Chime Bank Account Opening The process to open a Chime Bank account is simple and fast to fit with the modern age of digital banking. To get started, just download the Chime app from your smartphone’s app store and enter basic personal information including your name, date of birth, Social Security number and contact information to verify your identity.

Once your info is verified, you can quickly and very easily set up direct deposit or deposit money into the card through transfers. Chime provides its members with a fee-free checking account and a virtual debit card that can be used on the same day for purchases, as well as an option to receive a physical card in the mail.

It usually takes the entire sign-up process only a couple minutes, so 18 years and older U.S. residents looking for free online banking have a low barrier to entry. This simplified method makes it easy to handle your money online at anytime.

What is Chime Bank Account?

A Chime Bank Account is an online bank account through Chime, a financial technology company that works with FDIC-insured banks such as The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank to provide banking services. Chime is not itself a bank but offers mobile banking apps and online accounts you can open checking or savings accounts that come with features like no overdraft fees, no minimum balance requirements, and in many cases fee-free

ATM withdrawals (except for third-party ATMs), early direct deposit access (up to two days earlier), and automatic savings tools. Customers receive a Chime Visa Debit Card, also linked to the account, that can be used for purchases and ATM withdrawals. Chime accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through its partners in banking. Chime also provides a secured credit card that is intended to help establish credit history (not prepaid cards).

What it is: The Chime Visa debit card allows you to access money from your Chime account without paying any fees. com, underscoring Chime’s position as a technology platform that leverages banking services without directly holding the money of its customers. ​

Requirements to Open a Chime Bank Account

Opening a Chime bank account requires some effort and certain information to qualify. You need to be 18 or older, a United States citizen or legal resident, and able to provide a valid Social Security number. Also, you must have a U.S. mobile phone number, a valid home address, and an email.

When you apply through the Chime app, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number (which they use to verify your identity), phone number, address, and email and create a password. The account can be opened without a credit check or initial deposit.

After your details have been reviewed and verified, you can begin using your account—and you’ll receive a Chime Visa debit card in the mail within roughly 7-10 business days.

Step-by-Step Guide to Opening a Chime Account

Download the Chime App.

Download the Chime mobile banking app, available on iOS or Android. You must open the app to use and manage your Chime Spending Account.

Start your application and input some personal details.

Open the app and click “Get Started.” You’ll have to provide information about yourself, like your name, birthday, Social Security number, cellphone number, email, and home address. The information is provided for identity verification.

Verify Your Identity

Furnish a legitimate government-issued photo ID when requested. Accepted forms include a U.S. driver’s license, state ID, passport, permanent resident card, or employment authorization card. This step serves to protect against fraud and is required by federal law.

Choose Your Chime Card

Once your information is confirmed, you have the option to choose a design for your Chime Visa® Debit Card. This card is tied to your new Chime checking account, which you can begin using as soon as the account is funded.

Fund Your Account

Fund your account instantly with a debit card or transfer money from another bank account. You can also establish direct deposit by providing your employer with Chime’s routing and account numbers and have paychecks automatically deposited.

Benefits of Opening a Chime Bank Account

No Monthly Fees

Chime has no monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, or overdraft fees. This makes it an appealing choice for those who wish to sidestep traditional banking fees.

Early Direct Deposit

Chime provides you with early access to your paycheck meaning you can receive your direct deposit up to two days earlier than you would when banking with traditional banks. This feature, called My Pay, can aid in cash flow management.

Mobile-First Experience

The Chime mobile app lets you access your accounts, track spending and savings, send money, and more from your smartphone.

Establish Credit with a Secured Credit Card

The Chime Secured credit card is an option to build your credit without paying traditional annual fees or interest charges and helps you create a positive overall credit history.

How to Verify Your Identity for Chime

To confirm your identity for Chime, you’ll typically need to use valid personal details during the registration process, including your full name, date of birth, and address. You will need to upload a photo of a government-issued ID, such as a U.S. driver’s license, state ID card, passport, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document.

Oh, and you might have to take a selfie that matches your ID for facial verification. Once you’ve submitted those, Chime may verify your identity and send you a code via email, text message, or phone call that you’ll need to input in order to finish the process. If you can’t verify yourself, you may also want to consider reaching out to Chime customer service for help verifying your identity.

Important steps of verifying identity for Chime are:

Give truthful personal particulars during registration.

Provide clear photos of a valid unexpired ID and take a selfie if prompted to do so.

Confirm your identity using a code delivery on your phone, SMS, or email.

Get in touch with Chime customer service if you face issues on verification (toll-free number: 844-244-6363).

FAQs

1. What do I need to open a Chime bank account?

You must have a smartphone, a valid email, your first and last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN).

2. Is opening a Chime account free?

Yes. Chime does not have any fees to open or keep an account open.

3. Can I open a Chime account without an SSN?

No, Chime needs your SSN to verify your identity during save account creation.

4. How long does it take to open a Chime bank account?

The 2-5 minutes is simply an estimate for how long the online sign-up process usually takes..

5. Does Chime run a credit check when opening an account?

The 2-5 minutes is simply an estimate for how long the online sign-up process usually takes.

6. Can I open a Chime account from outside the United States?

No. Chime doesn’t check your credit when you open an account, and a Chime account won’t affect your credit score.

7. How do I activate my Chime card after opening an account?

You can activate your card by app in the Chime app Settings → Activate Card or by calling into the automated activation line.

8. Can I open a Chime account if I have bad banking history?

Yes. Chime doesn’t run credit reports through ChexSystems, so you won’t usually be disqualified if you have had issues banking in the past.