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You applied for your first Chime® card, and it’s in the mail. Now you finally have your Chime Visa® Debit Card in hand and can start using it to pay for anything from gas to groceries and more. Or maybe you also signed up for the secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card to start building credit with on-time payments.¹
Whatever Chime card you have, the first step is to activate your new Chime card. The card activation process only takes a minute and is easy to do.
You have two ways to activate your Chime card. The first is through the app. But you can also activate your card with a quick call.
Here’s how both Chime card activation processes work.
How to activate your Chime debit card in the app
Your new account includes a virtual debit card you can choose to use until you receive your physical card. Your card information is available under Settings in the app. Simply scroll to Debit Card, then tap View Your Card. You can also link your virtual card to your preferred digital wallet app.
Once you have a physical version in hand, you can follow these steps to activate your Chime card through the mobile app.
Step #1: Download the app
You can download the Chime app for free from the Google Play Store® or the Apple App Store®. If you already have the Chime app on your device, make sure you have the most up-to-date version.
Step #2: Log into the app
You’ll need to log in using the username and password you made when signing up for Chime. If you forgot your password, you can tap Need Help? and select I forgot my password to receive a password recovery link via the email address you have on file. Once you get the link you can update your password to a new one.
Note that the next time you log in to the Chime mobile app you’ll be prompted to create a new four-digit mobile unlock passcode.
Step #3: Tap on the “Card Status” widget
Once you’re logged in, tap Card Status. You should see a big green button that says Activate.
Step #4: Tap “Activate”
Tap on the green Activate button and enter your card’s CVV number. This is the three-digit number located next to the signature strip on the back. Once you set your PIN, the Chime card is activated and ready to use!
Once your Chime Visa® Debit Card is activated, you can use it to spend anywhere Visa is accepted. You also enjoy features like real-time transaction alerts and a convenient fee-free ATM finder.²
But what if you need to know how to activate a Chime card without app access? We’ve got you covered.
How to activate your Chime debit card over the phone
If you can’t access the Chime app or prefer to activate your card over the phone, call us at 1-844-244-6363 to complete your Chime card activation.
Just dial our automated system and follow the steps as prompted. You’ll need to verify your identity and card number and set a PIN to activate your Chime card by phone.
How to activate your Chime Credit Builder card
If you’re a Chime Credit Builder cardholder, you’ll need to access the card activation prompts elsewhere in the app. Don’t worry, though! It’s just as easy as activating your debit card.
The only difference in the activation process is how you start. Here’s what you’ll do:
- Log into the Chime App
- Go to Settings
- Go to Credit Builder
- Tap Activate Card
Follow the prompts, and you’ll be able to start using your Chime Credit Builder card immediately!
Can I activate my Chime cards at any time?
There’s no deadline for activating your Chime cards once you receive them. However, you won’t be able to use your physical card to make purchases or withdraw cash until you complete the card activation process.
Waiting too long to activate a card could pose a fraud risk if someone were to obtain your card details. That’s another good reason to activate the Chime card online or through the app when the card arrives.
Use your Chime card right away
It’s easy to become a Chime member and access the features of a Chime Checking Account, and it’s just as easy to activate and start using your Chime Debit or Credit Builder Card. The Chime card activation process is quick and simple so you can start using your card right away.
Once your Chime card is activated, you can start using it in stores or for online purchases. Your card will work anywhere that Visa is accepted. You can also withdraw cash on the go.
Are you ready for an online banking experience built just for you? Sign up for Chime today – it only takes two minutes, and you’ll be able to access 50,000+ fee-free ATMs,² money management tools like checking your credit scores and setting savings goals, and 24/7 customer service as a part of the Chime family.
Frequently asked questions
Will I ever be charged an overdraft fee through Chime?
No. If you do not have sufficient funds in your Chime Checking Account, or have reached your SpotMe® limit (if enrolled)³, then your Chime Visa® Debit Card will be declined. There is no fee for declining transactions or for utilizing SpotMe.
How do I get a Chime card?
Signing up for a Chime card on our website is easy and free!
You don’t have to worry about credit checks. Sign up now in two minutes to start setting up your new Chime Checking Account. You’ll just need:
- Social Security number
- Phone number
- Valid home address
- Email address
- To be a 18+ U.S. Citizen or resident of 50 United States
Once you sign up, your new card will arrive within 7-10 business days.
How do I use a Chime virtual card?
When you sign up with Chime, you’ll get a virtual card that you can use immediately for digital and online purchases. This card can be used for things like online shopping, food orders, and video-streaming subscriptions while you wait for your physical card to arrive.
To access your virtual card in the Chime app, go to Settings and tap Cards. Here, you can replace your virtual card number and freeze or unfreeze your virtual card, which enables or disables transactions.
Your Chime virtual card number is different from the number printed on your physical Chime card. Physical Chime cards require activation but virtual cards do not and you don’t need to set up a PIN for them either.
Why can't I open a Chime account?
Some obstacles occasionally come up in the process of getting approved for a Chime account. Account denials are rarely related to an actual problem with the applicant’s banking or background history. Most commonly, these denials result from inaccurate personal information.
In short, watch out for typos! If your Chime account signup was denied, double-check your information. Incorrect or mistyped information, like your social security number, date of birth, or full name, can all lead to account denials. You’ll have to reapply with the correct information to be approved.
Do I need to scan a QR code to activate my Chime card online?
Some debit cards and prepaid cards require a QR code for activation. A QR code is provided for you with your Chime card, but you can activate your card in other ways: downloading the mobile app, logging in to your Chime account online, or calling Chime customer support. All you need to do is verify your identity and card details, then choose a secure PIN to get started.