How to Build Credit With Chime Card

Chime Card is the updated version of the Chime Credit Builder Card.

Like Credit Builder, Chime Card helps you build your credit ² history the more you use your card. By simply paying for everyday expenses, like groceries, gas, or subscriptions and making on time payments towards your Chime Card you can increase your score by up to 71 points.⁷

Chime Card has no interest³ and no credit check to apply. And there’s no minimum security deposit requirement⁴ – your Available balance is your credit limit. By using Chime Card responsibly, you could increase your credit score by up to 71 points.⁷

How the Chime Card works

Chime Card is easy to use – just swipe to make a purchase anywhere Visa is accepted. When you pay your bill on time each month, Chime will report your payments to the three major credit bureaus – Experian^®, Equifax^®, and TransUnion^® – to build your credit history.²

In addition to building your credit with everyday purchases using Chime Card, you’ll get access to these perks:

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back⁸ on rotating categories every three months when you sign up for direct deposit.
• Withdraw cash at more than 47,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.⁹
• See a single view of your money in the Chime app for easier money management.
• Unlock additional perks, like MyPay^®,¹⁰ SpotMe^®,¹¹ Chime Deals,¹² and a higher APY¹³ on savings, by setting up direct deposit and becoming a Chime+ member.

Chime Card vs. traditional secured credit cards

Chime Card is technically a secured credit card, but there are distinct differences that set it apart.

Traditional secured credit cards require you to make a security deposit when you open an account. That deposit typically becomes your credit limit – so, if you put down $200, your credit limit is $200. Some secured credit cards require a minimum deposit, which may put them out of reach for some consumers.

Chime Card doesn’t require a minimum deposit.⁴ Instead, money added to your Chime Checking Account automatically transfers to the Secured Deposit Account and becomes your spending limit.¹³ This helps prevent overspending. And, unlike some secured credit cards, Chime Card doesn’t charge interest.³

Chime Card is a solid choice for anyone looking to start building credit or to improve their existing score. Let’s explore the pros and cons of Chime Card so you can decide whether it’s right for you.

Does Chime really help build credit? Yep – a Chime Card can be a powerful tool for building credit when used responsibly.

There are several ways it can help strengthen your credit profile:

• Boost your credit score. Chime Card reports your on-time payments to the credit bureaus each month.²
• Check your FICO^® Score for free.¹⁵ Log into your Chime app to see your FICO Score and keep track of your progress.
• Report your rent payments.⁶ Chime members can report their rent payments to the credit bureaus for an additional boost.
• Get credit for your other bills. Chime’s partnership with Experian Boost^®5 lets you add on-time bill payments to your credit file to boost your FICO Score.

If you don’t already have your Chime Card, now’s the time to sign up.

First, you’ll need a Chime Checking account. When you sign up, you can download the Chime app and choose Chime Card. You can get a classic evergreen or black card or upgrade to a premium titanium one.¹⁶

Your physical Chime Card will take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, but you can use a virtual Chime Card in the meantime. To fund your Chime Card, simply deposit money into your Checking Account. The funds will then move to your Secured Deposit Account to serve as your Chime Card credit limit.

There are several ways to deposit money into your Chime account:

• Set up direct deposit.
• Transfer money from a connected debit card.¹⁷
• Deposit cash at 100,000 locations.¹⁸
• Deposit money using Apple Pay^®.
• Transfer money using a payment app

Your Chime app shows a single Available balance, which is the total money you can spend with your debit card or Chime Card.¹⁴ As you spend money, your available balance decreases, and when you add money, it goes up.

Use your card for everyday purchases

Once you have your Chime Card set up and funded, it’s time to start using it! You can use Chime Card anywhere that accepts Visa.

Use Chime Card for your everyday purchases, including:

• Subscriptions
• Utility bills
• Groceries
• Gas
• Restaurant meals
• Entertainment

When you pay your balance on time each month, Chime reports it to the three major credit bureaus. Payment history is the most influential factor in your credit score calculation.

Turn on Safer Credit Building

Remembering to pay your credit card and other bills on time can be tricky – especially if you have multiple due dates to keep track of. Setting up monthly reminders on your phone or calendar can help, but the best way to avoid missing a bill is to use autopay.

Turning on the Safer Credit Building feature in the Chime app ensures your Chime Card bill is paid on time every month. No need to set reminders to pay your bill – Chime takes care of it for you.

Payment timeline, statement, and reporting basics

Your Chime Card payment due date is listed in your monthly Chime Card statement. Once you’ve turned on the Safer Credit Building feature, you won’t need to worry about missing the due date.

If you do miss a payment for any reason, you won’t be able to use your card until the balance is paid in full. Late or missed payments may be reported to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.

You’ll start building credit right away when you use your Chime Card. But it can take several months of responsible use and on-time payments to see a difference in your credit score.

Chime Card users could see a credit score increase of up to 71 points, according to a September 2025 Experian^® study.⁷ For example, just by using your Chime Card for everyday purchases, you could see your FICO Score jump from 650 (which is considered “Fair”) to 721 (which is firmly in the “Good” range).

If you only use your Chime Card occasionally or make late payments, your credit score will take longer to increase and might even drop. That’s why it’s best to use your Chime Card regularly and pay your bill on time.

Chime Card is an excellent option for anyone who wants to build credit responsibly. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to boost a poor credit score, Chime Card can help you reach your financial goals.

Learn more about Chime Card to see why it’s the best choice for building your credit today.