Trick or Treat: Chime Unmasks Who's Really Spending on Halloween

October 7, 2025
Trick or Treat: Chime Unmasks Who's Really Spending on Halloween
Chime Team author logo

Chime Team

Tags:

Economic Insights

Newsroom

Trick or Treat: Chime Unmasks Who's Really Spending on Halloween

Halloween isn't just about costumes and candy — it's a celebration of creativity, surprises, and the many ways people choose to boo-tifully express themselves. From last-minute costume runs to stocking up on sweets and transforming homes for trick-or-treaters, spending patterns reveal the trends, choices, and playful indulgences that make the season so uniquely engaging.

A new analysis of Chime® member spending reveals who's going big on Halloween:

  • Where Halloween spirit runs highest: Nebraska ranked #1, spending 116% above the national average — followed by New Mexico (+89%), Idaho (+78%), and Montana (+73%). By contrast, Southern states like Louisiana (-39%), Alabama (-38%), and Georgia (-37%) spent the least, showing how regional traditions shape celebrations.

  • Gen Z leads the way: In 2024, Gen Z Chime members spent 35% more on Halloween relative to the national average. Millennials were just about at the national average, while Gen X (-47%) and Baby Boomers (-76%) spent well below the national average. This potentially points to a generational shift in priorities, as those without kids are likely spending less on Halloween.

  • Spookiest Cities: Omaha, NE, claims the title of spookiest Halloween city, with Chime members there spending 156% more than the national average on Halloween. Salinas, CA (138%) and Albuquerque, NM (123%) follow close behind.

  • The final-hour frenzy: October 31st itself is the biggest Halloween spending day of the season, with more than one-third of all Halloween-related spend made in the last week of October. From costumes to candy, many shoppers wait until the eleventh hour to splurge.

"Halloween isn't just about candy and costumes — it's a window into how people celebrate and express their creativity," said Janelle Sallenave, Chime's Chief Spending Officer. "Our data highlights the playful ways different generations and communities approach the season, from last-minute costume runs to unique regional traditions."

Halloween may only last one night, but the spending tells a bigger story about how people celebrate. At Chime, we love seeing how our members embrace moments like this — big or small, spooky or sweet — in ways that bring joy all season long.

*Methodology: Chime calculated Halloween spending as a share of total spending on Chime debit and Credit Builder cards in each state, city, and generation in 2024 and calculated the percentage difference from the overall national average.

The Progress Report™

Get Chime news, delivered straight to your inbox.

From product launches to stories of member impact and community change, The Progress Report™ is your go-to source for what’s happening at Chime.

Subscribe now

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)