Key takeaways
- Chime is a fintech app that offers banking products with minimal fees.23 It aims to make banking accessible to everyone.
- The fintech app’s top features include overdraft protection, paycheck advances, and the ability to receive your direct deposit up to two days early.32
- Chime offers a secured credit builder visa that helps consumers improve their score with no credit check and no security deposit.
Chime offers a very different experience from what you find at a traditional bank.23 In fact, it’s not a bank at all but a financial technology company that has partnered with regional banks to provide consumers with banking products.
The neobank offers easy access to checking accounts, savings accounts, and even a Credit Builder Visa,24 all with no annual fees and no minimum balance requirement. The innovative fintech company lets you get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit, grow your savings automatically, and there’s no credit check to apply. You can even receive an advance of up to $500 instantly.41
Does Chime have a place in your finances? We’re here to help you figure that out.
Jump to:
- Chime overview
- Chime Checking Account
- Chime Savings Account
- Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card
- Get even more with Chime+
- What Chime does well
- What Chime could improve
- How to open an account with Chime
- How to withdraw money from a Chime account
- How to add money to your Chime account
- Is Chime legit?
- Who is Chime best for
- Bottom line
Chime overview
Chime is a financial technology company that was founded in 2012 by Chris Britt and Ryan King with the idea that basic banking services should be helpful, easy, and free for everyone. It offers a suite of no-frills basic banking products, including a checking account, savings account, and Credit Builder card.24 The fintech company now serves over 22.3 million customers and has a network of 50,000+ ATMs. Its banking services are provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.23 This means that when you bank through Chime, your money is insured up to $250,000.
Chime Checking Account
Chime is an award-winning mobile banking app whose main product is its checking account. Chime’s Checking Account is available to everyone. The fintech company does not conduct a credit check when you apply or look into your banking history. The fact that they don’t screen customers through ChexSystems means you can still be approved for a checking account even if you’ve had accounts closed in the past. To open an account, you have to be over 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or resident. Banking through Chime is a good place to go if you want to restart your financial life.23
Chime believes that banking shouldn’t cost money. Their checking account has no monthly fees, no minimum balance fees, no annual fees, no overdraft fees, and no foreign transaction fees. There is no minimum deposit needed to open an account.
It comes with a Visa debit card25 that may be used everywhere Visa is accepted. You can easily connect your debit card to secure mobile payments like Google Pay and Apple Pay. Chime offers real-time transaction alerts, and if you spot any unauthorized transactions, you can disable the card and order a replacement for free via the mobile app.
Grateful for Chime 😉
“During a tough financial time years ago, Chime approved me for a checking account when noone else would. Been a loyal member for about 7 years. Love getting paid early, plus their secured card helped me rebuild credit without tying the money up long term. Lots of great stuff to say about them. II just wish they’d allow incoming wires. Right now it’s only ACH.”
Chime Savings Account
When you open a Chime Checking Account, you will have the option to also open a High-Yield Savings Account. Chime’s Savings Account is an attractive option for anyone who wants to make their money grow faster.
It has an Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 1.25%24, much higher than that of traditional big banks. The FDCI puts the national average savings APY at 0.42%. If you qualify for Chime+, the APY jumps to 3.75%. A higher savings rate means that you earn more on every dollar you put into your HYS account. Plus, you can enroll in Round Up and Save When I Get Paid to grow your savings automatically.
Like with a Chime Checking Account, the High Yield Savings Account has:
- No monthly fees27
- No minimum balance requirement
- No cap on the amount of interest you can earn
- No minimum deposit to open an account
Round Up
Round Up lets you save on every purchase. Every time you use your Chime debit card, it will automatically round the purchase up to the nearest dollar and transfer the spare change from your Chime Checking Account into your Chime Savings Account.
Say you buy a coffee for $2.50. The remaining 50 cents will go into your savings account, boosting your savings. Chime estimates that you can save $360 a year with the Round Up feature if you make an average of two purchases a day.
Save When I Get Paid
Save When I Get Paid encourages you to grow your savings automatically. When you enroll in this feature, Chime will automatically transfer 10% of your direct deposit of $500 or more from your Chime Checking Account into your savings account. Studies have shown that when you set up direct deposit to send a percentage of your paycheck into your savings account, you are less likely to spend it.
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card
Chime knows that it can be tough to increase your credit score. That’s why they came up with the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card24, a better way to build credit.28 Chime’s Credit Builder is a secured credit card that does not conduct a credit check, has no annual fees, interest, or minimum security deposit.29 It simply helps you build credit with regular use and on-time payments. Chime reported that members were able to increase their credit score by 30 points on average after only 8 months of use with on-time payments.30
All you need to apply for the Chime Credit Builder card is a Chime Checking Account with a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more.28 It is an easy, free way to build credit, secure better interest rates, and pay less on future loans. Possibly best of all, the Credit Builder is set up to limit the risk of overspending.
Tired of endless bank fees?
Chime’s Credit Builder is a secured credit card, but it does not require you to put down a security deposit to set your spending limit.29 In fact, it doesn’t have any preset spending limit at all. Instead, how much you spend is up to you. You move money from your Chime Checking Account to your Credit Builder secured account, and that is the amount you’re able to spend.
Since there is no set spending limit, you cannot have a high credit utilization ratio, and Chime cannot report credit utilization to the credit bureaus. Chime reports your payment history to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
The exact impact on your credit varies, but an on-time payment history will improve your credit score, while late or missed payments may negatively affect your credit. Turn on Safer Credit Building31 to automatically pay your balance in full each month from the money you moved into your Credit Builder secured account. This optional feature ensures that you never miss a payment.
If you miss a payment, Chime will disable your Credit Builder card and ask you to pay the outstanding balance. If you do not pay in full within 30 days, it will report the missed payment to the major credit bureaus. Missed and late payments will appear on your credit report, hurting your score. The best thing you can do is pay on time and set up the Safer Credit Builder Feature31 to avoid human error.
Get even more with Chime+
Chime has a new tier called Chime+ that’s completely free. It gives qualifying members access to higher savings and more banking products.
Feature | Chime | Chime+ |
MyPay | √ | |
SpotMe | √ | |
Savings Account rate | 1.25% APY | 3.75% |
24/7 Customer Support | √ | Priority |
Chime Deals | √ | Exclusive |
Credit Builder card | √ | √ |
Fee-free ATMs | √ | √ |
Banking app | √ | √ |
To be eligible for Chime+ you need a qualifying direct deposit of $200+ within the preceding 34 days. Once the neobank receives the direct deposit, Chime+ benefits start automatically. They will continue for as long as the direct deposits continue.
What Chime does well
Get paid early
Set up direct deposits and get your paycheck up to two days earlier than you would with some traditional banks. Chime makes your paycheck available to you on the very same day it receives it from your employer, which may be up to 2 days earlier than your scheduled payday.32
Enjoy MyPay
MyPay is Chime’s version of a paycheck advance. You can receive up to $500 of your pay any time you need it.42 The money is deposited into your account within 24 hours for free, or you can pay $2 to receive it instantly. There are no mandatory fees, no credit checks, no interest, and no tipping.
To get access to MyPay, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Set up a $200+ qualifying direct deposit
- Activate your Chime card
- Live in a state where MyPay is offered41
- Repaid any prior MyPay advances on time and in full
MyPay is offered in all states except CO, CT, GA, HI, IL, MA, MD, ME, MN, MT, NJ, NM, NV, SD, VT, WA, WI, or WY.
You can use MyPay as often as you like, even daily. The amount you can access from your paycheck refreshes as you work.
Chime sets individual limits on how much you can advance. The minimum amount is $20. Most members start out with a limit of $50 to $100. As you repay on time and show a history of steady direct deposits, your limit can go up to $500. Advances are repaid out of your next direct deposit.
Exceeds Expectations!
“I’ve been a Chime customer for over two years, and they’ve consistently exceeded expectations. In under a year, their Credit Builder feature delivered a significant 40+ point increase to my credit score. Beyond the impressive credit growth, their financial guidance has been invaluable. Recently, I experienced exceptional customer service from Belle, who handled a duplicate charge issue with patience, professionalism, and genuine comfort. Chime stands out as a reliable and supportive financial partner, offering effective tools and top-tier service. Highly recommended, especially for anyone seeking tangible credit improvement and outstanding customer support.”
Cash in with Chime Deals
Chime Deals lets you earn cash back on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and restaurants. Look through the app for retailers you plan to visit or deals nearby. Activate the deal before you visit the retailer. Then swipe your Chime card to earn cash back.
Any cash back you earn will be deposited automatically into your Chime Checking Account within 10 business days.
If you’re a Chime+ member, you’ll get access to exclusive cash back deals. Exclusive deals can also be redeemed online through your digital wallet if you use your Chime card.
Access on the go
With an award-winning mobile financial app, Chime ensures banking services are always within reach.23 Check your balances, locate in-network ATMs35, and send money to friends all through the mobile app. Stay in control with daily balance notifications and transaction alerts. If you lose your debit card, you can disable transactions and request a new card for free.
SpotMe®
Chime will spot eligible members who need a little extra cushion to cover an expense.33 Get fee-free overdraft on debit card purchase transactions, credit card transactions, ATM withdrawals, and cash-back transactions up to your specified limit. SpotMe® limits start at $20 and can go up to $200! Overdraft coverage with SpotMe ensures that you can make purchases that exceed your balance without incurring overdraft fees.
Chime will automatically deduct the amount from your next deposit and ask for a tip, but tipping is entirely up to you.34 If you overdraw more than your limit or don’t have SpotMe®, Chime will decline the transaction, and you won’t be charged a fee.
Automatic savings
Chime lets you send 10% of your paycheck to your savings account with Save When I Get Paid36 and makes it easy to enable Round Ups.37 Putting your savings on auto-pilot helps your money grow faster
A decent savings rate
Chime’s High-Yield Savings Account offers a competitive 1.25% APY.26 Big banks like Bank of America and Chase only offer a 0.01% APY on their savings accounts. Earn more on every dollar in your savings account.
Low fees
Chime stands out for its transparent fee structure and low costs. There are no overdraft fees, no monthly maintenance fees, no annual fees, no transfer fees, no minimum balance fees, and no foreign transaction fees.
Chime checkbook
Like most digital neobanks, Chime does not give you paper checks to write, but it does offer the ability to send checks through its digital checkbook. It can take a few days for a check to be processed and sent, so it’s best to schedule payments beforehand.38
Large ATM network
You can access over 50,000 fee-free ATMs at stores like Walgreens, Target, CVS, 7-Eleven, and more.35 If you don’t know where the nearest in-network ATM is, you can easily locate it via the map on your app.
Pay anyone, the fast-free way
Send money instantly to friends and family, whether they’re a Chime member39 or not40, without any fees. All they need is a valid debit card to get their cash. No sign-up is necessary, and you’ll never pay instant cash-out fees when you use Pay Anyone.
I love Chime
“I love Chime. The “Spot Me”, “My Pay” and “Instant Loans” are super convenient and all while rebuilding my credit! I definitely recommend it to friends and family. Plus, the app is so easy to use. Chime is a win – win!”
What Chime could improve
Fees for cash deposits
Unlike a lot of online-only neobanks, Chime does allow you to put cash in your account at over 75,000 retailers across the country. Retailers include Walmart, CVS, 7-Eleven, and Walgreens. The catch is that most charge a fee. You can add cash to your account for free at one of Duane Reade or Walgreens’ over 8,000 locations.
ATM fee
While Chime has a large ATM network you can use for free, using out-of-network ATMs incurs a fee of $2.50.35 In addition to Chime’s fee, many ATMs charge their own third-party fees.
Chime pros and cons
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No overdraft fees
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No monthly fees
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No minimum balance or deposit for opening accounts
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Large fee-free ATM network
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Early direct deposit
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Customer service is available 24/7
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Higher than average APY on savings
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Automatic savings features
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Credit Builder card without a security deposit
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Send money to friends instantly
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Earn cash back on everyday purchases
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Receive cash advances
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No physical branches
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Fees for cash deposits
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Out-of-network ATM fee
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Limited banking products
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Past legal difficulties
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Chime+ members get more benefits
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No joint accounts
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Limited international money transfers
How to open an account with Chime
Opening a Chime Checking Account is straightforward and takes less than two minutes.
1. Download the Chime app.
2. Enter your name, address, and date of birth.
3. Set up direct deposit or connect to your current bank account to transfer funds.
4. Decide if you want to open a savings account at the same time.
5. Indicate if you want to apply for the Credit Builder card.
6. You can use your virtual debit card right away.
7. Your physical debit card will arrive in 7-10 business days.
Easiest and best bank
“I have had my Chime account for three years and have zero complaints. It is the easiest and best bank that I have ever had. My check is deposited two days before my coworkers and I have both checking and savings. I have increased my credit score and have been able to get a Discover card. The Credit Builder card is excellent. This company has the best customer service ever. You will not be disappointed with this bank!”
How to withdraw money from a Chime account
Spending and withdrawing money is easy with Chime. You can use the Chime Visa Debit Card25 for purchases anywhere Visa is accepted or withdraw cash from ATMs35 within Chime’s extensive network. You can also get cash back at the register at places like grocery stores, gas stations, and drug stores. Lastly, you can use your Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card24 to withdraw cash from ATMs. This is a cash advance, but unlike most credit card cash advances, there is no interest or fees if you get it from a MoneyPass, Allpoint, or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
How much can I withdraw from Chime?
Chime sets the Credit Builder card ATM withdrawal limit at $1,015 per day. If you have less than that in your account, you can withdraw up to your balance. Credit Builder ATM withdrawals do not impact the withdrawal limit on your debit card.
Chime does not publicly disclose how much you can withdraw via your debit card. It gives individual limits that you can check in your account settings. The limits depend on your account history and the type of transaction.
The following transactions count toward your daily debit card limit:
- Fees
- Cash withdrawals
- Cash back withdrawn at point-of-sale
- Purchases
Your daily withdrawal and spending limits reset at midnight Mountain Standard Time (MST).
How to add money to your Chime account
You can add funds to your Chime Checking Account via direct deposit, mobile check deposit, or cash deposits at participating retail locations, though the latter may incur fees. You can put cash in your account for free at one of Duane Reade and Walgreens’ over 8,000 locations (more walk-in locations than many big banks have). Once the retailer accepts your cash, the funds will be transferred to your Chime Checking Account. It takes roughly two hours for the money to hit your account.
Is Chime legit?
Chime is a legitimate fintech company based in San Francisco. It has offices in Chicago and Vancouver, British Columbia. Chime works with Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, which are both FDIC-insured,23 to offer its products and services. Its goal is to make banking convenient and accessible to everyone.
There are plenty of fintech companies working in the mobile banking space. Take a look at what Chime has to offer and compare it with others to see if it’s right for you.
Love Chime!
“I absolutely love Chime! It is so easy to move money from one account to another. The $20 overdraft allowance has helped me on more than one occasion.
Yes, their customer service people are in another country, but they have always been very friendly and worked hard to resolve any questions that I had.
Truthfully, I don’t even know why I continue to do part of my banking through a traditional bank. Chime’s services beat theirs by a mile.”
Who is Chime best for
Chime is a good option if you’re looking for a straightforward, fee-free online banking experience.23 The fintech company does not conduct a credit check when you apply or look into your ChexSystems report when opening an account. This makes it a smart pick if you have poor credit or have made past banking mistakes. Chime not only makes it easy to open an account, but it will also help you build credit and does not charge many fees. The only catch is that there are no physical branches, so you must be comfortable with digital banking for Chime to be right for you.23
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Chime worth it?
Whether Chime is worth it depends on your personal finances. If you are looking for a second-chance bank account, a secured card without a deposit, or a high-yield savings account with a minimum balance requirement, Chime can be a good fit.
2. How can I add money to my Chime card?
You can add money to your Chime debit card by depositing cash for free at Walgreens or for a small fee at other retail locations.
3. Can I withdraw $5,000 from Chime?
Chime does not specify its daily withdrawal limit, but it is highly likely that $5,000 exceeds it.
4. How much does Chime charge for ATM?
Chime has an extensive network of fee-free ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM, Chime charges $2.50 per transaction.
5. Can you have 2 Chime accounts?
No, you can only have one Chime account. Within your one account, you can open up a checking account and a high-yield savings account.
Bottom line
Chime is a fintech company, not a bank, but it may work well for you if you’re looking for an online-only banking experience with minimal fees.23 The fintech company won’t check your credit score or your ChexSystems profile, making it a good choice if you’ve had issues with banks in the past. It offers a place to bank, save your money, and build credit with very few fees. If you’re comfortable with digital-only banking, Chime is a strong contender in the fintech space.