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Best Second Chance Credit Cards With No Security Deposit

Second chance credit cards let you access the credit you need without a deposit, no matter your score.

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Updated May 22, 2025
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Edited by John Howard
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Written by Elise Banham
Here at MoneyFor, our goal is to help you make informed financial decisions. We are committed to accuracy and impartiality in all our content. It’s important to note that articles may reference products from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we feature and their presentation on our site, not our evaluation.

Key takeaways

  • The best second chance credit cards with no deposit offer individuals with poor scores an opportunity to rebuild.
  • Although second chance cards waive the deposit requirement, they often compensate by charging higher interest rates and additional fees. It’s important to review the fee structure.
  • Use your new card to build credit. Make timely payments, keep low balances, and monitor your score to watch your progress.

No denial credit cards allow you to access credit no matter your score. Credit cards are an incredibly convenient way to pay for items. Unfortunately, getting approved isn’t always easy. A lot of issuers have a high minimum credit score requirement that not everyone can meet. And not everyone has enough cash for a secured credit card.

That’s where second chance credit cards for bad credit with no deposit come in. These cards were created for consumers with poor scores. They can give you access to the credit you need and help you improve your score so you can get a better card next time around.

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No matter your score, you can get a credit card. You may even qualify for an unsecured card. Many issuers are reluctant to approve applicants with a FICO score below 670, but a few accept applicants with lower scores.

Second chance credit cards with guaranteed approval don’t exist – there’s no such thing as 100% guaranteed approval. There are unsecured cards with very lenient requirements.

Bad credit rating

A bad rating is anything below 670 on the FICO scoring model. These scores are considered subprime. A FICO score below 580 is classified as deep subprime. If your credit score falls in this range, it will be difficult to be approved for a card, but not impossible. Subprime unsecured credit cards are targeted at consumers with bad ratings.

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What are the best second chance credit card companies?

Second chance credit cards are designed for individuals looking to recover from past financial mistakes. These cards can help rebuild credit. They typically offer more lenient approval criteria and are provided by companies that understand that everyone makes mistakes.

Here are some of the top companies offering these types of cards:

  1. Continental Finance
  2. First Progress
  3. Capital One
  4. Bank of America
  5. Credit One
  6. U.S. Bank

These companies are committed to providing financial products that help individuals rebuild their scores and improve their financial health. Each offers unique features and benefits tailored to meet the needs of consumers working to overcome previous challenges.

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Where can I find a second chance credit card?

Second chance cards are available from a variety of financial institutions, including major banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Start by researching subprime unsecured cards and check the reputation of the issuer. Some financial institutions now offer a $1,000 credit card limit with no deposit, even to those with fair credit scores. A higher limit will give you more spending power.

Many big banks offer second-chance cards. They know that people make mistakes and need to try again. The cards they offer will typically come with higher interest rates and extra fees. While the bank is willing to give you a second chance, they still want to make sure that they get paid, and so they will try to get more money up front.

Credit unions are another excellent resource for financial products. These member-owned institutions will usually have offers no matter your score. They often provide credit-builder loans and cards with more favorable terms than traditional banks. You may have to become a member to apply, but membership criteria are usually lenient.

If you’re unsure what card to choose, consider consulting with a credit counselor for personalized advice. They can assist you in finding the best second chance card for your situation. They can guide you through the application process and offer strategies to improve your score.

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Are second chance credit cards worth it?

Second chance cards can be a valuable tool for individuals looking to rebuild or establish their rating. These cards are specifically designed for people with poor credit histories or none at all, offering a path to improve scores with responsible use.

The primary benefit of second chance cards is the opportunity to demonstrate good financial habits. By making timely payments and keeping balances low, you can gradually improve your score. This, in turn, can qualify you for better financial products in the future, such as lower-interest loans and premium cards.

However, second chance cards often come with higher interest rates and fees compared to traditional cards. It’s essential to read the terms and conditions carefully and be aware of any annual fees, maintenance fees, or high-interest charges. Some of the charges, like late payment fees, are entirely avoidable.

Opting for a secured card, which requires a refundable security deposit, can be a safer bet as these typically have lower fees. Many financial experts recommend secured cards as some of the best credit cards to build credit when you have no history.

Despite these drawbacks, for many, the benefits of rebuilding your score outweigh the costs. The key is to use the card responsibly: make payments on time, avoid maxing out your limit, and monitor your rating regularly. In this way, second chance cards can indeed be worth it as a stepping stone toward better financial health.

Do all credit cards require a security deposit?

Not all cards require a security deposit. Credit cards fall into two main categories: secured and unsecured. Secured cards require a security deposit, which typically serves as your limit. The deposit reduces the lender’s risk and makes these cards accessible to those with very poor scores.

Unsecured cards do not require a security deposit. These cards are more common and are offered to individuals with varying scores. Unsecured cards designed to improve your credit often come with higher interest rates and fees to compensate for the increased risk to the lender.

While secured cards are generally easier to obtain due to the collateral the deposit provides, unsecured credit cards for bad credit are available for those who may not have the funds for a security deposit. It’s important to compare the terms, fees, and interest rates of both types of cards to find the best option for your financial situation and credit-building goals.

Annual fee

A lot of cards come with annual fees. These are very popular in unsecured cards for poor scores and ones for excellent scores that offer lucrative rewards. Always make sure that you can afford the annual fee. A lot of times it’s cheaper to get a secured card with no annual fee since your deposit is fully refundable and fees are not.

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How to apply for a credit card

Applying for a new card is a straightforward process, but doing it correctly can increase your chances of approval and ensure you get the best one for your needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get approved for a credit card.

  1. Check your score: Before you apply, know your score. This will help you determine which cards you’re likely eligible for. You can obtain your score from each credit bureau or through AnnualCreditReport.com.
  2. Research your options: Look for a card that matches your score and offers benefits that align with your spending habits, such as rewards programs, low interest rates, or no annual fees.
  3. Read the fine print: Understand all the terms and conditions associated with a card, including fees, interest rates, rewards, and penalties. This can help you avoid unexpected charges.
  4. Gather necessary information: When you’re ready to apply, make sure you have all the required information handy, such as your Social Security number, income, and employment details.
  5. Try to prequalify: A lot of credit card issuers let you prequalify. Prequalifying does not guarantee approval but it does let you see your chances without hurting your score. Prequalify for a few cards and then apply for the best offer you receive.
  6. Apply online or in person: Most applications can be completed online, which is convenient and usually results in a quick decision. Alternatively, you can apply in person at the financial institution.
  7. Wait for approval: After submitting your application, there may be a processing period. Some applications might result in instant approval, while others might take a few days or weeks. During this time, avoid applying for other cards, as multiple inquiries can hurt your score.
  8. Understand your limit and terms: Once approved, you will be informed about your limit and other relevant terms. Review this information carefully to understand your obligations and the benefits you receive.
  9. Activate your card: Upon receiving your card, you will need to activate it before use. This is usually done through a phone call or online.
  10. Set up online management: Register for online access to your account to manage your card, view transactions, pay your bill, and more. Many issuers also offer mobile apps for convenient management on the go.
  11. Start using your card responsibly: Begin using your card for purchases and remember to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and build your score.

By following these steps, you can apply for a card smoothly and ensure you’re making the most of your new financial tool.

Bad Credit? Get $1,000 with No Deposit

Bad Credit? Get $1,000 with No Deposit
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Fees & Rates of Сards for bad Сredit

Annual Fee N/A
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Regular APR 10%
Credit Score Range 300-579
Monthly Fee $0

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Unsecured credit cards that accept bankruptcies

Can you get an unsecured credit card after bankruptcy? Yes, you can, but you will likely have to wait until the bankruptcy is discharged. If your bankruptcy is too recent, it will make it very difficult to qualify for any unsecured card because lenders view recent bankruptcy as a significant risk. However, this doesn’t mean you are without options.

Your best bet is to apply for a secured card. Secured cards require a refundable security deposit, which typically acts as your limit. This deposit reduces the lender’s risk, making these cards accessible even to individuals who have recently gone through bankruptcy.

Once you obtain a secured card, use it responsibly to improve your score. Pay your bills on time, keep your utilization low (ideally below 30% of your limit), and avoid applying for too many new accounts at once. Over time, responsible use of a secured card can help rebuild your score, making you eligible for unsecured cards in the future.

Rebuilding credit after bankruptcy takes time and patience, but with disciplined financial habits and the right tools, such as a secured card, you can gradually raise your rating and regain financial stability.

No annual fee credit cards

Unsecured cards are more appealing since they don’t require an upfront security deposit. The catch is that most of these cards for consumers with poor scores come with high interest rates and lots of fees, including a monthly maintenance fee and an annual fee.

Secured credit cards, on the other hand, tend to have fewer fees and the deposit is fully refundable. Secured cards are a good no-denial option. You can use them to raise your rating and save money on fees. Once you’ve reached a higher score, you can either upgrade to an unsecured card or close your account and apply for an unsecured card with better benefits.

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How long does it take to rebuild credit with a credit card?

How long it takes to rebuild your score with a card depends on both where your score is and how you use your card. It can take as little as a few months or up to a year to raise your score to a good level, above 670 on the FICO scoring model.

If you’re new to credit, you’ve probably wondered how to build credit with a credit card? Here are the practices you need to watch out for:

  • Payment history
  • Credit sage
  • How long you’ve had accounts
  • Your credit mix
  • New inquiries

First and foremost, you need to pay all your bills on time. A positive payment history is the best thing you can do for your score. Set up automatic payments and request alerts for when bills are due. A single late payment will drag your score down and stay on your report for up to seven years.

Second, avoid maxing out your card each month. In fact, you want to keep your utilization rate below 30% of your limit. One way to accomplish this is to make multiple payments throughout the month. This will keep your utilization low.

Why does higher credit utilization decrease your credit score? It lowers your score because the more you spend on credit, the more you’re at risk of not paying your bill.

Next, keep old accounts open and active, as this will increase the length of your credit history. Put a small recurring charge on the account and set up autopay so you never miss a payment. Keeping old accounts open will also help you maintain a low utilization ratio. Your utilization ratio is both individual by card and cumulative. If you keep old accounts open, then your cumulative limit will go up and your utilization rate will go down. The caveat is if the card has lots of fees. Then, it may be better to close it and deal with the damage to your score.

The other two factors are less important, but don’t forget them. Your credit mix refers to the types of accounts you have loans and cards. Lenders like to see that you can handle both types of borrowing responsibly. But don’t go applying for cards or loans you don’t need. That brings us to the last one – new inquiries. Every time you submit an application, you will undergo a hard inquiry, which will temporarily lower your score. Lots of inquiries not only lower your score but also make you look desperate for credit. So apply sparingly.

Read more about credit cards!

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the easiest card to get approved?

The easiest card to get approved for is typically a secured card. These cards require a security deposit, which acts as your limit. Secured cards are designed for individuals with very poor scores, offering a straightforward approval process. Use the secured card responsibly, pay all your bills on time and your score will improve. A higher score makes it easier to qualify for other cards.

2. Can you get a second credit card with bad credit?

Yes, you can get a second card with a poor score. Many lenders offer cards specifically designed for individuals whose scores fall in the very poor range. Options include secured cards, which require a deposit, and certain unsecured cards with higher interest rates and fees.

3. How do I get a credit card if no one will approve me?

If no one will approve you for a card, consider applying for a secured card, which requires a refundable security deposit. Alternatively, become an authorized user on someone else’s account and benefit from their responsible financial habits. Another option is to explore credit-builder loans offered by credit unions and banks. These options can help you establish or rebuild your score so that you can qualify for a card in the future.

4. What is a credit card that doesn’t have a security deposit?

Cards that don’t require a security deposit are called unsecured cards or simply regular credit cards. Unsecured cards for poor ratings typically have higher interest rates and fees to compensate for the lack of deposit. The main benefit of these cards is they can help you rebuild your score without tying up any money in the bank.

5. How to get credit card without putting money down?

To get a card without putting money down, look for unsecured cards designed for individuals with bad or limited credit. These cards do not require a security deposit but usually have higher interest rates and fees.

6. How do I get a credit card with no credit?

Look into secured credit cards. These cards have very lenient requirements and are a good stepping stone for establishing a credit score. You could also try to get an unsecured credit card from your bank or a provider that has no minimum score requirement.

Bottom line

Financial institutions understand that just because you’ve made mistakes in the past doesn’t mean you’ll repeat them. They recognize the importance of providing opportunities for individuals to rebuild their scores and regain financial stability. Consequently, many financial institutions offer second chance cards specifically designed for people with poor scores. No matter your past, you’ll be able to find a card that suits your needs.

Many second chance cards will require a security deposit. The deposit serves as collateral and often determines your limit. However, not every second chance card requires a deposit. Unsecured credit cards for bad credit are available, though they typically come with higher interest rates and extra fees.

The easiest unsecured credit card to get may not offer rewards, but it’s a helpful step toward building credit responsibly. Pay your bills on time, keep your utilization low (ideally below 30% of your limit), and only apply for new accounts when necessary. Consistently following these basic rules will help you see your rating rise over time. With patience and discipline, second chance cards can be an effective tool in your journey toward better financial health.

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. 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. 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. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. 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.
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.
35. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
36. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. MyPay is only offered in select states
42. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply.
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
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About the author

Author Elise Banham Elise Banham

Elise Banham is a financial writer at Moneyfor, specializing in credit building, budgeting, and personal loans. She joined the team in 2020 after writing for outlets including The Seattle Times, MarketWatch, and Bankrate. Earlier in her career, she worked as a content strategist for a San Francisco-based fintech startup.

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