
If you're looking to build credit, you're not alone. Many people struggle to establish a positive credit history, but there are cards like Chime Credit Builder that can help.
Chime Credit Builder is a secured credit card that reports to all three major credit bureaus, allowing you to build credit over time. It has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
To start building credit, you'll need to make regular payments, which can be done online or through the mobile app. Chime Credit Builder reports your payments to the credit bureaus, helping to establish a positive credit history.
One of the key benefits of Chime Credit Builder is that it offers a credit limit of up to $1,000, which can be helpful for those who need to make larger purchases.
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How Chime Credit Builder Works
To get started with the Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card, you'll need to have an active Chime Checking Account, which can be set up through the Chime app.
Your Chime Credit Builder secured account acts as your credit limit, with the amount you transfer into it determining how much you can spend on your card. For example, if you move $500 into your Credit Builder secured account, you'll have a $500 credit limit on your card.
Chime will automatically pay off your balance on time using the funds in your Credit Builder secured account, ensuring you're building a positive payment history, which is reported to all three major credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
While you build your credit with the Chime Credit Builder card, you can still earn rewards on your purchases with Kudos Boost, getting 1% back at over 15,000 partner stores when you shop using Kudos.
Here are the key steps to get started with Chime Credit Builder:
- Set up a Chime Checking Account through the Chime app
- Move money from your Checking Account into your Credit Builder secured account
- Determine your credit limit based on the amount transferred into your secured account
- Make purchases with your Chime Credit Builder card, knowing Chime will automatically pay off your balance on time
Benefits and Features
The Chime Credit Builder Card is a great option for those looking to build credit without the burden of high fees. There's no annual fee, no interest charges, no foreign transaction fees, and no minimum security deposit, making it an affordable and accessible option.
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. A lower credit utilization ratio is generally seen as a positive by credit scoring models.
The Chime Credit Builder card offers the convenience and security of a Visa credit card, allowing you to use it anywhere Visa is accepted. You'll also enjoy features like zero liability protection for unauthorized purchases.
One of the standout features of the Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is its automatic reporting to the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). This means your card payments will be reflected on your credit report, helping you build credit.
The Chime mobile app also features the Safer Credit Building tool, which will automatically pay your balance in full each month, so you never have to worry about paying your balance late. This can help you avoid negative marks on your credit report.
You'll also get free access to your FICO score through the in-app Experian FICO Score experience. This can help you keep track of your credit score and make informed decisions about your credit.
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Here are some key features of the Chime Credit Builder Card:
- No annual fee, no interest charges, no foreign transaction fees, and no minimum security deposit
- Ability to increase credit limit by adding more funds to your Credit Builder secured account
- Automatic reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Safer Credit Building tool for automatic payment of balances
- Free access to FICO score through the in-app Experian FICO Score experience
Fees and Interest
Fees and interest can be a major concern when it comes to credit cards. Chime and Fizz are notable exceptions, as neither card charges hidden fees or interest to its users.
Chime doesn't charge a monthly fee, but Fizz costs $70 per year ($50 for students). However, Chime's direct deposit requirements and security deposit requirements can be quite expensive.
Some credit cards, like the Credit Builder Secured Card, charge no annual fees, transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, or minimum balance fees. They also don't charge interest or cash advance fees when you withdraw cash from an in-network ATM.
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No Check Required
The Chime Credit Builder card is a game-changer for those with bad credit or limited credit history.
Unlike most credit-building cards, the Chime Credit Builder doesn't require a credit check when you apply. This means you won't face a dip in your credit score, making it a low-risk option.
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Fees and Interest
Chime and Fizz stand out in the fees and interest category by not charging hidden fees or interest to their users. This is a huge perk, especially when compared to other student and credit-building cards.
Most cards charge fees for missed payments, late payments, transfers, and more, but not Fizz and Chime. Chime doesn't charge a monthly fee, but Fizz costs $70 per year ($50 for students).
Chime's direct deposit requirements and security deposit requirements are quite expensive, but Fizz doesn't have these requirements. It's essential to consider these fees when choosing a card.
Here are some cards that don't charge common credit card fees:
- No annual fees
- No transfer fees
- No foreign transaction fees
- No minimum balance fees
These cards also charge no interest or cash advance fees for withdrawing cash from ATMs. You can access any of the card's 60,000+ in-network ATMs without paying a fee.
No Introductory Offers
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa card has no welcome bonus, which means you won't get any initial rewards or incentives for signing up.
This lack of a sign-up bonus is a common trait among secured cards, but it's worth noting that some cards do offer this perk. The Chime card also doesn't have an intro APR period on new purchases, which could be helpful if you need to finance expenses or pay off existing debt.
You won't be able to carry a balance on the Chime card because it doesn't charge interest, which is actually a positive aspect, as it means you won't have to worry about credit card debt. However, this also limits your payment flexibility, making the card potentially less useful in case of emergency expenses.
The Chime card doesn't offer a rewards program, not even a low flat rewards rate on general purchases. Some secured cards, like the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, offer 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which could be a missed opportunity with the Chime card.
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Pros and Cons
Cards like Chime Credit Builder have their advantages and disadvantages. One of the main pros is that they have very minimal fees, with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, no transfer fee, and most importantly, no interest charges.
Here are some key benefits:
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- No transfer fee
- No interest charges
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. For one, you have to have a direct deposit account through Chime to qualify for the card.
Pros
This secured card is a great option for those looking to build credit without breaking the bank. One of the standout features is the minimal fees, including no annual fee, foreign transaction fee, transfer fee, and interest charges.
Here are some of the key benefits of this card:
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
- No transfer fee
- No interest charges
Having a secured card with no credit check necessary to apply is a huge plus for those who want to start building credit without a hassle. You can also access your FICO score through the mobile app.
Cons
To be honest, there are some downsides to this card that you should know about. You have to have a direct deposit account through Chime to qualify for the card, which might be a limitation for some people.
There's no option to upgrade or "graduate" to an unsecured card once your credit improves, which could be a drawback for those who see this as a stepping stone to better credit.
One of the most notable cons is that there are no standout incentives with this card. You won't find any welcome offer, intro APR period, or rewards offered with the card, which might make it less appealing to some users.
Here are the specific cons of this card in a nutshell:
- You have to have a direct deposit account through Chime to qualify for the card.
- There is no option to upgrade or “graduate” to an unsecured card once your credit improves.
- It has no standout incentives, as there is no welcome offer, intro APR period or rewards offered with the card.
Alternatives and Comparisons
If you're looking for alternatives to the Chime Credit Builder Card, there are a few options worth considering. The Self Credit Builder Account is a credit builder loan that allows you to make monthly payments to build your credit history, but it doesn't provide the flexibility of a credit card.
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a secured credit card that earns cash back rewards, but it charges interest and has a $200 minimum security deposit. It also has a variable APR of 29.74% for purchases and balance transfers.
The Discover it Secured Credit Card and Citi Secured Mastercard are other alternatives that offer rewards and the opportunity to upgrade to an unsecured card, but they have different credit limits and annual fees.
Ultimately, the best alternative to the Chime Credit Builder Card will depend on your individual needs and financial situation.
Comparing to Alternatives
The Chime Credit Builder Card has its own set of features, but it's not the only option available. If you're looking for alternatives, you have a few options to consider.
One alternative is the Self Credit Builder Account, which is a credit builder loan that lets you make monthly payments to build your credit history. However, it's not a credit card, and you won't get the flexibility and convenience that comes with a credit card like Chime's offering.
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Another option is the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card, which earns cash back rewards but has a variable APR of 29.74% for purchases and balance transfers. This can be costly if you carry a balance, and it's not as interest-free as the Chime Credit Builder card.
If you're looking for a credit card that offers rewards, you might want to consider the Discover it Secured Credit Card. It offers flat-rate cash back on all purchases, elevated cash back on gas stations and restaurants purchases, and Cashback Match, which matches the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year with the card. However, it has a pretty high interest rate and a minimum security deposit of $200.
Here's a brief comparison of some popular credit-building cards:
Ultimately, the best credit-building card for you will depend on your individual needs and financial situation. Be sure to do your research and compare features before making a decision.
Citi Master
The Citi Mastercard has some notable drawbacks. It requires a minimum $200 security deposit.
You'll also have to pay high interest, which means you'll be charged more for borrowing money. This can add up quickly and make it harder to pay off your balance.
There's also a slew of fees associated with the Citi Mastercard, including a foreign transaction fee and balance transfer fee. These fees can be a significant expense if you're not careful.
You do have the option to upgrade to an unsecured card with the Citi Mastercard, but this requires making on-time payments for a specified period of time.
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Is it Right for You?
If you're new to credit or have struggled to get approved for other credit cards, cards like Chime Credit Builder might be worth considering. These cards are designed to help you build credit from scratch.
Your credit limit is tied to the amount you have in your secured account, so you'll need to have money available to fund that account. This means you can't overspend and risk damaging your credit score.
Building credit takes time and requires responsible financial habits across all your credit accounts. Payment history is the most important factor, but length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit inquiries also play a role.
The Chime Credit Builder card reports to all three major credit bureaus, which can help you establish a positive credit history. This can be especially helpful if you're new to credit and don't have a lot of other credit accounts.
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Security and Account
With Chime Credit Builder, you need to have a Chime Checking Account to open a Credit Builder card, which can be a hassle if you like your current bank account.
You can keep your existing bank account with Fizz, which connects to your account to prevent overspending and debt.
To use the Chime Credit Builder, you must have qualifying direct deposits of $200 or more, which can be tough for college students with irregular income.
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Most secured credit cards require a minimum security deposit of around $200, but Chime Credit Builder doesn't have a minimum deposit as long as you have a Chime Checking Account with eligible direct deposit.
The security deposit with Chime Credit Builder is the amount you transfer from your checking account to the Credit Builder Secured account, which determines your spending limit.
Using the App
You can view your account balance and track your spending using the Chime App.
The app provides helpful insights and tools to support your credit-building journey.
You can set up direct deposit to your Chime Checking Account and automatically transfer a portion of your paycheck to your Credit Builder secured account each month.
The app also allows you to move money between your Checking Account and Credit Builder secured account.
To use the app effectively, consider the following steps:
- Set automatic transfers from your Chime Checking account using the Move My Pay feature.
- Use the Secured Credit Builder Visa card on everyday purchases to build a steady balance.
- Make sure you pay your bills on time by using the Safer Credit Building feature.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your account and build a good credit score.
Security
Security is a top priority when it comes to managing your finances, and several options are available for building credit without a traditional security deposit. Fizz, for instance, doesn't require a security deposit at all, allowing you to keep your money and use it as you see fit.
Most secured credit cards, on the other hand, require a minimum security deposit of around $200. However, the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa card has a flexible approach, allowing you to transfer any amount into your Chime account to cover purchases.
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa card is a great option if you have a Chime Checking Account with eligible direct deposit. With this card, you can transfer any amount into your Chime account and use these funds to cover purchases, serving as your "security deposit" when applying for the card.
If you're looking for an alternative to credit builder loans, Kikoff Credit offers a 12-month membership for just $60, or $5 a month, which can help improve your credit score. This membership provides a $750 revolving credit line, but you can only use it to make purchases in Kikoff's online store.
Here are some key features of Kikoff Credit:
- Easy to qualify – No credit check
- Get started for just $5/month – No hidden fees or interest
- Build payment history with Equifax and Experian – May improve your credit
- View and manage your account with the Kikoff Credit app
Account

Having a secure account is essential for managing your finances and building credit. You need to be a Chime customer already to use the Chime Credit Builder, and you must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Credit Builder card.
To be eligible for the Chime Credit Builder, you need to have qualifying direct deposits of $200 or more. This can be difficult for college students who don't always have regular income in the form of direct deposits.
Fortunately, Fizz connects to your existing bank account, allowing you to spend the way you normally do without worrying about overspending or going into debt.
For people with disabilities, Chime offers alternative communication methods, including in-app chat, emails, and a toll-free phone number.
You can manage your Chime Credit Builder card and track your progress using the Chime App. The app provides helpful insights and tools to support your credit-building journey.
Here are some key features of the Chime App:
- View your account balance
- Move money between your Checking Account and Credit Builder secured account
- Monitor your spending
- Set up direct deposit to your Chime Checking Account
- Automatically transfer a portion of your paycheck to your Credit Builder secured account each month
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest card to get approved?
The easiest card to get approved is the OpenSky Plus Secured Visa Credit Card, which requires no credit check and no bank account. This makes it a great option for those who need a credit card quickly.
Is there a credit card for Chime?
Yes, Chime offers a secured credit card called the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Credit Card, which requires a security deposit and offers automatic payments with its Safer Credit Building feature. This card is designed to help users build credit.
Sources
- https://www.joinkudos.com/blog/how-the-chime-credit-builder-card-can-improve-your-credit
- https://joinfizz.com/blog/fizz-vs-chime-credit-builder
- https://www.creditcards.com/reviews/chime-secured-card-review/
- https://www.creditdonkey.com/chime-alternatives.html
- https://overdraftapps.com/apps-and-cards-like-chime-credit-builder-card/
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