Our top picks of timely offers from our partners

More details
QuickBooks
Learn More
Terms Apply
Paid Placement
Track your expenses with QuickBooks - 50% off 3 months when you buy now
Big Think Capital
Learn More
Terms Apply
Paid Placement
Small Business financing that moves as fast as you do
Monarch
Learn More
Terms Apply
Our top pick for being easy to use, Monarch's budgeting app is 50% off your first year of Core Plan with code CNBC50
Bluevine
Learn More
Terms Apply
Bluevine offers fast funding options for your small business
SBG Funding
Learn More
Terms Apply
Fast and flexible financing options for your small business
Select independently determines what we cover and recommend. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links. This commission may impact how and where certain products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Read more about Select on CNBC, and click here to read our full advertiser disclosure.
Credit Cards

Chime Card review: Build credit with rewards and airport lounge access

The Chime Card doesn't require a credit check and with eligible direct deposits, you can unlock meaningful rewards.

Share

The secured Chime Visa Card1 is an interesting credit-building card. You can qualify without a credit check, and it provides a path to rewards and other benefits. But you can't just apply for the card; you'll need to open a Chime Checking® account2 first.

If you're looking for a secured credit card to help build or rebuild your credit, here's what you need to know about the Chime Card™.

On Chime's site

On Chime's site

Credit score

N/A

Regular APR

No Interest

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

None

Terms apply. **Review Chime Disclosures here.

  • 5% cash back rewards on category of choice each month for **Chime Prime members. Prime eligibility is unlocked with $3,000+ in qualifying direct deposits.
  • No annual fee
  • No credit check or minimum security deposit
  • Prime members get **3.75% APY with qualifying direct deposits on a **Chime savings account
  • Card access paused if statement balance is not paid within 24 hours.

Rewards

  • 5% cash back on category of choice

Foreign transaction fee

  • None
Do you have a credit card or travel rewards question?

Senior reporter Jason Stauffer can answer your questions about how to make the most of your credit cards in his weekly Points Pro column. Submit yours here.

Welcome bonus

The Chime Card currently features a welcome bonus tied to having a Chime® Checking account, which you need to be eligible for the Chime Card. New Chime Checking members can earn up to $350 after completing these qualifying activities:

  • Earn $200 after making a direct deposit of $500+ in the first 34 days
  • Earn 10% cash back for your first three months on qualifying card purchases with a $500+ direct deposit (up to $50 cash back per month)

Chime® Checking + High-Yield Savings

Chime ® banking services, credit and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
  • 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. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. Generally, these funds are available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled paymedate.

  • 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.*

  • Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

  • 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.

Pros

  • 3.75% APY on Chime High-Yield Savings with a qualifying direct deposit
  • No minimum deposit or balance required
  • No monthly service fee
  • No overdraft fee, transactions for unavailable funds are denied; SpotMe® for overdraft up to $200 with $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits over previous 34 days and an activated Chime debit card.
  • Paycheck funds available up to two days early with direct deposit
  • Automated transfer 10% of direct deposits of at least $200 to savings
  • Purchases with Chime Visa® Debit Card rounded up to the next dollar and difference automatically transferred to savings
  • Access to over 47,000 in-network ATMs for no fee, including MoneyPass ATMs in 7-Eleven and Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATMs
  • Mobile check deposit
  • Security features include blocking transactions for a lost card, providing daily balance updates, sending real-time transaction alerts and protecting from unauthorized charges with Visa *Zero Liability. *You must notify your financial institution immediately of any unauthorized use. For specific restrictions, limitations and other details, please consult your issuer.

Cons

  • Chime checking account required to opening Chime savings account
  • No APY on Chime Checking; Chime High-Yield Savings APY above national average but lower than other high-yield savings accounts
  • Can't withdraw money directly from savings, must transfer to checking
  • With checking, $2.50 fee for out-of-network ATMs and over-the-counter bank withdrawals
  • Checking withdrawals limited to $515 per day at any ATM or as over-the-counter bank withdrawals using Chime Visa® Debit Card. $2,500 daily max spend, including incurred fees, withdrawals, funds withdrawn at a point of sale and purchases.

Benefits and rewards

Chime reports your payments to all three of the major credit reporting bureaus3. On-time payments are an important part of your credit score, and with Chime's Safer Credit Building feature, you can automatically pay your bill each month and never miss a payment. So it can help you establish or repair your credit.

You can unlock additional benefits when you qualify for Chime Plus or Chime Prime4. You are eligible for higher Chime membership tiers based on the direct deposits you make into your Chime Checking account in the previous 34 days. With a single qualifying direct deposit of $200+ or cumulative qualifying direct deposits of $400+, you'll get Chime Plus. With $3,000+ in qualifying direct deposits, you'll receive Chime Prime benefits.

Both levels unlock cash-back rewards and increased APYs if you have a Chime savings account. With Chime Prime, you'll also have access to travel benefits, such as a Priority Pass airport lounge membership with two complimentary visits per year and Visa Signature perks.

How to earn rewards

If you qualify for Chime Plus, your Chime Card and Chime savings receive the following benefits:

  • 2% cash back in a category of your choice on up to $1,500 per month
  • 2.75% APY on your Chime savings (vs. 0.75% APY for a standard member)

With Chime Prime, you'll receive the following cash-back rewards and elevated APY:

  • 5% cash back in a category of your choice on up to $1,500 per month5
  • 3.75% APY on your Chime savings with qualifying deposits6

Rates and fees

The Chime Card has no annual fee, no maintenance fees and no foreign transaction fees. You'll also pay no interest.

Card comparison

Chime Card vs. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is an alternative secured card option that doesn't require cardholders to open a checking account with the bank. While the card requires a security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 (depending on your credit history and other factors), your starting credit limit will always be at least $200.

The Capital One Platinum Secured offers a clear path to upgrading to an unsecured card: If you use your card responsibly, Capital One may upgrade your card to the unsecured Capital One Platinum Credit Card and return your deposit. You'll also automatically be considered for a higher credit limit in just six months.

The Capital One Platinum Secured card does have an APR, which means you will be charged interest if you miss any payments — which is not only costly, but could negatively affect your credit score. If you're struggling to pay off credit card debt, then the Chime Card may be a better fit because it makes it harder to overspend.

CNBC Select Rating
4.0

Spotlight

Features a low refundable security deposit of $49, $99 or $200 minimum.

Credit score

N/A

Regular APR

28.99% variable

Annual fee

$0

Welcome bonus

None

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card can help you build, or rebuild, your credit because you can be approved with no credit or bad credit.

  • No annual fee
  • Low minimum refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get a $200 initial credit line
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No rewards on purchases
  • No welcome offer
  • High APR

Highlights

Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.

  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Building your credit? Using the Capital One Platinum Secured card responsibly could help
  • Put down a refundable security deposit starting at $49 to get at least a $200 initial credit line
  • You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
  • Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking to access your account from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
  • Top rated mobile app

Balance transfer fee

  • $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Chime Card vs. opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

The opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card has a high approval rate with no credit checks required, which makes it a good option for those with low or no credit. The card also provides a path for upgrading your card to the unsecured opensky Gold Visa® Credit Card.

Compared to the Chime Card, one of the most noticeable downsides to this secured card is its fees. In addition to charging interest on unpaid balances, the opensky Secured Visa has a $35 annual fee, a late payment fee of up to $41, a returned payment fee of up to $40 and a 3% foreign transaction fee.

While it's not a traditional rewards card, the opensky Visa offers up to 10% cash back on select purchases through the opensky Rewards program. While it is a welcome addition to a secured card, the value depends on whether you frequently shop with participating merchants. If you can qualify for Chime Plus or Chime Prime, then the Chime Card is more rewarding.

opensky® Secured Visa® Credit Card

On opensky's site
  • Rewards

    Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases

  • Welcome bonus

    No welcome bonus

  • Annual fee

    $35

  • Intro APR

    N/A

  • Regular APR

    23.89% Variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    N/A

  • Foreign transaction fee

    3%

  • Credit needed

    No credit history

Terms apply. Click here to view the Cardholder Agreement.

Pros

  • No credit check, even if you have a credit score
  • Refundable deposit
  • High approval odds

Cons

  • $35 annual fee
  • No welcome bonus
  • 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

 

Is the Chime Card right for you?

The Chime Card is an unusually rewarding secured credit card if you're committed to Chime's ecosystem. The savings account APY, cash-back and perks like airport lounge access are benefits you typically won't receive with a secured credit card.

It's also a strong option for building your credit because you can set up payment to be automatically deducted from your Chime Checking. This also reduces your credit limit, so it makes it harder to overspend.

However, the Chime Card doesn't provide a path to upgrading to an unsecured card. This may not be an issue for you, but it's something to be aware of for when you're interested in a more rewarding credit card.

Subscribe to the CNBC Select newsletter!

The CNBC Select Recommends newsletter delivers practical money tips each week along with expert-picked financial product recommendations. Sign up here.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cardsbanking and money and follow us on TikTokFacebookInstagram and X to stay up to date.

1To apply for a Chime Card™, a Chime® Checking Account is required to apply.

2Chime® Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.

3On-time payment history can 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.

4To be eligible for Chime Prime status, receive $3,000+ in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account in the past 34 days. To be eligible for Chime Plus status, receive either 1) a single $200+ qualifying direct deposit; or 2) $400+ in cumulative qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account in the preceding 34 days. Certain products marketed as perks have additional eligibility requirements. While some perks may have associated fees, none of these fees are mandatory to access the perks or to maintain the applicable status. See the Chime Membership Tiers Terms and Conditions for details on all listed Prime and Plus perks.

5With qualifying direct deposits, earn 5% cash back as a Chime Prime member or 2% cash back as a Chime Plus member on up to $1,500 of eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases. See the Secured Chime Visa® Credit Card - Cash Rewards Program Addendum for limitations and details on earning cash back on your monthly selected category.

63.75% 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.

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
Mailchimp
Learn More
Terms Apply
Paid Placement
Mailchimp makes it easy to design eye-catching campaigns, automate your marketing, and turn leads into loyal customers.
Empower
Learn More
Terms Apply
Get free tools and guidance to see how your investments are doing.