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Chime Card™ review: build credit with no credit check

How Chime's secured card works, what it takes to earn its cash back, and how it compares with traditional cards once your credit improves.

The Credit Time is independent. We may earn a commission when you apply through our links, but it doesn't change our analysis. Rates and terms come from the issuer and can change.

Our verdict

A simple, low-cost way to start or rebuild your credit. When your score grows, cards like Active Cash or Discover it can offer better rewards.Go to:Full review
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Chime Card™ (secured)
Regular APR*No interestSecured card. Source: Chime, 09/23/2026
Intro APRNot applicable
Credit limitYou set it with the money you add
Annual fee$0
RewardsUp to 5% on a chosen category
Best forNo credit check; Chime Checking Account required
Welcome bonusNone

Rates and fees

Extra features

  • Requires a Chime Checking Account, which you open alongside the card
  • On-time payments reported to TransUnion, Experian and Equifax
  • Credit utilization isn't reported
  • Safer Credit Building can pay your balance automatically

Pros and cons

Pros

  • No credit check

  • No interest and no annual fee

  • Reports to all 3 credit bureaus

  • You decide your spending limit

Cons

  • 5% cash back needs $3,000+ in monthly direct deposits

  • Cash back limited to $1,500 in purchases

  • Only available with a Chime account

Full review

Chime Card is a secured credit card. You move money into its secured account, spend up to that amount, and can use the same funds to pay your monthly bill. There's no set limit and no minimum deposit.

Qualifying direct deposits unlock cash back on a category you pick: 5% for Chime Prime members ($3,000+ per month) or 2% for Chime Plus members, on up to $1,500 in purchases.

» SEE ALSO: Visit the official Chime page

At a glance

Type: secured Visa credit card

Credit check: none

Interest: none

Earn rate: up to 5% on a chosen category, with direct deposit

Annual fee: $0

Side-by-side comparison

Chime Card™ (secured)
Apply now
Regular APR*No interest Secured card
Credit limitYou set it with the money you add
Intro APRNot applicable
Best forNo credit check; Chime Checking Account required
Discover it® Cash Back
Apply now
Regular APR*17.49% to 26.49% Variable, 09/23/2026
Credit limitSet at approval
Intro APR0% for 15 months
Best forGood to excellent credit (estimate)
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Apply now
Regular APR*18.74% to 28.74% Variable, 09/23/2026
Credit limitSet at approval
Intro APR0% for 12 months
Best forGood to excellent credit (estimate)

Rates and terms taken from each issuer's official site on 09/23/2026. Regular APRs are variable.

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Should you apply?

Chime Card is a good match if you're new to credit or rebuilding and want to avoid interest and fees.

If your credit is already in good shape, an unsecured cash back card will reward you more.

Worth a look

Already have good credit? Wells Fargo Active Cash earns 2% on every purchase with no annual fee.

Apply now

Common questions

Will Chime check my credit?
No, applying doesn't involve a credit check.
What's my credit limit?
There's no preset limit; you spend the money you add to the secured account.
Can it help my credit score?
Chime reports your payments to all 3 major bureaus, so paying on time can help.