Depending on where you live, you may have some community service programs to help. In Jacksonville, Fl, the city has a program called Get Checking. It is for people in your situation. You have to complete so many hours of training in personal finance and checking account maintenance. You will then receive a certificate to take to specified banks or credit unions to open a checking account. Your progress with them is monitored. Also, Compass Bank has a Second Chance checking account program...It's basic checking, but it's a good start..