Key takeaways
- Chime Prime gives you the best of Chime with qualifying direct deposits†
- Get access to 5% cash back with Chime Card~ on a category of your choice, like groceries, gas, monthly bills, restaurants, or travel
- Get 3.75% APY^ on savings to help grow your money faster
- Enjoy exclusive travel and lifestyle perks like a Complimentary Priority Pass™ membership1, Visa luxury hotel benefits2, and access to the Visa Signature Concierge3. .
Note: Chime Prime launches to select members in early 2026 followed by a full rollout in spring 2026.
Chime Prime builds on what members already love about Chime – simple, fee-free banking* – and adds meaningful rewards for people who want their money to go further.
It’s the next evolution in everyday banking. As a Chime Prime member, you’ll get 5% cash back~ with Chime Card on your category of choice and 3.75% APY^ on savings so you can compound your progress. You’ll also get access to premium travel perks as a Chime Card holder and 24/7 priority support from real people, when you direct deposit at least $3,000 monthly†.
Intrigued? Let’s explore how Chime Prime can help you reach your financial goals, fee-free.
What is Chime Prime?
Chime Prime is the most rewarding of Chime’s three memberships, built to help your money work harder for you. It includes every benefit from Chime and Chime Plus, plus additional market-leading cash back rewards to unlock more from every dollar.
Here’s what you can expect as a Chime Prime member:
- Top-tier rewards: Get 5% cash back~ on a spending category of your choice – from groceries and gas to restaurants, travel, or monthly bills – when you use your Chime Card
- High-yield savings: Earn 3.75% APY^ on your savings balance and watch your nest egg grow faster
- Premium travel perks: Enjoy a complimentary Priority Pass™ membership1 that gives you access to 1800+ airport lounges and experiences, global mobile data§, luxury hotel benefits2, and access to the Visa Signature Concierge3.
- Get paid before payday: Get up to $500 with MyPay4
- Instant loan: Pre-qualified loan. Get $100+ instantly5
- Overdraft coverage: Chime Prime members may have access to a starting limit of $50 in SpotMe® overdraft coverage and can receive up to $200 over time6
- Priority support: Got questions? Enjoy 24/7 priority support with a real human over phone or chat
- Fee-free banking*: No monthly fees, no minimum balances, no subscription fees
You’ll automatically achieve Chime Prime status when you direct deposit at least $3,000 monthly†.
How can I get Chime Prime?
Wondering how to get Chime Prime? Just follow these steps and enjoy more rewards:
- Step 1: Receive qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $3,000 into your Chime Checking Account per month†.
- Step 2: Once you’ve qualified, your Prime status unlocks automatically in the app.
- Step 3: Access your upgraded benefits – from higher savings rates to cash back rewards and perks.
As long as you direct deposit at least $3,000 each month, you’ll stay enrolled.
How do you get 5% cash back with Chime?
As a Chime Prime member, you’ll unlock 5% cash back~ on your category of choice when you use your Chime Card to pay for eligible purchases on up to $1500.
Categories to select from include:
- Grocery stores
- Gas
- Restaurants
- Monthly bills
- Taxi and rideshare
- Travel
Select your cash back category in the Chime app. You can choose a different category on the first of each month or stick with the same one – whichever option you feel will maximize your cash back potential. You must make an initial category selection to be eligible. If you don’t select a new category each month after your initial selection, the one you chose the previous month will automatically roll over.
A higher cash-back percentage equals more money in your pocket. Chime Prime has the highest percentage, while Chime Plus offers 2% cash back.†
How do you get 3.75% APY with Chime?
Once you qualify for Chime Prime, you can earn an impressive 3.75% APY^ in your High-Yield Savings Account. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is the amount of interest you can earn on your savings over a year. Most standard savings accounts earn little or no interest, while high-yield savings accounts generally offer higher interest rates that allow your balance to grow over time.
A high APY helps you grow your savings faster – and Chime members can save even more with features like Automatic Savings7 and Round Ups8.
Chime vs. Competitors
Chime isn’t a bank. Chime is The #1 Most Loved Banking App® built to help everyday people make financial progress. See how Chime’s banking features compare.
| Chime | Bank of America | Wells Fargo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash back~ In the category of your choice. | 5% With Chime Card and Chime Prime | 6% first year, 3% after Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card | ✗ No Secured Card with cash back |
| Savings APY^ | 3.75% Chime Prime | 0.04% Advantage Savings Account | 0.05% Platinum Savings Account |
| Fee free banking* Checking with no monthly fee without additional requirements. | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
*With Chime Prime, get 5% cash back on eligible Chime Card purchases and 3.75% Prime APY on your Savings Account balance. Not all Chime benefits listed require qualifying direct deposits of $3,000+. Chart based on internal comparison conducted February 2026 to select offerings at traditional banks, numbers subject to change at any time. See details used for comparison to traditional bank offerings here.
How to make the most of Chime Prime
Chime offers the most rewarding fee-free banking+. Here’s how you can maximize your rewards:
- Choose your cash back category wisely: Pick everyday categories like groceries or gas when you’re home, and switch to travel or restaurants when traveling.
- Use your savings smarter: Automatically move funds to your high-yield account to maximize your APY earnings and make your money grow faster.
- Travel with confidence: Complimentary Priority Pass™ membership1 that gives you access to 1800+ airport lounges, global mobile data through GigSky§, luxury hotel benefits2, and access to the Visa Signature Concierge3.
- Stay connected: Find all perks under your profile tab in-app – or reach out to your 24/7 Visa Travel Concierge.
A rewarding banking experience that’s actually built for you
You’ve worked hard to make progress but most banks don’t recognize it. That’s why Chime is America’s #1 choice for banking9 because, unlike other banks that stay stagnant, Chime grows with you.
Now, Chime will give you an even more rewarding experience as you make financial progress. Starting in 2026, direct deposit unlocks the most rewarding way to bank through Chime. Get more from every dollar you earn when you set up qualifying direct deposits — all without additional fees or minimum balance requirements.
FAQs on Chime Prime
How do I qualify for Chime Prime?
You’ll automatically achieve Chime Prime status when you receive qualifying direct deposits of at least $3,000 monthly.†
What’s the difference between Chime Plus and Chime Prime?
Chime Prime rewards include 5% cash back~ with Chime Card, 3.75% APY^ on savings, and exclusive perks with qualifying direct deposits of at least $3,000†. Chime Plus, meanwhile, gives you 2% cash back and 3.00% APY on your savings with a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or cumulative direct deposits of $400 or more.
Chime Prime is a meaningful upgrade if you’re able to direct deposit at least $3,000 per month†.
Does Chime Prime charge subscription fees?
There are no monthly fees, minimum balance fees, or subscription fees to worry about. Chime makes fee-free banking* accessible to anyone – and Chime Prime gives you the most rewarding way to bank+ at Chime.
Are Chime Prime perks only for travelers?
As a Chime Prime member, you get premium travel perks with your Chime Card. Your perks include:
- A complimentary Priority Pass™ membership1 that includes access to 1,800+ airport lounges and experiences that includes 2 complimentary visits every year
- Complimentary global mobile data plans that include 1GB/15 days through GigSky§
- Access to call or chat Visa Signature® Concierge3 that will help with booking flights, hotels, reservations
- Luxury hotel collection2: Get access to a premium collection of benefits like VIP status, complimentary breakfast for two, and an upgrade when available
- International ATM fee reimbursements: Get automatically reimbursed two out-of-network fees per month when you withdraw cash from an international ATM.
Can existing members upgrade to Chime Prime?
Yes. Chime Prime upgrades happen automatically once you meet the deposit threshold.
Is Chime safe?
Chime makes information security a top priority to ensure members’ information and money are safe. Here’s how Chime protects you:
- Chime uses encryption and other measures to safeguard your data and money.
- Instantly block your card if you suspect unauthorized use.
- Turn on app notifications to receive real-time alerts Visa’s Zero Liability Policy protection means you’re not responsible for unauthorized charges‡.
- The Chime app supports two-factor and fingerprint authentication for added security.
How trustworthy is Chime?
Chime is viewed as a safe option with strong security features. Independent consumer research also shows strong adoption of Chime for new checking accounts; according to a recent J.D. Power study, Chime is America’s #1 choice for banking.9