Chime Credit Builder Credit Card Review

Chime is a financial technology company that offers modern banking solutions with no monthly fees. Chime makes it possible for people with no credit history to build credit with its secured credit card, Chime Credit Builder. 

The Chime Credit Builder card is available to United States citizens 18 years or older. We researched how the card can help you build credit for our Chime Credit Builder card review.

In this review:

• What is the Chime Credit Builder card?
• How to use Chime Credit Builder card
• How to apply
• Pros and cons
• Alternatives to Chime
• FAQ

What is the Chime Credit Builder card?

The Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is a secured credit card designed for anyone who wants to build or rebuild their credit. Unlike other secured credit cards, Chime Credit Builder has no minimum security deposit, no monthly fees, and no credit checks. 

With the Credit Builder Card, users can deposit money from their Chime checking account into their secured account, which acts as collateral for the Chime Credit Builder card. You can use your card anywhere a Visa card is accepted.

There is no cap on how much you can fund your Credit Builder account, so you have complete control over your finances. Chime also does not report card utilization, so you don’t need to worry about your spending-to-funding ratio hurting your credit score.

How to use Chime Credit Builder card

Chime Credit Builder cards are secured credit cards, but they share similarities to reloadable prepaid cards.

There is no minimum security deposit, so you can set your Chime credit builder card limit by moving money from your Chime checking account to your secured account. The amount in your secured account is your “Available to Spend.” 

Image courtesy of Chime

How frequently you “load” your Credit Builder card is up to you. You can set up automatic transfers, or you can do it manually. You can use your Credit Builder card at any establishment that accepts Visa cards.

Balances are due monthly and must be paid in full. You can automate payments by enabling Chime’s Safer Credit Building feature. With Safer Credit Building, Chime will use the money in your secured account to pay your balance. This ensures you don’t miss a payment and can continue building your credit score.

Chime will report each on-time payment to the three major credit bureaus:

• TransUnion
• Equifax
• Experian

You can use the Credit Builder card to withdraw cash from a vast selection of in-network ATMs. Chime does not charge fees standard with secured credit cards or for withdrawing cash from any of its over 60,000 in-network ATMs. However, it charges $2.50 for out-of-network ATM transactions and over-the-counter cash withdrawals.

How to apply for a Chime Credit Builder credit card

The Chime Credit Builder credit card is available to U.S. citizens at least 18 years old. Applications are only open in the U.S., but you can use the Credit Builder credit card worldwide.

Credit Builder applicants should have a valid Social Security number and a Chime checking account. Chime only uses your Social Security number to confirm your identity, not to check your credit.

To be eligible for a Credit Builder card, you must have a qualifying direct deposit of at least $200 within the last 365 days to your Chime checking account. 

To apply for a Chime Credit Builder credit card account, follow these steps: 

1. Open a Chime checking account

Image courtesy of Chime

You can skip Steps 1 to 3 if you’re already a Chime checking account holder. Otherwise, input the following personal information on the Sign Up page:

• Full legal name
• Email address
• Birthdate
• Address
• Social Security number

Chime will review your information and confirm your application within a couple of minutes. If approved, you’ll get a free Visa debit card for your Chime checking account at your registered address within 7 to 10 business days. 

Please note: This is not a Chime Credit Builder credit card. You must follow the steps below to register for a credit building account. 

2. Log in to your Chime account 

Image courtesy of Chime (Google Play)

You can do this using its website or through the mobile app, which you can download via Google Play or the Apple App Store.

3. Transfer funds to your Chime checking account

To add funds to your Chime checking account, you have four options: 

• Link a bank account: Transfer money from an account in your name to your Chime checking account. 
• Deposit cash: You can deposit cash fee-free at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations, but other retailers that accept cash deposits may charge fees.
• Deposit via check: Not all account holders are eligible for check deposits. You can deposit via check if you’ve set up a qualifying direct deposit. 
• Use Pay Anyone: Pay Anyone is a Chime feature that allows you to make instant transfers without paying fees. It is similar to Venmo or Zelle.

You could also just set up direct deposit following Step 4 and wait for your first paycheck to come in.

4. Set up direct deposit

You must have a direct deposit of at least $200 to your Chime checking account within the last 365 days before applying for a Chime Credit Builder card.

Request your employer’s direct deposit form to set up a direct deposit. Then complete the form with your Chime checking routing and account number (find these in the Chime app under Settings), provide any additional requested information, and sign the form. 

You’ll indicate on the form what percentage or dollar amount of your pay you want to deposit in your Chime checking account. Submit the form to your employer, and wait for it to process your request. It may take one or two pay periods before you start seeing the direct deposit in your Chime checking account. 

5. Apply for a Chime Credit Builder credit card

Image courtesy of Chime

As soon as you have your qualifying direct deposit in your checking account, you’ll get an invitation on your app home screen to apply for a Credit Builder card. Click “Apply now.” Verify your personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number. Then accept the terms and conditions. This entire process should only take a few minutes. 

Chime will process your application, and once you’re approved, your Credit Builder card should arrive in the mail within five to 10 business days. 

Pros and cons of a Chime Credit Builder card

With any financial product, it’s wise to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros

• No hard credit checks to apply.

• No minimum security deposit and no interest (0% APR).

• No signup, monthly, or overdraft fees—only a fee for over-the-counter cash withdrawals and out-of-network ATM transactions ($2.50).

• Full control over your credit “limit.” You can decide how much you fund your secured account.

• User-friendly mobile app.

• Chime Credit Builder is a Visa credit card, so you can use it anywhere worldwide.

• Chime reports payments to the three major credit bureaus to help you build credit.

• Your credit utilization isn’t reported to the credit bureaus, so you can spend as much of your secured credit line as you want without harming your credit score.

• Deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000.

• Protected by the Visa Zero Liability Policy, so you are not responsible for unauthorized charges.

Cons

• Must open a Chime checking account and set up a minimum qualifying direct deposit of $200.

• No option to upgrade to a traditional credit card. Once you build your credit, you must apply for a credit card with a different issuer to receive a traditional unsecured credit line.

• No rewards program or perks like most traditional credit cards.

• Must pay your balances in full every month; no option to pay over time.

Alternatives to Chime

The Chime Credit Builder credit card may be a good fit if:

• You want to start building credit without a credit history.
• You want to rebuild your credit.
• You can pay your balances in full.
• You prefer to use a credit-building platform not associated with a traditional bank.

However, if you’re looking for other credit-building options, you can consider alternative platforms.

• Credit builder loans: Credit builder loans are short-term loans from online lenders that can help you build your credit score. 
• Secured credit cards: Secured credit cards are credit cards with a security deposit. 

FAQ

Does the Chime Credit Builder card have a limit?

The available funds in your secured account are considered your Chime Credit Builder card limit.

How do I add money to my Chime Credit Builder card?

Move money from your Chime checking account to your Chime Credit Builder secured account by selecting “Move money” on the app. 

You can also use the “Move My Pay” feature to automate fund transfers to your Credit Builder account every payday.

Can I overdraft my Chime Credit Builder card?

No, you cannot overdraft your Credit Builder card because the amount in your secured account is your spending limit. 

Can I use my Chime Credit Builder card at an ATM?

Can you withdraw cash from a chime credit builder card? Definitely! You can withdraw cash from any of Chime’s 60,000-plus partner ATMs. Use the Chime app’s “ATM Finder” feature to locate the nearest in-network ATM.

How do I move money from a Chime Credit Builder card?

You can transfer funds from your Chime Credit Builder account to your checking account by using the “Move money” feature. 

You can also withdraw cash from your Chime Credit Builder card via an ATM withdrawal. The withdrawal limit is $500 per day.

Is the Chime Credit Builder card a credit card?

Yes, Chime Credit Builder is a Visa secured credit card. Your credit limit is equal to the amount you deposit in your account. The Visa credit card offers the benefits of being accepted worldwide and protection from unauthorized purchases.

How does Chime Credit Builder card replacement work?

Select your name on the Chime website or mobile app in the upper-right corner, then click “Settings.” Select the card you want to replace, then click “Replace your card.” 

Your Chime Credit Builder replacement card will be mailed to your address within seven to 10 business days. Chime does not charge card replacement fees, but if you want it expedited, you’ll pay a $20 fee.

How to cancel my Chime Credit Builder account

If you want to cancel your Chime credit builder loan, contact [email protected] to close your Chime Credit Builder account. 

You can also do this using the Chime app on a mobile device: select “Settings” → “Personal Info” → “Edit” → “Close account.” Your account will be closed within five business days.