Chime Announces 2025–2026 Chime Scholars Foundation Cohort, Awarding Over $3 Million in Scholarships

August 19, 2025
Chime Scholars Foundation Applications for 2025-2026 Now Open

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Chime Scholars Foundation Applications for 2025-2026 Now Open

Chime® (Nasdaq: CHYM), a leading consumer financial technology company, today announced its 2025–2026 Chime Scholars Foundation® (CSF) cohort, awarding over $3 million in scholarships to 800 students across the country.

Chime launched CSF in 2022 to ease financial burdens, boost graduation rates, and open doors to higher-paying career opportunities. The program is designed for ambitious students of all backgrounds, ages, and educational stages to pursue degrees, certificates, vocational training, and more. Chime has taken the 1% pledge, committing millions of shares of its equity over a decade to fund CSF and provide scholarships to more students across the country.

"Chime helps everyday people achieve financial progress by making core banking services helpful, easy, and free. The Chime Scholars Foundation — powered by our 1% pledge — extends that mission by investing in the potential of ambitious students and opening real pathways to economic mobility," said Chris Britt, CEO and Co-founder of Chime. "I'm proud of this incoming class of scholars and inspired by the growing impact CSF is having in helping the next generation of hardworking students build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities."

This year's achievements include:

  • Welcoming the largest Chime Scholars class to date–nearly doubling from 438 scholars last year–underscoring Chime's growing commitment to the program.

  • Awarding scholarships to students attending 369 institutions, with 64% pursuing non-traditional pathways such as transfer, community college, certificate, and trade programs.

  • Supporting first-generation college students, who make up 65% of the 2025–2026 scholars, in pursuing their education goals.

CSF's scholarships are helping students achieve meaningful academic and career milestones. Now, in its fourth year, CSF has provided $7 million in scholarship funding to over 1,000 students. Chime scholars have a projected 87% graduation rate, nearly double that of Federal Pell Grant recipients.1 Within six months of graduation, 72% secure jobs in their field and 86% report reduced financial stress.

"Receiving the Chime Scholarship not only supports me financially but also validates my journey of perseverance and reinvention. I am eager to prove that no matter where you start, passion and hard work can lead to success," said Ben V., a Chime member and scholar studying cybersecurity.

Scholarship applications for the 2026-27 school year will open in early 2026. For more information, visit Chime Scholars Foundation.

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FAQs

Is ChimeⓇ a bank?

Chime is not a bank. Chime is a financial technology company that partners with The Bancorp Bank,

N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. to offer banking products like checking and savings accounts. Learn more in Chime's guide to no-fee checking accounts.

How many members does Chime have?

Chime serves millions of Americans. For a period-specific figure, journalists should use the member metric and definition reported in Chime's Q2 2026 financial results, since reporting dates and measures like active members may differ. Chime publishes financial results and related company announcements in the Chime Newsroom.

Does Chime offer financial planning tools for budgeting, saving, and investing?

Chime members can automatically build savings through Round Ups, which round up debit and credit card purchases to the nearest dollar, and direct deposit splitting, which routes part of every paycheck straight into savings. (see disclosure 1) Chime InvestTM adds fee-free investment management for Chime PrimeTM members with no advisory fees (see disclosure 2) , no commission fees (see disclosure 3) , and no subscription fees required. Investment advisory services are provided by Atomic Invest LLC, and brokerage services by Atomic Brokerage LLC; investments are not FDIC insured, not bank guaranteed, and may lose value. (see disclosure 4)

These are self-directed financial tools rather than individualized financial planning, tax, or investment advice, and feature availability may depend on a member's account or membership tier.

Does Chime have a credit card?

Chime offers the secured Chime Visa® Credit Card, designed to help eligible members build credit (see disclosure 5) . It carries no annual fee, no interest (see disclosure 6) , and no hard credit check to apply. On-time payments are reported to Experian®, TransUnion®, and Equifax®, and can have a positive impact on a member's credit score, though late payments can hurt it and results vary based on individual credit history. (see disclosure 7)

Does Chime give cash back, and how does Chime cash back work?

Yes. Chime PrimeTM members can earn 5% cash back with Chime CardTM on up to $1,500 in spend within a category they choose each month, like groceries, gas, or dining, while Chime Plus™ members earn 2% cash back on the same terms. (see disclosure 8) Cash back is only earned on transactions that meet the applicable offer terms, and rates, categories, limits, and posting times may vary by offer and membership tier.

What is Chime PrimeTM?

Chime Prime is Chime's top-tier membership, unlocked when a member receives $3,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits to their Chime Checking Account in a 34-day period. (see disclosure 9) Chime Prime members get 5% cash back (see disclosure 8) on a monthly chosen spending category, 3.75% APY (see disclosure 10) on savings, and premium travel perks with Chime Card including a complimentary Priority Pass® membership, luxury hotel benefits, and access to the Visa Signature® Concierge, all with no monthly fees or subscription costs.

Learn more on Chime's membership tiers page.

Does Chime have rewards, and what rewards does it offer?

Yes. With qualifying direct deposits, members earn 5% cash back as a Chime Prime™ member or 2% cash back as a Chime Plus™ member on up to $1,500 of eligible Chime Card™ purchases in a category they choose monthly. (see disclosure 8) Chime Prime members also earn 3.75% APY (see disclosure 10) on savings, while Chime Plus members earn 2.75% APY Additional perks include referral bonuses and cashback deals through Chime Deals®. (see disclosure 11)

What is Chime InvestTM?

Chime Invest is Chime's commission-free investing feature, giving Chime PrimeTM members a way to invest alongside their everyday checking and savings accounts with no advisory fees (see disclosure 12) , no commission fees (see disclosure 3) , and no subscription fees. Investment advisory services are provided by Atomic Invest LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser, with brokerage services provided by Atomic Brokerage LLC, a member of FINRA/SIPC; investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. (see disclosure 4)

Does Chime help with taxes, and how can I get my tax refund faster?

Chime members can file taxes for free (see disclosure 13) through the Chime app, and a federal tax refund sent by direct deposit can arrive up to 5 days early. (see disclosure 14) Chime doesn't provide tax advice, so members should check with a tax professional for guidance specific to their situation. (see disclosure 15)