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Chime Card™ review (2026): build credit without a credit check

How Chime's secured card works, what it takes to unlock its cash back, and how it compares with traditional cards once your score goes up.

CardJolt is independent. We may earn a commission when you apply through our links, but it doesn't change our analysis. Rates and terms come from the issuer and can change.

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The short answer

An easy, low-cost way to start or rebuild credit. As your score improves, cards like Active Cash or Discover it will reward you better.Skip to:Our full take
Apply online Opens the issuer's secure application
Chime Card™ (secured)
Regular APR*No interestSecured card. Source: Chime, 09/23/2026
Intro APRNot applicable
Credit limitYou set it with the money you add
Annual fee$0
RewardsUp to 5% on a chosen category
Best forNo credit check; Chime Checking Account required
Welcome bonusNone

Rates and fees

Perks and protections

  • Requires a Chime Checking Account, which you open alongside the card
  • On-time payments reported to TransUnion, Experian and Equifax
  • Credit utilization isn't reported
  • Safer Credit Building can pay your balance automatically
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Pros and cons

Pros

  • No credit check

  • No interest and no annual fee

  • Reports to all 3 credit bureaus

  • You decide your spending limit

Cons

  • 5% cash back needs $3,000+ in monthly direct deposits

  • Cash back limited to $1,500 in purchases

  • Only available with a Chime account

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Our full take

Chime Card is secured: you add money to its secured account, spend up to that amount, and can pay the monthly bill with those same funds. There's no preset limit and no minimum deposit.

Qualifying direct deposits unlock cash back on a category you choose: 5% as a Chime Prime member ($3,000+ per month) or 2% as a Chime Plus member, on up to $1,500 in purchases.

» RELATED: Go to the official Chime site

Quick facts

Type: secured Visa credit card

Credit check: none

Interest: none

Earn rate: up to 5% on a chosen category, with direct deposit

Annual fee: $0

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How it stacks up

Chime Card™ (secured)
Apply online
Regular APR*No interest Secured card
Credit limitYou set it with the money you add
Intro APRNot applicable
Best forNo credit check; Chime Checking Account required
Discover it® Cash Back
Apply online
Regular APR*17.49% to 26.49% Variable, 09/23/2026
Credit limitSet at approval
Intro APR0% for 15 months
Best forGood to excellent credit (estimate)
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Apply online
Regular APR*18.74% to 28.74% Variable, 09/23/2026
Credit limitSet at approval
Intro APR0% for 12 months
Best forGood to excellent credit (estimate)

Rates and terms taken from each issuer's official site on 09/23/2026. Regular APRs are variable.

Still comparing?Line up all five cards and pick the one that fits you.
SEE ALL 5 CARDS
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Is it the right card for you?

Chime Card fits if you're new to credit or rebuilding and want to skip interest and fees.

If your credit is already good, an unsecured cash back card will earn you more.

Also consider
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Credit already in good shape? Wells Fargo Active Cash earns 2% on every purchase, no annual fee.

Apply online

FAQ

Does Chime run a credit check?
No, there's no credit check to apply.
How is my limit set?
There's no preset limit. You can spend the money you move into the secured account.
Will it help my credit?
Chime reports payments to all 3 major bureaus, so on-time payments can help build your score.