Key takeaways
The Chime® referral program lets you earn rewards when friends sign up using your unique referral link and receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within 45 days.
You can refer up to 10 people per calendar year, and both you and the person you refer can earn a bonus.
A qualifying direct deposit includes payroll, government benefits, and other ACH deposits – but not bank transfers or peer-to-peer payments.
The referral bonus is separate from the direct deposit signup bonus, and you may be able to combine both.
If you're a Chime member, you already know how the platform can help you manage your money with fewer fees and more flexibility. The Chime referral program gives you a way to share those benefits with friends and family – and earn rewards when they join. Here's everything you need to know about how the program works and how to get started.
Referral program may not be available in every state. If your state is ineligible, you will be blocked from participation.
How the Chime referral program works
The Chime referral program can pay both the referrer and the new member a cash reward when the new member opens a Chime Checking Account using the referral link, completes the required qualifying steps, and the referrer's account is in good standing, subject to the Referral Program Terms and Conditions. It's a straightforward way to earn extra cash while helping people you know take a step toward better financial progress.
When your friend or family member opens a Chime Checking Account using your referral link, receives a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within 45 days, and activates their physical Chime Visa® Debit Card within 14 days after that qualifying direct deposit, you can both earn a reward deposited into your Chime accounts, provided all other program requirements are met.
Reward amounts and eligibility may vary: Bonus amounts, eligibility requirements, and promotion terms are subject to change. Check your Chime app and the current Referral Program Terms and Conditions for the latest details.
Automatic credit: Your referral bonus gets credited once all requirements are met.
Annual limit: You can refer up to 10 people per calendar year.
Account status: The referrer's Chime account must be in good standing to receive a referral reward.
When will I receive my referral reward?
Your referral bonus will generally be deposited within 10 business days after the person you referred completes all qualifying requirements, including receiving a qualifying direct deposit and activating their physical Chime Visa® Debit Card within the required timeframe.
How can I check my referral reward status?
You can track the status of your referrals directly in the Chime app. Tap the icon in the top-right corner of the home screen to see where things stand.
What counts as a qualifying direct deposit?
Not every deposit qualifies for the referral bonus. Understanding what counts can help you and your referrals avoid surprises.
A qualifying direct deposit is an electronic transfer of $200 or more that comes through the ACH network. This includes:
Payroll deposits: Payments from an employer or payroll provider
Government benefits: Certain government benefit payments received via ACH, such as Social Security benefits
Gig economy payments: Deposits from platforms like Uber®, DoorDash®, or similar services
The deposit must arrive within 45 days of the new member opening their account.
What doesn't count as a qualifying direct deposit?
Some common transfers don't qualify for the referral bonus. Make sure your referrals know to set up a deposit from their employer or another qualifying source.
Bank-to-bank ACH transfers
Peer-to-peer payments from services like Venmo® or Cash App®
Mobile check deposits
Cash loads at retail locations
How to share your Chime referral link
Inviting friends to Chime takes just a few steps. Here's how to find and share your unique referral link.
Open the Chime app.
Tap Refer in Settings or tap the referral widget directly from the home screen.
Share your unique referral link via text, email, or social media.
Your friend signs up using your link, receives a qualifying direct deposit of at least $200 within 45 days, and activates their physical Chime Visa® Debit Card within 14 days after that deposit to qualify for the referral reward.
Remind your referrals to set up direct deposit when they open their account so they can meet the bonus requirements right away.
Can I refer multiple people?
Yes. There's no limit on how many people you can invite, but you can earn referral rewards for up to 10 successful sign-ups each year. Each qualifying referral earns you a separate reward.
Chime referral bonus vs. direct deposit bonus
Chime offers two separate bonus programs for new and existing members. Here's how they compare.
Referral bonus | Direct deposit signup bonus | |
Who earns it | Both the referrer and the new member | The new member only |
How to qualify | New member signs up with a referral link and receives a qualifying direct deposit | New member meets direct deposit milestones over the first three months |
Potential reward | Varies by promotion | Bonus signup offers up to $350 |
Can be combined with other product promotions? | Yes | Yes |
A new member you refer may be able to earn the direct deposit signup bonus on top of the referral reward. Visit the Chime app for the latest details on both programs.
Tips to maximize your referral rewards
A few simple strategies can help you make the most of the referral program.
Share your referral link in your communities – friends, co-workers, and group chats could all benefit from what Chime offers.
Highlight the benefits – explain how Chime can help with getting paid early1, avoiding common fees, and managing money more easily.
Encourage direct deposit setup – remind your friends they need a qualifying deposit to unlock the reward.
Make the most of Chime's referral program
The Chime referral program is a simple way to earn rewards while helping the people you care about discover better financial tools. Both you and your referral can earn a bonus once all program requirements are met, including the new member completing the qualifying steps and the referrer's account remaining in good standing. Open the Chime app to see current bonus details, review the latest Referral Program Terms and Conditions, and share your referral link.