Banking app Chime®* is inviting members to file their state and federal taxes for free, directly through its platform. Simple returns can be completed in as little as 24 minutes, according to the San Francisco–based fintech company, and members who set up direct deposit can get their federal tax refund up to six days early.
The service is backed up with a 100% accuracy guarantee**: If a calculation error results in you facing IRS penalties, Chime will pay the fines up to $10,000. It also guarantees the biggest refund possible*** or it will pay the difference.
Chime® Checking + High-Yield Savings
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
Chime® Checking (no interest), required to enroll in Chime High-Yield Savings 3.75% APY* with qualifying direct deposit
Minimum balance
$0, no minimum deposit or balance
Fees
No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees. SpotMe® service with eligibility for no-fee overdraft up to $200.*
Perks
Paycheck available up to two days early with direct deposit. Automatically save part of your direct deposits of $1 or more. Round Ups feature transfers spare change from purchases to savings.
Maximum transactions
Cash withdrawals from checking up to $515 per day at any ATM or as an over-the-counter bank withdrawal. $2,500 maximum daily spend, including any withdrawals, purchases and incurred fees.
ATMs
47,000+ in-network no-fee ATMs.*
Mobile check deposit
Yes
Terms apply.
ATMs: Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at FCTI® ATMs in a 7-Eleven® or Speedway, or any Allpoint® or Visa® Plus Alliance ATM participating in the Allpoint network. SpotMe: SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, ""SpotMe""). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member's Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. SpotMe for Credit and SpotMe on Debit share a single SpotMe limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners' discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non-card transactions, including ACH s, Pay Anyone s, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe terms and conditions. APY: 3.75% Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") applies if you maintain Chime Prime status, otherwise 3.00% Chime Plus APY (if eligible) or 0.75% standard APY will apply. APYs are effective as of 01/29/2026, are variable and subject to change. No min. bal. required.
According to Chime, the in-app tax filing program allows for itemized deductions and covers a wide range of tax scenarios, including W-2 income, income from retirement, unemployment insurance and Social Security and stock and crypto sales.
Chime, which first tested in-app filing in 2023, is just the latest banking platform to offer tax prep. MoneyLion has made free filing available to customers with RoarMoney bank accounts, as have online banks Varo and Current.
Cash App Taxes is the only e-filing service that's always free for both federal and state tax returns. It also lets you itemize deductions and supports more complex tax situations, including freelance income, retirement distributions and bitcoin sales.
Cash App Taxes
Free version
Yes
Guarantee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Live support
No
Tax refund advance loan
No
Read our review of Cash App Taxes
Most tax software companies, including industry leaders like TurboTax and H&R Block, also have free tiers for simple returns.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
The Deluxe plan comes with priority support and live chat, while the paid Pro Support tier adds access to a tax pro, phone support, live screenshare and assistance with federal and state returns
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
TaxAct Xpert Assist is available starting at $45
100% accuracy and maximum refund
Terms apply
Find the right tax relief company
FAQs
Is Chime legit?
Founded in 2012, Chime is a legitimate online financial services company with a suite of fee-free banking service, including checking and high-yield savings accounts, a secured credit card and peer-to-peer payments. It partners with The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, both of which are FDIC-insured.
Can I pay my taxes with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay your tax bill with a credit card, but the IRS adds processing fees to credit card payments. There is also a maximum number of card payments allowed, based on your tax type and payment type.
How long does it take to get my tax refund?
If you file electronically and set up direct deposit, the IRS says you should expect a refund within 21 days of filing, as long as there are no inaccuracies or other issues. If you file a paper return by mail, it will take at least four weeks for a refund to be processed.
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* 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
** If the april tax preparation software makes a mathematical error that results in your payment of a penalty and/or interest to the IRS that you would otherwise not have been required to pay, april will reimburse you up to a maximum of $10,000. See april Terms of Use for details.
*** Maximum refund guarantee is provided by april. If you use april's service to prepare and file your return and you find an error in the tax preparation that entitles you to a larger refund (or smaller liability), you may use their service to amend that return at no additional charge. To qualify, the larger refund or smaller tax liability must not be due to differences or inaccuracies in data supplied by you, your choice not to claim a deduction or credit, positions taken on your return that are contrary to law, or changes in federal or state tax laws. See april's Terms of Use for details.
