You applied for your first Chime card, and it’s in the mail. You open it and look at it for the first time. Nice! It seems like only yesterday you were trying to figure out what a Chime Card was, but now you finally have the card in hand and can start using it to pay for anything from gas to groceries and more.
Now it’s time to activate the card, and you’ll be happy to know that the Chime Card activation process only takes a minute.
You have two ways to activate your Chime card. The first is through the app. The Chime app allows you to activate your debit card and offers several features that make being a Chime cardholder convenient.
But if you ran out the door when you received your Chime Card and didn’t yet install the app, no problem! You can also activate your Chime card with a quick call.
Here’s how both Chime Card activation processes work.
How to activate your Chime Card in the app
Watch a step-by-step instruction: How to Activate Your Chime Visa® Debit Card
Step #1: Download the app
You can download the Chime app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Once downloaded, select the app and open it on your phone.
Step #2: Log into the app
You’ll need to log in using the credentials you made when enrolling for your Chime Checking Account.
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 you’re all set! Now your card is active and ready to use. You can use your Chime Visa® Debit Card and enjoy features like real-time transaction alerts and a convenient fee-free ATM finder.
How to activate your Chime Card over the phone
If you can’t access the Chime app, or if you prefer to activate your card over the phone, feel free to call us at 1-844-244-6363 to complete your card activation.
Just dial our automated system and follow the steps as prompted. You’ll verify your identity, verify your card number, and set a PIN.
These steps are necessary to ensure C smooth, secure experience with Chime.
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 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!
Use your Chime Card right away
Now that your Chime card is activated, you can start using it in stores or for online purchases. Your Chime Debit Card will work anywhere that Visa is accepted.
As a Chime member, you’ll enjoy early direct deposit access, no minimum balance requirements, and no overdraft fees with SpotMe. You can easily transfer money to friends and family members with Pay Anyone,¹ and you can access our network of over 50,000 fee-free ATMs.²
Manage your money your way with Chime.
FAQs
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), 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
- 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 temporary card?
When you sign up with Chime, you’ll get a temporary card that you can use immediately for digital and online purchases. This temporary card will come in handy for online shopping, food orders, and video-streaming subscriptions while you wait for your physical card to arrive.
All you need to do to view your temporary card number is download the Chime app, scroll to the Debit Card and tap View Your Card. You’ll be given a temporary card number to start spending within minutes.
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.
Activating a debit card has never been easier!
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 Card. Whether you choose to activate your Chime card inside the Chime app or over the phone, activation is a quick and painless process you can do at home or on the go.
Are you ready for a mobile banking experience built just for you? Sign up for a Chime Visa® Debit Card today – it only takes two minutes, and you’ll enjoy member-first features and at-the-ready customer support as a part of the Chime family!