thumb_up Why the Chime Credit Card Might Be Your Best First Card

The Chime Credit Builder Card is packed with perks for anyone looking to build credit without stress. You won’t pay any interest, late fees, or annual charges—making it truly cost-effective. There’s no credit check to apply, so your current score doesn’t affect your eligibility. Your credit activity is reported to all major bureaus, helping you build a strong credit history over time. With flexible spending based on your own deposits, you stay in control while forming healthy financial habits. It’s ideal for credit newbies or those starting fresh on their financial journey.

• done No interest charges—ever.
• done No credit check required to apply.
• done Reports to all three major credit bureaus.
• done No annual, late, or hidden fees.

thumb_down Where the Chime Credit Card Falls Short

While the Chime Credit Builder Card has many upsides, it isn’t perfect for everyone. Since it’s a secured card, you must preload funds to use it, which may feel limiting if you’re expecting a traditional credit line. It also doesn’t offer cash back, travel rewards, or welcome bonuses like other cards might. Additionally, it can only be used with a Chime Spending Account, so it’s not ideal if you’re not planning to bank with Chime. Finally, it won’t work for building business credit—it’s a personal card designed purely for individual financial growth.

• close Requires a Chime Spending Account.
• close No rewards or cashback features.
• close Must preload funds before spending.

help How to Apply for the Chime Credit Builder Card

Getting the Chime Credit Builder Card is simple and fully digital. You’ll first need to open a Chime Spending Account if you don’t have one already. Once that’s set up, you’ll need to receive at least $200 in qualifying direct deposits over the past 365 days to be eligible. After meeting this requirement, you can apply for the card directly through the Chime app. There’s no credit check involved, and approval is usually quick. Once approved, you can set your credit limit by transferring funds to your Credit Builder secured account.

1. Download the Chime app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Open a Chime Spending Account through the app.
3. Set up direct deposit to receive at least $200 in qualifying deposits.
4. Once you meet the deposit requirement, open the app and apply for the Credit Builder card.
5. Get approved instantly—no credit check required.
6. Transfer funds into your Credit Builder account to set your spending limit.

The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is not your typical credit card—it’s a financial tool built for people who want to take control of their credit without the burden of interest or complicated terms. This secured card is linked to your Chime Spending Account, and your credit limit is based on the amount you move into your secured account. The magic happens when your payments are reported to all three major credit bureaus, steadily improving your credit score over time. There are no hard credit checks to apply, making it a stress-free option for those just starting or rebuilding their credit. You also won’t pay annual fees, late fees, or interest, which is almost unheard of in the credit card world. Plus, it’s easy to use, with all account management done right from the intuitive Chime mobile app.