
Chime is indeed a secured credit card option for building credit, but it's essential to understand how it works. Chime reports your payments to the three major credit bureaus, which can help you establish a credit history.
Chime is not a traditional secured credit card, but rather a type of credit card that doesn't require a security deposit. Instead, it reports your credit behavior to the credit bureaus, allowing you to build credit over time.
By using Chime and making on-time payments, you can start to see improvements in your credit score. This is because Chime reports your payment history to the credit bureaus, which can positively impact your credit score.
If this caught your attention, see: What Do Credit Cards Do to Your Credit Score
What We Know
Chime is a secured credit card option, which means it requires a security deposit to open and use the card. This deposit becomes your credit limit, so the more you deposit, the more you can spend.
You don't need a minimum security deposit to apply for the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card. The amount you transfer from your Chime Checking Account to your Credit Builder secured account is how much you can spend with the card.
Check this out: Credit Card Numbers with Security Code

One of the benefits of the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is that it has no foreign transaction fee, making it a great option for travel or online shopping.
You can apply for the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card without a credit check, which can be a relief for those with poor or no credit history.
Here are some key features of the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card:
- No credit check to apply.
- Payments reported to the three main credit bureaus.
How It Works
The Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is a unique take on traditional secured cards. You don't need a one-time security deposit to establish your credit limit, but instead, you can move money from your Chime Checking Account to your Credit Builder secured account to set your credit limit.
You can start by opening a Chime Checking Account, which is required to get the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card. You can do this easily through the Chime app, and there's no need for a $200+ direct deposit requirement.
You might enjoy: Secured Credit Card Fund with Checking Account

The credit limit for this card depends on the money you decide to move into your Credit Builder Secured account. You can move money from your Chime Checking Account into your Credit Builder secured account, and whatever amount you transfer is the amount you can spend on your Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card.
There is no pre-set starting credit limit for the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card. The maximum credit limit is $10,000, but you can set your own credit limit by moving money into your Credit Builder Secured account.
As you make purchases with your Chime Credit Builder card, Chime will automatically pay off your balance on time using the funds in your Credit Builder secured account. This ensures you're building a positive payment history, which is reported to all three major credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
You can also earn rewards on your purchases with Kudos Boost, getting 1% back at over 15,000 partner stores when you shop using Kudos.
Broaden your view: Can I Add More Money to My Secured Credit Card
Fees and Charges

The Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is a breath of fresh air when it comes to fees. No interest charges are levied on this card, because it doesn't let you spend more than what you have available in your Credit Builder secured account.
This is a huge advantage, especially for those trying to establish a credit history. You can't get into credit card debt with this card, which is a major relief.
Other notable fees that are waived include annual fees, membership fees, and foreign transaction fees. This means you can use the card abroad without incurring extra costs.
Here's a breakdown of the fees you can expect with the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card:
Interest Charges
The Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card charges no interest because it doesn’t let you spend more than what you have available in your Credit Builder secured account.
Other secured credit cards charge high interest rates, making it possible to take on expensive debt at a time when you’re trying to establish a credit history.
For more insights, see: Cards like Chime Credit Builder
Fees and Access

The Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card has no annual fees, which is a relief for those who want to avoid unnecessary charges.
You won't be hit with a monthly or annual fee, as it's a flat $0. This is a great perk, especially for those who are just starting to build their credit.
There's also no minimum deposit required to open the card, which means you can start building your credit right away.
Chime has a reputation for minimal fees, and this card is no exception. You won't be charged interest, which is a huge advantage over other secured credit cards.
The APR on this card is 0%, which means you won't be paying any interest on your balance.
You can also use ATMs without any extra fees, although this may depend on your bank's policies.
Foreign transaction fees are also nonexistent, making this card a great choice for international travelers.
Here's a breakdown of the fees and access for the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card:
Benefits and Features

The Chime Credit Builder Card is a secured credit card that offers several benefits and features that can help you build credit.
There's no annual fee, no interest charges, no foreign transaction fees, and no minimum security deposit, making it an affordable and accessible option for anyone looking to build credit.
You can increase your credit limit at any time by adding more funds to your Credit Builder secured account, which can help improve your credit utilization ratio and overall credit score.
You'll enjoy features like zero liability protection for unauthorized purchases, and you can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted.
Chime Credit Builder has other features and benefits that can help ensure your credit score improves, but the specifics are not detailed in the provided article sections.
A different take: How Fast Can a Secured Credit Card Build Credit
Credit Benefits
The Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is a great option for those looking to build credit. It offers a unique set of benefits that can help improve your credit score.

One of the standout features of the Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is its lack of fees. There's no annual fee, no interest charges, no foreign transaction fees, and no minimum security deposit.
The card also reports your activities to the three major credit bureaus: Transunion, Experian, and Equifax. This means that your on-time payments and responsible credit behavior will be reflected in your credit score.
You can increase your credit limit at any time by adding more funds to your Credit Builder secured account. This can help improve your credit utilization ratio, which is another important factor in your credit score.
To ensure the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card works as intended, stay on top of your payments to avoid credit score damage. Missed or late payments can harm your credit score.
Here are some key benefits of the Chime Credit Builder Card:
- No annual fee
- No interest charges
- No foreign transaction fees
- No minimum security deposit
- Reports activities to Transunion, Experian, and Equifax
- Can increase credit limit by adding more funds to your Credit Builder secured account
The Chime Credit Builder card also offers the convenience and security of a Visa credit card, which can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
Sign-Up Bonus

The Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card doesn't offer any kind of rewards program.
The Discover it Secured Credit Card, on the other hand, earns 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter, plus 1% cash back on all other purchases.
New cardholders are eligible for a bonus offer with the Discover it Secured Credit Card, which is a great incentive to sign up.
A unique perspective: Cash Back Secured Credit Card
Using the Card
To use the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card, you need to have available credit to cover your purchases. You can't make a purchase that exceeds your available credit limit or balance, and the transaction will be declined.
You can move any amount of money from your Chime checking account to your "Credit Builder" account to become your security deposit, which also equals your spending limit. This amount can be up to $10,000.
Can I Use My Money?

You can add cash to your Chime Credit Builder card by moving money from your Chime Spending Account to your Chime Credit Builder secured account. This makes the money available to spend when you use your card to make purchases.
To check your Chime Credit Card balance, you can log in to your online account, use the Chime mobile app, or call customer service at (844) 244-6363. You can also check your balance on the monthly statements Chime sends to you via email.
You can't use your Chime Credit Card with no money in your secured account. To use your card, you need to have available credit to cover your purchases.
To use your card, you need to have a spending limit, which equals the amount you transfer from your Chime checking account to your "Credit Builder" account. You can transfer any amount of money (up to $10,000) to your "Credit Builder" account.
See what others are reading: Discover Secure Card Do They Check Credit
Upgrade Path

Using the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card has its limitations.
There is no upgrade path available once you've strengthened your credit with this card.
This means you can't move to a higher-tier card with more benefits.
In fact, there's little reason to continue using this card once you've achieved your credit-building goal.
You'll need to open a new account with a different issuer if you're ready for a credit card that offers rewards and other benefits.
Is the Contactless?
The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is contactless, equipped with a chip called Tap-to-Pay that allows users to tap the card to complete purchases.
This feature enhances the payment experience and offers a secure and swift payment method for Chime cardholders, making it a convenient option for everyday transactions.
Rent a Car?
You can rent a car with your Secured Chime Credit Card, but you need to have enough available credit to cover the hold the rental agency will put on your card.
Secured cards typically have lower-than-average credit limits, making them not the best option for car rentals.
You can use an unsecured credit card or choose a payment method that doesn't involve a credit card for a more suitable rental experience.
To avoid damaging your credit score, you need to pay at least the minimum amount required by your due date.
Check
The Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is a great option for those with poor credit or no credit, as it doesn't conduct a hard inquiry on your credit report when you apply.
This means you won't have to worry about a temporary ding on your credit scores, which is a big plus if you're new to credit.
The card's issuer evaluates your creditworthiness in a different way, making it a good fit for those who need a little extra help getting started with building credit.
Discover more: M and T Bank Secured Credit Card
Our Verdict
Chime is a fintech with banking services that offers a unique option for credit building with its Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card.
The card has no annual fee and doesn't require a hard credit check for approval, making it a relatively low-risk option for building credit.
It uses your Chime Checking Account to set your spending limit, so you can't spend more than what you have, and you must pay your owed balance each month, so there's no interest.
This design makes the card debt-proof, but it's not suited for emergencies.
The card is best for existing Chime customers who want to build credit history.
You'll have to be willing to open an account with Chime to use this card, and be aware that there are no rewards or upgrade paths.
It's essentially a reloadable debit card, except that it reports your activity to the credit bureaus.
The card's unique features can certainly help you along your credit journey, but you'll have to be prepared for its limitations.
Recommended read: Secured Credit Card Bad Credit with No Security Deposit
Alternatives and Comparison
If you're considering the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card, you might be wondering if there are other options available. The good news is that there are several alternatives you can explore.

The Self Credit Builder Account is not a credit card, but rather a credit builder loan that can help you build your credit history. You make monthly payments, and at the end of the term, you receive the money you paid (minus interest and fees) in a savings account.
The Chime Credit Builder card is unique in that it doesn't charge interest since you're using your own money. This is in contrast to the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, which has a variable APR of 29.74% for purchases and balance transfers.
One of the most notable differences between the Chime Credit Builder card and other secured credit cards is the annual fee. The Chime Credit Builder card has no annual fee, while the Indigo Mastercard for Less than Perfect Credit has an annual fee of $175 in the first year, followed by $49 after.
Here's a comparison of the Chime Credit Builder card with two popular alternatives:
The Chime Credit Builder card also stands out for its flexibility and convenience. It allows you to make payments and manage your account online or through the mobile app, making it easy to stick to a budget and pay your credit card bills on time.
Applying and Managing
To apply for a Chime Credit Builder card, you must have a Chime checking account into which you’ve received a qualifying direct deposit of at least $200 within the previous 365 days.
It takes no more than a couple of minutes to apply for a checking account, and you can opt to automatically receive a Credit Builder card once your $200 direct deposit posts to your account.
You can apply for a Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa card anytime through the Chime app if you already have a Chime checking account and a qualifying direct deposit.
To be eligible for a Chime savings account, you must have a Chime checking account, and it currently offers an annual percentage yield.
You can apply for a Chime savings account through the Chime app or website, and it's a great way to earn interest on your money.
Take a look at this: Amazon Secured Credit Card Apply
Requesting a Limit Increase
To get a Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card credit limit increase, you'll need to add more money to your "Credit Builder" account from your Chime checking account.
You can do this at any time straight from your smartphone by using the Chime mobile app. Simply tap on the "Move Money" option on the home screen.
To add money to your account using the app, follow these steps:
- Tap "Move Money" on the bottom of the home screen.
- Select "Transfer Funds."
- Using the green arrows on the right side of the screen, choose the account to transfer funds from.
This will increase your credit limit, allowing you to use more credit.
How to Apply
To apply for a Chime Credit Builder card, you must have a Chime checking account into which you’ve received a qualifying direct deposit of at least $200 within the previous 365 days.
It takes no more than a couple of minutes to apply for a checking account, and you can opt to automatically receive a Credit Builder card once your $200 direct deposit posts to your account.
If you already have a Chime checking account and a qualifying direct deposit, you can apply for a Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa card anytime through the Chime app.
You can also apply for a Chime savings account, which currently offers an annual percentage yield, after you've had a Chime checking account for a while.
To be eligible for a Chime savings account, you must have a Chime checking account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chime credit card considered a real credit card?
Yes, the Chime Credit Builder card is a legitimate credit card that reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build credit while keeping your account secure. It's a unique, secured credit card that uses your existing Chime checking account balance as collateral.
Can I use my Chime credit card with no money?
No, you can't use your Chime credit card if your account is empty. You need available credit to make purchases
Featured Images: pexels.com


