overdraft fee each time you spend more money than you have in your account. The fee amount varies by state and by whether the overdraft is caused by a debit card transaction, an ACH transfer, or a check. Most overdraft fees range from $25 to $35 per occurrence, though some states cap overdraft fees lower.
The bank does offer overdraft protection, which means you can link a savings account or another bank account to your checking account. If you overdraft, the bank will automatically transfer money from the linked account to cover the shortfall, usually charging a smaller transfer fee instead of an overdraft fee. This is optional — you can turn overdraft protection off if you prefer the bank to decline transactions that would overdraft your account.
There is no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance fee, and no fee for using A Plus Bank ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM, the ATM operator may charge you a fee, though A Plus Bank itself does not charge a surcharge on top of that.
Depositing and withdrawing money
You can deposit checks at any A Plus Bank branch during business hours, at ATMs that accept deposits, or by mail. Mobile check deposit through the A Plus Bank app lets you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it without visiting a branch. Mobile deposits usually clear within one business day, though the bank may hold the funds for up to five business days if the check is large or if you are a new customer.
Direct deposit is the fastest way to get money into your account — employers can deposit your paycheck directly, and it usually arrives on payday or the day before. Government benefits like Social Security can also be set up for direct deposit. You will need to provide your employer or benefits administrator with your account number and routing number, both of which appear on your checks or in your online banking portal.
Withdrawals are available at any A Plus Bank branch or at ATMs in their network. The bank's ATM network varies by location, so check their website or call a branch to find ATMs near you. If you need cash outside of business hours or far from a branch, you can also use your debit card to withdraw cash at many retail stores that offer cash back.
Building credit and what the bank reports
A Plus Bank reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means that every month your account is open and in good standing, the bank sends a record to these bureaus. Over time, a history of on-time deposits, no overdrafts, and responsible account use can help build or improve your credit score.
The bank does not report negative activity as aggressively as some banks do. If you overdraft or have a returned check, the bank may report it, but the impact depends on how often it happens and how quickly you resolve it. One overdraft will not tank your credit, but a pattern of overdrafts or unpaid fees can show up on your credit report and lower your score.
If you are trying to rebuild credit after a prior banking problem, A Plus Bank's willingness to open an account for you and its reporting to credit bureaus make it a reasonable choice. Just be aware that the credit benefit only comes if you use the account responsibly — overdrafting repeatedly will work against you rather than for you.
Accessing your account online and by phone
A Plus Bank offers online banking through their website and a mobile app for iOS and Android. Online banking lets you check your balance, view transaction history, transfer money between accounts, set up bill pay, and manage your debit card. The app has the same features and also includes mobile check deposit.
You can also call A Plus Bank's customer service line to check your balance, report a lost or stolen card, dispute a transaction, or ask questions about your account. Customer service hours vary by location, but most branches offer phone support during business hours. Some branches may offer extended hours or weekend support.
If your debit card is lost or stolen, call the bank immediately to report it. The bank will cancel the card and mail you a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can still access your money through online banking, mobile app, or by visiting a branch.
When A Plus Bank might not be the right choice
A Plus Bank is designed for people who have had trouble with traditional banking, but it is not the cheapest option for everyone. If you never overdraft and have a clean banking history, you may find lower fees or better interest rates at a credit union or online bank. A Plus Bank's checking account does not pay interest on your balance, so money sitting in the account earns nothing.
If you need savings products, investment accounts, or loans, A Plus Bank's product line is limited. The bank offers savings accounts and CDs, but not brokerage accounts or investment services. If you need a loan, you would have to apply through their lending program or look elsewhere.
The bank's branch network is also smaller than national banks like Bank of America or Chase, so if you travel frequently or move often, you may find it inconvenient to access branches. Online banking and ATM access help offset this, but it is worth checking whether there is an A Plus Bank branch or ATM near where you live and work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an A Plus Bank account if I was closed out of another bank?
Yes. A Plus Bank does not use ChexSystems, so a prior account closure at another bank will not prevent you from opening an account. You will still need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and proof of address.
What happens if I overdraft my account?
You will be charged an overdraft fee, usually $25 to $35 depending on the type of transaction and your state. The fee is deducted from your account, which may cause you to overdraft again. You can set up overdraft protection to link another account and avoid repeated fees.
How long does it take to open an account?
In-person opening takes 15 to 20 minutes, and you can start using your account the same day. Online opening is faster to start but may take a few hours to a business day for identity verification. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Does A Plus Bank report to credit bureaus?
Yes, A Plus Bank reports your account activity to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Responsible account use can help build your credit score, but overdrafts and unpaid fees can hurt it.
Can I use my A Plus Bank debit card everywhere?
Yes, your debit card works at any merchant that accepts Visa or Mastercard, depending on which network your card uses. You can also use it to withdraw cash at A Plus Bank ATMs and at many retail stores that offer cash back.