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Editorial Score9.8Chime Overview
Chime is a financial technology company that provides a free-to-open checking account and banking services through The Bancorp Bank, N.A., and Stride Bank, N.A. One benefit of using Chime is the ability to receive direct deposits up to 2 days earlier than with some traditional banking services. 1
Designed with customers in mind, Chime is an ideal solution for individuals seeking a platform that ensures round-the-clock access to account balances and banking services.
Pros:
- No overdraft fees or minimum balance fees2
- Fee-free overdraft with SpotMe® up to $2003
- Secured Chime Visa® Credit Card4
- No credit check to open a Checking Account
Cons:
Chime at a Glance
Fees? | $0 in overdraft and monthly fees; $2.50 for using an out-of-network ATM.2 |
Security | FDIC insured up to $250,000 through partner banks. |
Online Experience | All banking functions are available on the user-friendly app: send money, transfer funds, set up direct deposits, pay bills, and secure your account. |
Mobile App | iOS and Android apps include account balances, bill pay, direct deposit, and mobile check deposits. |
Customer Support | 24/7 customer support through phone and live chat. Dedicated security and risk teams. |
Who Is Chime Suitable For?
Chime is a good choice for individuals who prefer online banking and basic checking account services. Given its absence of physical locations and fees for some cash deposits, this checking account caters particularly well to those who prefer electronic fund transfers and don't rely on paper checks.
Moreover, Chime stands out as a strong option for individuals seeking a fresh financial start. The platform allows you to establish automatic savings without incurring fees and offers a stress-free credit-building credit card,5 offering opportunities to enhance your credit history.
Advantages Over Traditional Banks
Chime's checking account boasts no fees or minimum balance requirements. Receive direct deposits up to 2 days ahead of some traditional banks1 and receive your federal tax refund up to 6 days earlier7 than some banks, provided you have direct deposit set up.
Furthermore, the platform allows fee-free Pay Anyone money transfers of up to $2,000 per month. Chime's checking account integrates with Google Pay® and Apple Pay®, so you can pay with your mobile device at your favorite businesses. 8
Cutting-Edge Banking Services
Chime's app facilitates mobile check deposits, a feature accessible after you receive a minimum of $1 in direct deposit from an employer, government benefit, gig economy payer, or payroll provider.5 The limit for mobile check deposits is $2,000 per individual check and up to $10,000 in total check deposits per month.
Another useful attribute is Chime's bill tracking feature, which conveniently consolidates recurring bills and transactions in your Chime dashboard. It provides details such as merchant contact information and payment amounts.
The platform further simplifies payments through its "PayAnyone" feature.8 This enables instant money transfers to anyone, even those without a Chime account. The service incurs no fees for you or the recipient, and the process involves entering the recipient's information in the Chime app.
The recipient receives a notification and inputs their debit card information to claim the money within 14 days. For a personalized touch, you even have the option to add a GIF when you send money.
Despite the absence of paper checks, Chime has a distinctive checkbook feature for bill payments. Once your checking account has been active for at least 30 days and you possess an activated Chime Card, you can use the app or dashboard to specify the recipient for your check.
This feature is an option for most check-required payments, although it doesn't support international transactions. There are no limits on the number of checks you can write, and it may take up to 9 days for your recipient to receive the check by mail.
Traditional Financial Services
As a Chime Checking Account user, you can access your cash fee-free at over 60,000 MoneyPass, Allpoint, and Visa Plus Alliance ATMs.6 Additionally, you can use your debit card anywhere Visa is accepted, even overseas, without incurring transaction fees. Your account is protected by FDIC insurance up to $250,000 through Stride Bank, N.A., or The Bancorp Bank, N.A.
Once you have a Chime Checking Account, you also have the option to establish a savings account and enable automatic savings through the “Save When I Get Paid” and “Round Ups” features. 9 Each time you use your Chime Card, the transaction is automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference is deposited into your savings.
Another automatic savings feature is the "Save When I Get Paid" feature. If you receive a direct deposit of $500 or more, you automatically allocate 10% directly into your savings when the feature is turned on.
You also have the opportunity to apply for the secured Chime Card™ if you have an active Chime® Checking Account. You can use the card to build credit history and make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted.
Unlike traditional banks, Chime doesn’t provide mortgages, insurance, investment products, retirement accounts, or business banking services. With only 1 checking account plan available, there is no flexibility to choose from different account types with varying features. Chime doesn’t offer joint accounts, either.
APY Rates and Fees
Users with a Chime Checking Account can apply for a Chime Savings Account with a generous 1.25% Annual Percentage Yield (APY). Additionally, with Chime+ your APY can automatically increase to an APY 3.75% in its high yield savings account. The savings account also comes with no fees and no minimum balances. There’s no cap on the interest you can earn, either.
When it comes to fees, Chime has a clear fee schedule:
Chime Checking Account | |
Withdrawing money at an in-network ATM | $0 |
Withdrawing money at an out-of-network ATM | $2.50 per transaction. Third Party fees may apply. |
Cash deposits | Free at Walgreens® locations (including Duane Reade®) but other locations (including Walmart®, 7-Eleven®, Dollar General®, CVS®, and other retail locations) may impose their own fees and cash deposit limits |
International debit transactions when traveling outside the country | $0 |
Customer Service and Online Experience
Customer support is available 24/7 by calling Chime Member Services on (844) 244-6363. You can also chat with a live member services agent by tapping the question mark icon in the app.
In addition to personalized support, Chime has an extensive Help Center, FAQs, and a blog, with detailed information about account services, how-tos, and guides to account security and features.
Mobile App
Available on Android and iOS, the Chime app gets 4.7 on Google Play® with over 570,000 reviews and 4.8 on the Apple® Store with over 700,000 reviews*. The app enables you to deposit checks, check account balances, pay your bills, find local ATMs and retail cash deposit locations, transfer funds, send money, and change your account preferences.
Security
Chime's account features contribute to account safety. You can instantly block transactions on the app, freeze your account, and order a new debit card if your debit card is lost or stolen. You can also configure the Chime app to send automatic daily balances and real-time transaction updates so you’re immediately alerted about any unauthorized transactions.
The platform's Trustpilot® rating stands at 3.6, based on nearly 11,000 reviews*. The feedback on Trustpilot varied, with some reporting difficulty accessing an account or poor customer service.
Chime is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A- rating. Customers rate it an average of 4.07/5 from over 3,000 reviews*.
Application Process
Sign up for a Chime Checking Account in 2 minutes:
- Visit the enrollment page or download the app.
- Enter your personal information when promoted, including your name, social security number (SSN), date of birth, and contact information.
- Enter the email and password you want to use with your account.
- Answer a few questions, which include questions about your employment.
- Set up direct deposit or start transferring funds from an external account to add funds.
Your Chime Card will arrive in the mail within 7-10 business days of your account setup.
You must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident of the United States with a valid SSN to have a Chime Checking Account. You must also be at least 18 years old.
Chime Summary
Chime has budget-friendly checking and savings accounts, designed to save you transaction fees and monthly fees. With no balance minimums and no credit check required to open an account, Chime is very accessible to individuals who are starting on their financial journey or building their credit history.
It’s not the best choice for customers wanting full-service financial services or options with different kinds of accounts, as it only offers basic online and mobile banking services. However, its highly rated app, good APY4 on savings, and credit history building option make it a solid banking solution for anyone else.
Physical Address
101 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94111
Disclaimer
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.
*Third-party trademarks used for informational purposes only; no endorsements implied.
1Early 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.
2Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Secured Deposit Account up to $20, 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 Chime Card Limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime's or its banking partners' discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Chime Card, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions and fees associated with OTC cash withdrawals. SpotMe on Chime Card won't cover non-card transactions. Spot Me on Chime Card Terms and Conditions.
3SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account available to qualifying members with an active Chime Card Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Chime Card service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your physical secured Chime Visa® Credit Card or Chime Visa® Debit Card.
4The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of August 13, 2025. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. The Chime+ APY is available only while you maintain eligibility requirements for Chime+, otherwise the APY for non-Chime+ members will apply. See Chime+ Terms and Conditions for more details.
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 August 13, 2025. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. The Chime+ APY is available only while you maintain eligibility requirements for Chime+, otherwise the APY for non-Chime+ members will apply. See Chime+ Terms and Conditions for more details.
5Mobile 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.
Qualifying direct deposit
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.
6Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
7Chime does not guarantee timing of refund. Six day refund estimate is based on 2023 tax year filing data. Refund timing estimates are dependent upon timing of complete tax return submission and when the IRS submits your refund.
8Pay 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.
9Round 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.
