548 Credit Score: Is It Good or Bad?

548 Poor
Updated April 6, 2024

Holding a credit score at the 548 mark places you below the national average, categorizing your credit status as poor, or in plain terms, bad. Such a score typically reflects either past credit missteps or a minimal credit history. While this may limit your options with traditional lenders, many of whom prefer clients with scores of at least 670, hope is not lost. 

There is a niche market of lenders that aims to serve individuals with your credit profile. This post will delve into the meaning behind a 548 credit score, shed light on the types of loans and credit cards that may be within your reach, and provide a roadmap for building credit. With determination and the right strategies, you can improve your credit score and expand your financial opportunities. 

 

What kind of credit score is 548?

Nestled within the 'poor' credit range of 300-579, a credit score of 548 often reflects financial difficulties such as late or missed payments, elevated debt levels, accounts in collections, bankruptcy, or simply a lack of credit history. According to TransUnion, only about 16% of Americans find themselves in this poor credit category. 

Such a score places borrowers in the high-risk category for lenders, who prioritize being repaid. With a history of missed payments and accounts in collections, most lenders are hesitant to approve loans or credit cards. While certain lenders will work with individuals who have poor scores, the terms are usually less favorable, featuring higher fees and interest rates.

The optimal strategy for those with a 548 credit score is to focus on building credit. This involves making timely payments, reducing outstanding debts, and avoiding new credit applications. Once your score improves, you can qualify for lower-cost credit cards or loans, which will further aid in rebuilding your financial stability. Patience and disciplined financial habits are key to transitioning from a poor credit score to a healthier financial standing.

 

Can I get a credit card with a 548 credit score?

Getting approved for a credit card with a 548 credit score is difficult but feasible. The majority of credit card companies and banks are hesitant to provide cards to those with scores under 670, viewing them as high-risk borrowers. When you have a score of 548, you’ll need to look for specific subprime credit cards designed to cater to individuals with poor or nonexistent credit histories. The catch is these cards typically come with higher fees and APRs to mitigate the issuer's risk of nonpayment.

Subprime credit cards often carry various costs, including annual fees, monthly maintenance fees, and higher interest rates, which can add up and make these cards expensive to use. However, they can still be a viable option if you manage them responsibly, as they provide an opportunity to build or rebuild your credit. Ensure you understand all the associated fees and terms before applying for a subprime credit card to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

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Regular APR 10%
Credit Score Range 300-579
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If the idea of paying extra for a subprime credit card doesn't appeal to you, consider a secured credit card. Many financial institutions offer these as a tool for credit building. Secured cards function similarly to unsecured cards, except they require a refundable cash deposit. The deposit establishes your credit limit and diminishes the bank's lending risk, enabling these cards to offer lower costs and interest rates than their unsecured counterparts. Using a secured credit card responsibly—by making small purchases and paying off the balance in full each month—can significantly help improve your credit score over time.

Another option is to become an authorized user on a relative or friend's credit card. This arrangement allows you to access credit without undergoing the standard application process. Ask someone with exemplary credit habits to add you as an authorized user. Their positive usage will be reflected on your credit report, potentially boosting your score without the immediate need for a personal credit card. It’s important to choose someone who manages their credit well, as their financial behavior will impact your credit history.

While getting a credit card with a 548 credit score presents challenges, it is not impossible. By exploring subprime and secured credit cards or becoming an authorized user, you can find a path to building or rebuilding your credit. With patience, responsible financial habits, and a strategic approach, you can improve your credit score and eventually qualify for better financial products.

 

Can I get a personal loan with a 548 credit score?

Being approved for a personal loan when your credit score stands at 548 is no easy feat, given that lenders typically look for applicants with more robust credit profiles. Nevertheless, it's not an insurmountable task. A niche group of online lenders exists who focus on bad credit loans. These lenders place less emphasis on your credit score but will likely charge higher interest rates and additional fees to reflect their increased risk.

If you have an asset to offer as collateral—such as property, a vehicle, or a savings account—you can obtain a secured loan. Secured loans are easier to get approved for because they pose less risk to the lender. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender can seize your asset to recover the owed amount. As a result, you are more likely to receive approval and more favorable terms. Before taking out a secured loan, ensure you can repay it as agreed.

 

If you want to avoid the high costs associated with an unsecured loan for bad credit, consider adding a co-signer or co-borrower with good credit to your application. Having an additional applicant with strong credit will enhance your chances of qualifying for the loan and securing more favorable terms. The lender perceives less risk since they can collect payment from the co-applicant if you default. A co-borrower will have equal access to the loan funds, whereas a co-signer will not.

Another option is to explore cash advance apps. These fintech applications provide you with a small amount of money almost instantly, which you repay with your next paycheck. You link them to your bank account rather than having to undergo a credit check. They do not charge interest, though some ask for a subscription fee or optional tip.

Credit unions are another excellent option for obtaining a loan with a poor credit score. These member-owned institutions tend to have more lenient requirements and may be willing to lend to members with low scores. Generally, you need to be a member for at least one month before you can apply for a loan.

Before you commit to a loan with high fees and interest rates, carefully consider the urgency of your financial needs. Assess whether your situation allows for a delay in borrowing until you've had a chance to improve your score. Improving your credit score, even slightly, can open up opportunities for lower-cost alternatives.

It's important to explore all available options before taking on additional debt. Consider alternatives like borrowing from friends or family, selling unused items, or tapping into emergency savings if possible.

Take your 548 credit score with a grain of salt

Regardless of differing opinions, having a 548 credit score places you in a lower bracket, generally seen as poor. However, this is not an irreversible condition. Credit scores are inherently fluid, changing with your financial behaviors and practices. With dedication to sound financial habits, it's possible to raise your score and gain access to a broader range of financial products.

To improve your credit score, focus on making all your payments on time, reducing outstanding debt, and avoiding new credit inquiries. Regularly monitor your credit report to catch and dispute any errors. Consider using tools like secured credit cards or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account to build a positive credit history.

Rebuilding credit is a gradual process, but with patience and discipline, you can transition from a low score to a healthier financial standing. Every positive financial decision you make contributes to a better credit future, enhancing your attractiveness as a candidate for loans and credit cards down the line.

 

How can I improve my 548 credit score?

Boosting a 548 credit score is pretty straightforward. The hardest part is being committed and disciplined.

Your score is calculated based on these five factors:

  • Timeliness of payments - 35%
  • Credit utilization ratio - 30%
  • Credit history length - 15%
  • Diversity in credit accounts - 10%
  • Inquiries for new credit - 10%

Before tackling these areas, identify the root causes of your low score. With this insight, you can formulate a plan to make targeted improvements. 

You can also use credit-building tools to boost your score. Credit builder loans, offered by credit unions and some fintech apps, are an easy way to establish a positive payment history. Alternatively, you can leverage bills you already pay. Some companies report rent, utilities, subscription payments, and more to the credit bureaus. This service helps you improve your score without taking on additional products or responsibilities.

Building your credit score is a marathon, not a sprint. Be prepared for a gradual process that will take several months at the least. Although it takes time, you'll likely start seeing positive changes more quickly than expected. Regularly monitor your progress, stay committed to responsible financial habits, and be patient. With consistent effort, you can steadily raise your credit score and unlock better financial opportunities in the future.


Review your credit report

First things first, get your credit report. You can access a free report annually from each of the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—at annualcreditreport.com. Carefully check for any errors and dispute them with the corresponding bureau. Addressing and correcting inaccuracies can lead to an immediate improvement in your credit score.

Mistakes can stem from simple errors by financial institutions or might indicate identity theft. If you suspect identity theft, freeze your credit report to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.

Next, take time to understand what's dragging your score down. Are there instances of late or missed payments, accounts in collections, high credit utilization, or numerous recent credit inquiries? Identifying and acknowledging these issues is crucial because they provide insight into the specific behaviors you need to change to improve your score.

 

Do some damage control

It's time to make amends for past financial slip-ups. Reach out to your creditors or collection agencies to discuss what actions can be taken regarding your unpaid balances. Creditors might agree to eliminate negative information from your report if you can pay off the balance in full or enter into a structured repayment plan. Showing a willingness to clear up past financial errors can improve your score.

If attempts to get negative marks removed are unsuccessful, don't give up hope. Negative entries stay on your report for seven years, but their impact on your score lessens over time. Focus on positive financial behaviors to improve your score naturally. Make sure to pay all your bills on time, as timely payments are crucial for a good credit score. Additionally, work on lowering your credit utilization by reducing outstanding balances and keeping your credit card usage below 30% of your available credit.

Consider setting up automatic payments or payment reminders to ensure you never miss a due date. It's common to forget bills, and everyone makes mistakes. Most issuers and banks offer autopay options to help ensure timely payments.

To maintain low credit utilization, pay off your balance throughout the month. Issuers report your utilization at the end of the month, so reducing your balance before this time will enable you to use credit while improving your score. Additionally, avoid applying for new credit too frequently, as multiple inquiries can negatively impact your score.

By maintaining these good financial practices, you can gradually improve your credit score, even if negative marks remain on your report. Remember, rebuilding your credit is a gradual process, but with consistent effort and discipline, you can achieve a healthier credit profile and access better financial opportunities in the future.

Get a secured credit card

A secured credit card can be an optimal tool for mending credit and establishing a positive payment history for anyone with a 548 credit score. Secured cards are backed by a security deposit, which effectively becomes your credit limit. This cash deposit is fully refundable upon account closure, provided all your bills are paid. This feature offers a significant advantage over the nonrefundable fees charged by subprime credit cards.

The security deposit reduces the risk to the issuer, as they can use the deposit to cover any missed payments. Therefore, secured cards are easier to qualify for, even if your credit score is low. To use a secured card effectively, treat it like a regular credit card. Make small purchases and pay off the balance in full every month. This practice helps build credit by demonstrating responsible credit usage and timely payments.

The positive impact of a few months of diligent card usage might surprise you. Consistently paying your balance in full not only helps improve your credit score but also instills good financial habits. Over time, as your credit improves, you may qualify for unsecured credit cards and loans with more favorable terms. A secured credit card is a valuable stepping stone on your path to rebuilding your credit and achieving a healthier financial future.

 

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Next steps for your 548 credit score

A score of 548 is low and can make it challenging to qualify for loans or secure credit cards without upfront deposits. However, it's important to stay positive and remember that enhancing your credit score is a feasible goal. Start by reviewing your credit report to understand the root causes of your low score. Next, adopt responsible credit habits: pay your bills on time and in full, minimize your credit usage by keeping balances low, and limit new credit inquiries to avoid further hard inquiries on your report. Consistently making timely payments and maintaining low credit utilization are key factors in improving your score.

As you establish these responsible habits, your score will gradually improve. Take moments to acknowledge each small victory along the way, such as a month of on-time payments or a reduction in your credit card balances. These milestones are indicators of your progress and motivation to continue your efforts.

While you have a ways to go, achieving a good credit score is within your grasp with consistent effort. Stay committed to your financial goals, and over time, you will see significant improvements in your credit score, leading to better financial opportunities and greater financial stability.

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

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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