Chime® Checking Account, NerdWallet's 2026 winner for Best Checking Account overall. Source: NerdWallet, Best Bank Accounts of 2026. Affiliate Partner. © 2017-2026 and TM, NerdWallet Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Key takeaways
You can open a Chime® account in minutes from your phone, with no credit check to apply.
You'll need your legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, U.S. address, email, and phone number to sign up.
Add funds by debit card transfer, bank transfer, or payment app, then start spending right away with your virtual card.
Set up a qualifying direct deposit to unlock Chime Plus™ or Chime Prime™ membership benefits like SpotMe®, MyPay®, cash back, and a higher Annual Percentage Yield (APY).
Looking for an easy way to open a checking account online? You're not alone. With Chime®, you can sign up from your phone in minutes, with no appointment, no minimum deposit, and no credit check to apply.
This guide walks you through how to open a fee-free online account, what information you'll need, and how to start using your new account right away.
How to open an online Chime account
Chime accepts applications instantly through its mobile app. You don't need to visit a branch or pass a credit check to apply. Most people finish the sign-up process in a few minutes, and many are approved within seconds.
Once you're approved, you can access your virtual Chime Visa® Debit Card and virtual secured Chime Visa® Credit Card (“Chime Card™”) 1 right away. Your physical cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days, but you can start making purchases sooner using Apple Wallet® or Google Wallet®.
Here's how to get started:
1: Download the Chime app
Download the Chime app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Within the app you can access accounts like:
A fee-free online checking account2
Chime Card to help you build credit safely with on-time payments4
From the app, you can deposit checks, view your balance, send money with Pay Anyone, and manage your credit with tools like rent reporting.5
2: Enter your personal information
To set up your account, you'll provide:
Your first and last name
Social Security number
Phone number
Date of birth
U.S. address
Email and a password
After your information is reviewed and confirmed, you're in. All members must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old.
3: Choose your card
You can apply for Chime Card1 to earn cash back and build your credit history, with no credit check to apply. Or start with the Chime Visa® Debit Card and enjoy fee-free banking from your phone.2
If you choose Chime Card, pick from three colors: black, evergreen, or a premium titanium card for $50 plus applicable taxes. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 days, but you can use your virtual card right away for online purchases.
Add your cards to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet to make contactless payments in stores.
4: Fund your account
There are several easy ways to add money to your new account:
Make an instant transfer with a debit card6
Use your Chime routing and account numbers to transfer funds from another financial institution
Send money using a payment app
Set up direct deposit
How to set up direct deposit for Chime
You can set up direct deposit by sharing your Chime routing and account numbers with your employer. Find this information in the Chime app under Settings → Direct deposit setup or in the Move Money section.
With direct deposit, you can get paid up to two days early7 – timing depends on when your employer submits the payment file. If you're switching from another bank, you can transfer your balance and update your direct deposit at your own pace.
What you need to open a Chime account
Signing up is quick because you only need basic personal information. Here's what to have ready:
Full legal name: Enter your name exactly as it appears on official documents.
Social Security number: Used to verify your identity.
Date of birth: You must be 18 or older.
U.S. address: A valid residential address in the United States.
Email and phone number: For account verification and security alerts.
You don't need a minimum deposit or a credit check to open a Chime Checking Account.
Unlock more with direct deposit and Chime membership
Once you've added money to your account, you're ready to start using it. View your balance, make purchases, and set up custom alerts to stay on top of your spending.
When you set up a qualifying direct deposit, you become a Chime Plus™ or Chime Prime member and unlock more benefits:8
SpotMe®: Starting at $20 and up to $200 or more in fee-free overdraft protection on debit and credit card purchases and cash withdrawals9
MyPay®: If eligible, access up to $500 of your pay before payday through lines of credit, with no interest, credit check, or mandatory fees10 11
Cash back: Earn 5% cash back with qualifying direct deposits on a category of your choice each month with Chime Card, on up to $1,500 in eligible purchases 12
Higher APY: Earn 2.75% APY on your Chime Savings account, or earn 3.75% APY13 with qualifying direct deposits to get you to Chime Prime 8 membership status.
Why can't I open a Chime account?
If you're unable to open an account, here are some reasons this might be happening:
Incorrect personal information: Double-check your name, email, phone number, Social Security number, and address for typos or errors.
Eligibility requirements not met: You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old. Members outside the U.S. or under 18 cannot open an account.
Verification system error: In rare cases, an issue with Chime's verification process can cause a delay. If your information is correct and you meet the requirements, visit the Chime Help Center for assistance.
Start banking online in minutes
Opening an online account through Chime takes just a few minutes. Download the app, enter your information, choose your card, and add funds – that's it. You can start making purchases the same day with your virtual card and keep moving toward your financial progress.