Chime currently offers a referral bonus, in which you and a friend can each earn $100. Chime used to offer a direct deposit signup bonus of $100 that you could earn within 30 days of signing up for the Chime Checking account after meeting the requirements, but as of January 2025, that offer has expired.
All Chime’s bonuses at a glance
Bonus type | Bonus amount | Requirements | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|
Chime® Checking Account direct deposit bonus (EXPIRED) | $100 | Activate the promotion in the app within three days of account signup, and activate the physical Chime Visa Debit Card within 30 days of account opening. Set up a qualifying direct deposit of at least $200. You’ll receive the $100 direct deposit bonus within 10 days. | Read Review |
Chime referral bonus | $100 | Send a referral link to a friend who must complete a qualifying direct deposit of at least $200 within 45 days of opening their account. | Read Review |
Chime’s best bonus offer
At this time, Chime only has one account bonus in the form of a referral bonus, so that’s the best option by default. The fintech has one checking account called the Chime Checking Account. By successfully referring someone to open that account and meet deposit requirements, you and a friend can each earn $100.
What does Chime consider qualifying direct deposit?
Chime accepts qualifying direct deposit of an ACH from an employer, payroll provider, benefits payer or gig economy payer. In other words, Chime considers verified income as qualifying direct deposit. These requirements also apply to its referral bonus, requiring the referred person to set up $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits for you both to earn the $100 referral bonus.
Chime does not consider these deposit methods and other similar deposits as qualifying direct deposits to earn running account bonuses:
- Bank ACH transfers
- Peer-to-peer transfers, such as transactions from Cash App or Venmo
- Trial deposits from other banks or institutions
- Cash loads or deposits
- One-time direct deposits
- Tax refund deposits
- Mobile check deposits
Compare more bank account bonuses
Chime only offers a referral bonus, and it’s pretty easy to earn if you’ve got some family or friends in need of a checking account. But if you’re looking for a bigger signup or direct deposit bonus, or Chime just isn’t the fintech for you, compare more bank account bonuses here.
Bank | Bonus offer | More info |
---|---|---|
PNC | Up to $1,000 | Learn more |
Axos bank | Up to $400 | Learn more |
SoFi® | Up to $300 | Learn more |
Upgrade | Up to $200 | Learn more |
Discover® Online Savings Account | Up to $200 | Learn more |
Varo | Up to $25 | Learn more |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chime a bank?
Chime is a fintech, not a bank. It provides banking services through its bank partners.
Are there banks with immediate signup bonuses?
Rarely. Most welcome or signup bonuses for bank accounts come with direct deposit, balance or activity requirements, and after you meet those conditions, you’ll earn the bonus. In many cases, you’ll receive your bank account bonus 30 to 90 days after meeting the requirements.
Does Chime have a $50 signup bonus?
Chime used to offer a $50 direct deposit bonus for its Chime Checking Account, and then a $100 bonus, but as of 2025 both of these offers are expired.
How to get SpotMe bonus on Chime
The Chime SpotMe bonus is a temporary increase in your SpotMe limit, not a true “cash” bonus like its direct deposit bonus with its checking account. To earn SpotMe bonuses, you must participate in a Chime promotional campaign. These are limited-time offers, occasionally offered by Chime.
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