Key takeaways
The Chime Card™ is a secured credit card with no interest1, no annual fees, and no credit check required2.
You can activate your Chime Card through the Chime® app, by scanning the QR code on your card's envelope, or by calling Chime.
Once activated, you can use your Chime Card anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
Activating your Chime Card can help you start building your credit history with on-time payments reported to all three major credit bureaus3.
You just got your Chime Card in the mail, and you're ready to start building credit. Activating it takes just a few taps in the Chime app, and you can start using it right away.
How to activate your Chime Card™ in the app
The fastest way to activate your Chime Card is through the Chime app. Open Settings, tap "Chime Card," and hit the green "Activate" button. Here's a step-by-step walkthrough.
Step 1: Download the Chime app
Go to the Google Play Store® or Apple App Store® to download the Chime app. Once downloaded, open the app on your phone.
Step 2: Log in to the app
Log in to the app using the username and password you created when you signed up for Chime.
Step 3: Go to settings
Go into the settings menu and tap "Chime Card."
Step 4: Tap "Activate"
Tap the green "Activate" button. You'll need to enter the last 4 digits of your card number and create a PIN. Once that's done, your card is active, and you can start building your credit3 and check your FICO score in the Chime app at no extra cost.
How to activate your Chime Card™ with a QR code
You can also activate your Chime Card using the QR code on your card's envelope. It's a quick alternative if you'd rather skip navigating the app's settings menu.
When you receive your physical Chime Card in the mail, just scan the QR code that's on the envelope and follow the prompts.
How to activate your Chime Card™ over the phone
If you can't access the Chime app or you'd prefer to activate your Chime Card over the phone, follow these steps.
Step 1:
Call Chime at 1-844-244-6363.
Step 2:
Follow the steps as prompted. You'll be asked to verify your identity and card number, and to create a PIN.
What to do if you can't activate your Chime Card™
Running into trouble activating your Chime Card? Here are a few things to check before reaching out for help.
Check that your app is updated: An outdated version of the Chime app can cause issues. Head to the App Store® or Google Play Store® and make sure you're running the latest version.
Verify your internet connection: A weak or dropped connection can interrupt the activation process. Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data to see if that helps.
Make sure your identity info matches: The name, date of birth, and Social Security number on your Chime account need to match what's on file. If anything looks off, update your details in the app before trying again.
Try a different activation method: If the app isn't working, scan the QR code on your card's envelope or call 1-844-244-6363 to activate over the phone.
Contact Chime support: Still stuck? Reach out to Chime's support team through the app or by phone. They can walk you through the process and troubleshoot any account-specific issues.
Chime Card™ benefits and cash back
All Chime members get access to standard features when they activate their Chime Card. Members who receive qualifying direct deposits can unlock even more benefits through Chime Prime™ and Chime Plus4.
Chime Prime™
Chime Prime is Chime's top membership tier. To unlock Chime Prime, you'll just need to direct deposit at least $3,000 over the span of 34 days4.
With Chime Prime™, eligible members gain access to benefits, such as:
Instant MyPay®: Instead of waiting the usual 24 hours to receive your MyPay® payment, Chime Prime members can receive up to $100 instantly5,6.
Cash back: Up to 5% cash back7 on a member-selected spending category.
Higher APY: With Chime Prime, members receive 3.75% APY8 on their Chime savings account.
Loans: Eligible Chime Prime members can access loans of up to $1,000 over time, with up to $100 available instantly.
Premium perks: Enjoy exclusive travel and lifestyle perks like a Complimentary Priority Pass membership, Visa luxury hotel benefits, and access to the Visa Signature Concierge9.
These benefits stack on top of Chime Plus perks like MyPay and SpotMe.
Chime Plus™
When you receive either a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more or $400+ in cumulative qualifying direct deposits within 34 days7 into your Chime account, you're automatically upgraded to Chime Plus.
Chime Plus™ members unlock enhanced benefits, including:
2% cash back7 on a spending category of your choice, such as gas, groceries, restaurants, or bills.
Access to MyPay6: Request up to $5006 of your next pay before payday.
SpotMe®: Starting at $20 and up to $200 or more in SpotMe coverage10.
Earn up to 3.00% APY8 on your Chime high-yield savings account.
Start building credit with your Chime Card™
Once you've activated your Chime Card, you can start using it right away. You can use your card anywhere that Visa credit cards are accepted.
As a Chime member, you can take advantage of over 47,000 fee-free ATMs11, cash back on everyday purchases, and fee-free overdraft10.
Once your card is active, every on-time payment gets reported to the three major credit bureaus – helping you build your credit3 over time.