Building a solid credit history can seem like a paradox. To get credit, you generally need a credit history. But to have a credit history, you need someone to grant you credit. It’s a frustrating cycle that leaves millions of people with low scores or no score at all. That’s where the Visa Chime Credit Builder Credit Card comes in.
Unlike traditional credit cards that require rigorous credit analysis and high interest rates, Chime offers an innovative alternative, specifically designed to help you build credit securely, using your own money.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or recovering from a damaged score, see below for the advantages and how to apply for your card online, without bureaucracy!
Who issues the Visa Chime Credit Builder card?
It is important to understand that Chime is a financial technology company, not a traditional bank. This distinction allows them to offer user-friendly mobile features while partnering with established institutions to handle the banking side of things.
The banking services for your Chime account, as well as the issuance of the Chime Visa® Credit Card, are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. Both of these partners are Members FDIC. This means your money is insured, and the card you carry is a legitimate Visa credit card accepted by merchants nationwide.
Because it operates on the Visa network, you can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted—from grocery stores and gas stations to online retailers—while your payment history is reported to major credit bureaus.
Main benefits of the Chime Credit Builder
The Chime Card (formerly Credit Builder) was designed to remove the barriers that typically stop people from accessing credit. It strips away the punitive fees and confusing terms often associated with subprime credit cards. Here are the standout features:
No credit check or interest
Most credit cards require a “hard pull” on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score. Chime does not require a credit check to apply.
Furthermore, because this is a secured card where you spend your own money, there is 0% APR. You will never pay interest because you cannot spend more than the funds you have added to the account.
Safer Credit Building
One of the biggest risks with credit cards is missing a payment, which can devastate your credit score. Chime offers a feature called Safer Credit Building.
When enabled, this feature automatically uses the money in your secured account to pay your monthly balance on time. This helps ensure you never miss a payment, protecting your score from accidental drops.
Reports to all 3 major bureaus
A credit card is only useful for building credit if the issuers talk to the credit bureaus. Chime reports your payment history to TransUnion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Consistent on-time payments can have a significant impact; members see an average increase of 30 points over time.
New: Earn 1.5% cash back
With the upgrade to the Chime Card, users now get more than just a better credit score. You can earn 1.5% cash back on rotating categories (such as gas or groceries) when you have a qualifying direct deposit. This adds a layer of financial reward to your credit-building journey.
No annual fees or minimum security deposits
Many secured cards require a minimum deposit of $200 or $500. Chime has no minimum requirement. You can start with whatever amount you are comfortable with. Additionally, there are no annual fees or maintenance fees to keep the account open.
Who is the Chime Builder best suited for?
While the Chime Card is a powerful tool, it isn’t designed for credit churners looking for massive travel bonuses or high spending limits. It is specifically engineered for:
- First-time credit users: If you are a student or young adult with a “thin” credit file, this is an excellent entry point to establish a history without the risk of debt.
- Credit rebuilders: If you have past bankruptcies or missed payments that tanked your score, Chime provides a path to redemption without the predatory interest rates of other “bad credit” cards.
- Debt-averse spenders: If you prefer using debit cards because you don’t like the idea of borrowing money, this card bridges the gap. You are essentially spending your own cash, but the transaction counts as credit for scoring purposes.
- New immigrants: If you have recently moved to the U.S. and need to establish a financial footprint, Chime’s lack of a credit check makes it highly accessible.
Required documents and criteria
Applying for the Chime Card is significantly easier than applying for a traditional credit card, but there are still eligibility requirements you must meet.
To qualify, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Have a valid U.S. mailing address (not just a P.O. Box).
- Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
- Have a Chime Checking Account.
The Chime Card is an extension of the Chime banking ecosystem. You cannot have the credit card without first having the checking account, as the checking account is how you move money into your secured credit line.
Steps to apply for the Chime Credit Builder
The application process is entirely digital and can be completed in just a few minutes through the Chime mobile app or website. Here is the step-by-step process:
1. Open a Chime Checking Account
If you are not already a member, your first step is to enroll in Chime. Visit the Chime website and click “Get Started.” You will need to provide your name, email, address, and SSN. Chime will verify your identity electronically.
2. Download the Chime App
Once your checking account is open, download the Chime app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app is the command center for your finances and where you will manage your credit building.
3. Set up Direct Deposit
While not strictly mandatory to open the account, setting up a direct deposit ($200 or more) unlocks the full potential of the account, including the 1.5% cash back on the Chime Card and access to the SpotMe® fee-free overdraft feature.
4. Apply for the Chime Card
Inside the app, navigate to the credit section to apply for the Chime Card / Credit Builder. Since there is no credit check, approval is usually immediate as long as your identity is verified. You can choose your card design—standard evergreen, black, or upgrade to a premium titanium metal card (for a fee).
5. Fund your account
Move money from your Chime Checking Account to your Chime Card secured account. The amount you transfer becomes your credit limit. For example, if you transfer $100, you can spend $100 on the card.
6. Start spending and building
Use your card for everyday purchases like groceries or gas. Your card usually arrives in the mail within 7–10 business days, but you can access a virtual card in the app immediately after approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Chime Card have a credit limit?
Unlike traditional cards with a fixed limit set by the bank, your limit is determined by you. The money you move into your secured account is your spending limit. If you add $200, your limit is $200. This flexible limit prevents you from overspending.
Will utilizing my full limit hurt my credit score?
This is a common concern, as high credit utilization usually hurts your score. However, Chime does not report credit utilization to the bureaus because the card has no pre-set limit. They only report payment history. This means you can use the full amount of money in your secured account without worrying about a high utilization ratio damaging your score.
Can I withdraw cash from this credit card?
Yes. You can withdraw cash using your Chime Card at ATMs. You can get cash fee-free at over 47,000 ATMs in networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass (found in stores like CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven). Out-of-network fees apply elsewhere.
What happens if I want to close the account?
You can close the account at any time. Any remaining funds in your secured account will be returned to you. However, keep in mind that closing a credit account can shorten your credit age, which might temporarily dip your credit score.
Apply for your Chime Credit Builder Visa card now!
Building credit doesn’t have to be a trap full of high interest rates and hidden fees. The Chime Credit Builder Visa offers a transparent, secure, and effective way to prove your reliability to lenders using the money you already have.
By combining the discipline of a debit card with the benefits of a credit card, Chime puts you in control of your financial reputation. So, click the button below and start your immediate credit card application!