Chime Introduces Instant Loans

March 21, 2025
Chime Introduces Instant Loans
Chime Introduces Instant Loans

Members now have fast and easy access to liquidity with fair, fixed rates

Leading consumer financial technology company Chime® announced today the launch of Instant Loans—a product that provides instant access to up to $500 in funds with a fixed interest rate that is lower than what's typically observed in the industry. Like all of Chime's services, Instant Loans is easy to use and transparent, and unlike some other loan products, there is no credit check to qualify. Instead, Chime leverages its proprietary technology platform and rich data sources to help determine eligibility. On-time payments can also help members build credit over time.

Instant Loans offers three-month installment loans up to $500 to pre-approved Chime members who receive direct deposits to their Chime Checking Account. Members are pre-approved for a loan and notified of their eligibility within the Chime app. Once accepted, eligible members gain instant access to the loan funds. When compared to other types of liquidity products on the market, Instant Loans enables consumers to borrow at potentially half the cost, and with the added flexibility of having up to three times longer to repay.¹ Chime's Instant Loans has no late fees or compound interest, just a fixed interest rate of $5 for every $100 borrowed, paid back in three monthly payments of $35.00 per $100 borrowed (29.76% annual percentage rate). For greater ease, repayments can be automated and are designed to not exceed 10% of monthly member cash inflows to ensure affordability. Chime also reports on-time payment history to credit reporting agencies, allowing members to build credit. Participants who pay on time may see their credit score increase by 10-30 points, validated by a prior simulation conducted with Experian².

"We are relentlessly focused on helping everyday people achieve financial progress," said Madhu Muthukumar, Chime's Chief Product Officer. "Our members have told us that they want simple and transparent tools to access money when they need it, and to help them build credit — and we're excited Instant Loans provides both to our members."

Instant Loans is Chime's latest innovation, building on its commitment to enabling financial progress through products centered around consumer needs. In 2024, Chime announced the launch of MyPay, which lets eligible members access up to $500³ of their pay before payday with no interest⁴ and no credit check. Since its official launch in July 2024, MyPay has helped members access billions of dollars. SpotMe⁵, which allows Chime members to overdraw their account without fees, also surpassed a major milestone in 2024, covering more than $30 billion in transactions. The Chime Checking Account was one of the first full-featured accounts to disrupt the traditional banking industry by offering fee-free overdrafts with the launch of SpotMe. Similarly, millions of people have increased their credit scores since opening a Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card, which doesn't charge interest or require a credit check or minimum security deposit.

Instant Loans are made by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

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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)