How to Select Guaranteed Approval Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit

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Key takeaways

Unsecured credit cards for bad credit with no deposit allow individuals with poor credit to improve their scores without putting down a security deposit.
Responsible use is crucial. Whether you have a secured or unsecured card, keep your balances low, pay your bills on time, and apply for new cards sparingly.
Prequalify before you apply to assess your eligibility without negatively impacting your score.

Credit cards for bad credit with no deposit offer a glimmer of hope for individuals struggling to rebuild their credit. Like it or not, your score is important. It affects what interest rate you’re offered, the fees lenders charge, and even if you can get the apartment you have your eye on.

Secured cards are a great way to improve your score, but not everyone wants one or has the cash on hand to make a deposit. That’s where credit cards for bad credit with no deposit come in. These cards have minimal requirements for approval, making them easy to qualify for.

Are credit cards secured or unsecured?
What is an unsecured credit card?
How to select the best unsecured credit card for bad credit
Are secured or unsecured credit cards best for rebuilding credit?
Can a secured credit card become unsecured?
How to make the most of unsecured credit cards for bad credit
Can you get an unsecured credit card after bankruptcy?
Can I get an unsecured credit card for a 500 credit score?
Bottom line

Are credit cards secured or unsecured?

When choosing a credit card, especially with bad credit, it’s important to understand what the difference is between secured and unsecured credit cards. Secured credit cards require you to provide a cash deposit upfront, which typically sets your credit limit. The deposit serves as collateral in case you default. They are easier to qualify for than unsecured cards.

In contrast, unsecured credit cards do not require you to put money down. The credit limit you receive is based on your income and credit history. These cards are harder to qualify for, though there are plenty on the market aimed at consumers with bad credit.

What is an unsecured credit card?

The majority of credit cards are unsecured, meaning they do not require a cash deposit. An unsecured card for bad credit is one that accepts applicants with poor or fair scores.

The marketing phrase easiest unsecured credit cards for bad credit often refers to these types of cards, suggesting a higher chance of approval without the need for upfront cash.

However, it’s important to understand that guaranteed approval does not actually exist. While credit cards with $5,000 limit guaranteed approval sound appealing, they are misleading. No issuer approves every single applicant. Plenty of cards have minimal requirements, making them very easy to qualify for, no matter your score.

What separates unsecured cards for poor scores from other unsecured cards is their fee structure. Due to the higher risk issuers take on lending to people with less-than-perfect scores, they will often charge higher interest rates and additional fees.

Tacked-on fees you’ll only find on subprime cards include:

Sign-up fees or processing fees
Monthly maintenance fees
Credit limit increase fees
Extra card fees

All the fees make it hard for the issuer to lose money if the consumer doesn’t pay their bill.

Carefully consider these costs when applying for unsecured credit cards for bad credit with no deposit. While these cards offer a valuable opportunity to improve your score, the associated fees and interest rates can make them unaffordable.

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How to select the best unsecured credit card for bad credit

When selecting the best unsecured credit card for bad credit no deposit, you should look at the card as a whole. Consider how it will benefit you, the costs, and potential rewards.

Opt for credit-building tools

The best credit cards to build credit will report your payment history and usage to all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Consistent reporting to these bureaus is the only way the card will impact your score. Pay on time and keep your usage low. Over time, your score will increase.

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Understand Interest rates and fees

Unsecured cards for low ratings typically come with higher interest rates and fees. Carefully compare the annual percentage rates (APR) of different cards. A lower APR can save you money if you carry a balance. Of course, you can request a lower credit card interest rate after a few months of consistent on-time payments.

Additionally, scrutinize the fee structure. Pay attention to the annual fee, late payment fee, and foreign transaction fee. Some cards may waive the annual fee for the first year, which can be a cost-saving feature. Other cards charge an additional monthly maintenance fee.

Evaluate credit limit

Unsecured credit cards for no credit or bad credit generally have lower limits. Issuers tend to offer unsecured cards with a $500 credit card limit and no deposit required to applicants with bad credit. Some may increase your limit after a period of responsible use, such as six months to a year of on-time payments. A higher limit can improve your utilization ratio, positively impacting your score.

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Check approval odds

Look for card issuers that provide prequalification options. Prequalification allows you to see your approval odds without impacting your score, as it involves a soft credit inquiry rather than a hard one. This can help you avoid unnecessary hard inquiries, which can temporarily lower your rating.

Consider cards with rewards

A few bad credit unsecured credit cards offer rewards programs, such as cash back or points for certain purchases. Although these rewards might not be as generous as those from prime cards, they can still provide added value. Consider cards that offer rewards for everyday spending, like gas or groceries, which can make managing your finances a bit more rewarding.

Are secured or unsecured credit cards best for rebuilding credit?

Secured and unsecured cards are both good for building credit as long as the issuer reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus. Your score is mainly determined by your payment history and utilization. It does not matter if you’re using a secured or unsecured card.

Both secured and unsecured cards are:

Issued by major financial institutions
Can be used to make in-store purchases
Can be used to make online purchases
Will impact your score
Let you carry a balance

The only difference is that secured cards require a refundable security deposit. The deposit serves as collateral and typically sets your limit. They are often recommended for individuals with very poor scores or no credit history. When you have a secured card, you still have to pay your bill on time every month, will still be charged interest on purchases, and utilization still counts.

Both secured cards and unsecured cards will help you boost your score with responsible use. For individuals unable to put down a security deposit, unsecured credit cards to rebuild credit are a practical alternative.

Can a secured credit card become unsecured?

A secured card can become unsecured. Many secured card issuers allow cardholders to graduate to an unsecured card after demonstrating responsible use over a period, typically ranging from six months to a year. Here’s how the process generally works:

1. Consistent payments: Make all your payments on time. Timely payments demonstrate to the issuer that you are reliable and can borrow responsibly.

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2. Low utilization: Keep your utilization low, ideally below 30% of your limit. Low usage helps improve your score and shows that you are not reliant on borrowing.

3. Account review: Some issuers periodically review your account to assess your eligibility for transitioning to an unsecured card. If you meet their criteria, they may automatically upgrade your account.

4. Request an upgrade: If your issuer does not automatically review your account, you can proactively request an upgrade after a few months of responsible use. Contact customer service to inquire about your eligibility for an unsecured card.

5. Refund of deposit: Once your secured card is upgraded, your security deposit is typically refunded, assuming your account is in good standing.

Transitioning from a secured to an unsecured card can further improve your score and provide access to better terms, including higher limits and potential rewards programs.

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How to make the most of unsecured credit cards for bad credit

Owning a card is enough to establish your credit history, but to build your score, you have to use your card responsibly.

Factors that contribute to your score are:

Payment History 35%
Amount Owed 30%
Age of Accounts 15%
Credit Mix 10%
New Credit 10%

Let’s go over practical ways to build credit.

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Maintain low balances

Keeping your card balances low is crucial. Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. A low utilization rate demonstrates responsible habits and that you’re not overly reliant on borrowing money.

To keep your balances low, make multiple payments throughout the month. This can be an especially helpful practice if you have a low limit, like $300. An alternative is to request a limit increase. Your issuer may approve a higher credit line if you’ve made consistent monthly payments.

Make payments on time

The best thing you can do is pay your credit card bill on time every month. You need to make at least the minimum payment to be considered on time, but it’s even better to pay in full and avoid interest. Set up automatic payments or request an alert when the bill is due to ensure timely payments.

Late or missed payments incur late fees and potentially a penalty APR, a few points higher than your regular APR. Payments over 30 days late will be reported to the credit bureaus and cause your score to drop by dozens of points. Late payments stay on your report for up to seven years, though the damage they do lessens over time.

Conversely, consistently paying on time will establish a positive payment history – the most important factor in determining your score – and significantly improve your score over time.

Refrain from too many applications

Each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report and will lower your score by 5 to 10 points. Occasionally applying is fine and won’t do too much damage. Your score will bounce back within a few months to a year.

Too many applications within a short period will ding your score and are considered a red flag by lenders. Wait at least six months between applications to avoid these negative impacts.

Don’t close old accounts

The age of your accounts plays a role in determining your score. Lenders want to see that you have a long history of borrowing responsibly. Closing old accounts decreases the average account age, so it’s better to keep your cards open and active. Aim to use them once a year so that the issuer won’t close them. The exception to the rule is if one of your cards has a lot of fees. Then, it may be worth closing.

Have a mix of credit

A diverse mix of accounts (both cards and loans) reflects well on your score since it demonstrates your ability to manage different types of borrowing responsibly. That said, never take on debt to improve your score. It is possible to get a very good or excellent score with only cards.

Improving your score takes time, but if your score was very low, you may see significant improvements fast.

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Moneyfor rating Moneyfor’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back, travel or balance transfer) and the card’s rates, fees, rewards and other features.

Instant Approval Credit Cards
Bad Credit Credit Cards with no Deposit
Best Credit Card Offers

Fees & Rates of Сards for bad Сredit

Annual Fee N/A

Intro APR N/A

Regular APR 10%

Credit Score Range 300-579

Monthly Fee $0

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Can you get an unsecured credit card after bankruptcy?

When you have recently been bankrupt, it can be hard to qualify for any card, but it is not impossible. There are subprime cards that will consider applicants as long as their bankruptcy has been discharged. If you qualify, you’ll get higher interest rates and fees to offset the risk to the issuer.

Do your research, compare options, and try to prequalify. Prequalifying does not guarantee approval, but it shows your approval odds without impacting your score.

Once you’re approved, be sure to use your card responsibly. Make payments on time, keep your balances low, and you’ll gradually improve your score post-bankruptcy.

Can I get an unsecured credit card for a 500 credit score?

Obtaining an unsecured card with a 500 score is challenging, but not impossible. Many traditional card issuers consider a 500 score to be in the poor range, making it difficult to qualify for their standard unsecured cards.

That said, credit cards for a 500 credit score do exist. These cards are generally considered subprime and are often made with improving your score in mind. They frequently come with higher interest rates and extra fees to offset the possibility of default. Overall, they are more expensive, but do not require a security deposit, and not everyone has money for a deposit lying around.

Subprime cards have lenient approval criteria. The required credit score is minimal, and many issuers consider other factors such as your income, employment status, and recent credit history. Demonstrating a stable income and reducing existing debt can improve your chances of approval. It can also help to apply with a financial institution with which you already have a good relationship, like a credit union or bank

Before applying, look for issuers that offer prequalification. The prequalification process allows you to check your chances of approval without a hard inquiry. You can then compare options and apply for a card for which you are more likely to be approved.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the easiest credit card to get with bad credit?

The easiest cards to get with bad credit are typically secured cards. They require a refundable deposit, which lessens the risk to the issuer. Some unsecured credit cards are designed for poor credit and offer easy approval.

2. Is it possible to get an unsecured credit card with bad credit?

You can get an unsecured credit card with bad credit. Some issuers offer options specifically designed to help people with poor scores rebuild responsibly. These cards often come with higher fees and lower limits.

3. Do unsecured credit cards build credit?

Unsecured credit cards build credit as long as the issuer reports your activity to the major credit bureaus, which most do. Making on-time payments and keeping your balance low are key to improving your score.

4. Can I get a credit card without depositing money?

You can get a credit card without depositing money by applying for unsecured cards designed for consumers with low ratings. These cards typically have higher interest rates and lower limits, but do not require you to put money down upfront.

5. Which credit card has no credit check guaranteed approval?

Cards with no credit check and guaranteed approval are very rare. Certain secured cards and merchandise cards fit this criterion. Even then, approval is not 100% guaranteed but highly likely.

Bottom line

While there is no such thing as a credit card with guaranteed approval, unsecured credit cards that have lenient requirements. If your score is low, focus on feasible choices that cater specifically to consumers with bad ratings.

Before applying, try to prequalify to see your chances of approval without impacting your score. Prequalification involves a soft inquiry, which does not affect your rating, and can give you a better idea of your likelihood of being approved. If you’re denied, wait at least six months before applying again. In the meantime, consider secured credit cards to boost your score.

Once you obtain your card, it is essential to use it responsibly. Consistently make payments on time, as payment history is a significant factor in your score. Additionally, keep your balances low relative to your limit, ideally below 30%, to maintain a good utilization ratio.

By following these practices, your score should improve within a year. As your score improves, you will gain access to better card options with lower interest rates, higher limits, and more attractive rewards programs. Responsible card use is a stepping stone to better financial health and more opportunities in the future.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

2. Paycheck Advance is an earned wage access service and is not a loan or credit product.

3. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and/or Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card, which may be issued by Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, and the Current Visa® secured charge card, which is issued by Cross River Bank, are all issued pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. A Current debit account is required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Debit card: Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees. Build Card: Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

6. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

7. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

8. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

9. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC.

10. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank.

11. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

12. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 35-day period and fulfill other requirements subject to Current’s discretion. Negative balances must be repaid within 60 days of the first Eligible Transaction that caused the negative balance. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions. Individual Current Accounts only.

13. For eligible customers only. You may earn Points in connection with your Build Card purchases at retailers whose merchant code is classified as: Dining (e.g., restaurants) and Groceries (e.g., supermarkets) and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. Points will expire 365 days after they settle. For more information (including specific eligibility criteria), please refer to the Current Points Terms and Condition.

14. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

15. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. No minimum balance required. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. To earn a Boost rate of 4.00%, the sum of your Eligible Payroll Deposits over a rolling 35-day period must be $500 or more, with at least one Eligible Payroll Deposit equalling a minimum of $200. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

16. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

17. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

18. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

19. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

20. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

21. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

22. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

23. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

24. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

25. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

26. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

27. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

28. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

29. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

30. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

31. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

32. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

33. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

34. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

35. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

36. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

37. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

38. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

39. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

40. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

41. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

42. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

43. Not affiliated with Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (www.empower.com). Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10-$300 for first-time customers; $10-$400 for all others. Offers are based on our eligibility requirements and can go up with on-time payments. In Feb 2025, the average offer was $95 for first-time customers; $187 for all others. Instant delivery is optional—see fees in Empower’s Terms. Empower offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor's credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA.

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How to Select Guaranteed Approval Unsecured Credit Cards for Bad Credit

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