Chime MyPay cash advance review
- Min. Amount
- $20
- Max. Amount
- $500
- Turnaround time
- Within 2 days for free or instant for $2
Our verdict
Chime has expanded its features to offer cash advances up to $500, but it’s not available in all states yet and requires direct deposit.
The free Chime banking app is rolling out MyPay, a new feature that provides eligible users with cash advances of up to $500 between paydays. You’ll need a Chime checking account to qualify for advances — which can only be deposited into your Chime account — but you can have the money within two days at no charge. If you need the money instantly, there is a $2 flat fee regardless of the loan amount, which is less than most cash advance apps. But you’ll need to receive your earnings by direct deposit, and it's not yet available in all states.
Best for: Chime users with direct deposit who need cash between paychecks and want to avoid membership fees.
Pros
-
Offers cash advances up to $500
-
No interest, credit checks or mandatory fees
-
Free funds transfer within two days
Cons
-
Need to receive earnings via direct deposit
-
Not available in all states
-
Must have qualifying deposits of at least $200
What makes Chime MyPay shine?
We love that Chime is finally adding a cash advance feature to its suite of products. More specifically, it’s nice that this service has no monthly membership or subscription fee. This lack of fees is a departure from many of its competitors, which may charge up to $20 a month to gain access to cash advances.
We also like the low instant transfer fee. Chime only charges $2 per transaction, whether your advance is $20 or $500. Other cash advance apps charge higher transfer fees for larger amounts, along with monthly membership fees, which can sometimes make cash advances too expensive to be worth it.
Where does Chime MyPay fall short?
It’s hard to say how MyPay falls short since it’s so new to the market. It’s only available in some states so far. For now, users can only join a waitlist via Chime’s website, and there is no indication of how long it might take to become eligible for MyPay. However, Chime says it expects to have the service more widely available “later this summer.”
If complaints about Chime’s MyPay feature are similar to its SpotMe overdraft product, we could see grievances over low limits even after regular and responsible banking activity and frustration with features only applying to Chime checking accounts and debit cards. And it appears that MyPay cash advances can only be sent to your Chime account as well. This restriction might be a sticking point for some customers who would prefer to have the money deposited directly into an external account.
Chime MyPay product details
| Product name | Chime MyPay |
| Min amount | $20 |
| Max amount | $500 |
| Loan term | Until next deposit |
| Turnaround time | Within 2 days for free or instant for $2 |
| Costs | No subscription fees |
| Requirements | Chime checking account, direct deposits of $200+ and only available in some states |
How to qualify for Chime MyPay
Qualifying for MyPay appears similar to qualifying for Chime’s overdraft feature, SpotMe.
- Sign up for the Chime checking account and set up qualifying direct deposits of at least $200 per month.
- Activate your Chime debit card.
- Reside in a state where it’s currently offered: AL, AK, AZ, CA, DE, DC, FL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NH, NY, OK, PA, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV.
You may be able to boost your chances of accessing MyPay by using its overdraft feature, making direct deposits that are more than the minimum and having regular banking activity within your Chime accounts. This type of activity may also help increase your advance limits once you have access to MyPay.
Other features
Getting a fast cash advance between paydays is a nice perk, but Chime offers other valuable services as well.
- Get Paid Early. With qualifying direct deposits, users can access their paychecks up to two days early.
- Credit Builder card. For users who want to build credit or improve their credit score, Chime offers a secured Visa and reports your payments to the three major credit bureaus.
- SpotMe. SpotMe is Chime’s overdraft service that instantly spots you up to $200 if your account is about to be overdrawn.
- Chime savings account. Chime also offers an FDIC-insured high-yield savings account, which currently offers a 2% annual percentage yield (APY).
Chime reviews and complaints
Chime MyPay doesn’t have any reviews yet, but here’s what users think of the Chime banking app in general.
| BBB accredited | Yes |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | A |
| BBB customer reviews | 4.17 out of 5 stars, based on 3278 customer reviews |
| BBB customer complaints | 8,083 customer complaints |
| Trustpilot Score | 2.5 out of 5 stars, based on 9,191 customer reviews |
| App Store Score | 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 794,000 customer reviews |
| Google Play Score | 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on 623,000 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 21 May 2024 |
Chime has mixed reviews across the various platforms, although Trustpilot seems to have a higher volume of complaints than the app stores. Many complaints revolve around initially small SpotMe limits, poor customer service and long wait times to transfer money from external accounts. A few customers also complain of being targeted by fraudsters while using the app.
But overall, Chime has a lot of five-star reviews with many users reporting excellent 24/7 customer service and praising the straightforward and efficient app. Customers also note the convenience of getting paychecks early and appreciate the SpotMe overdraft feature and the ability to build credit with Chime’s secured Visa.
Is Chime legit?
Chime is a legitimate company with an A rating at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has millions of users.
It’s a financial technology company, not a bank, but its banking services are provided by either The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. which are both FDIC members. This means your Chime checking and savings accounts are insured for up to $250,000.
Chime also uses encryption and other technologies to safeguard your personal information and your money.
Compare Chime MyPay to other apps
Check out these other cash advance apps to see how MyPay stacks up to the competition.
Frequently asked questions?
How can I move up on the MyPay waitlist?
Chime says to move up the line, make sure to set up qualifying direct deposits of $200 or more. You can also refer friends, and if they sign up and set up direct deposits, that can help move you up as well. Chime adds that your place in line is not guaranteed and may be affected by the actions of others on the waitlist.
How can I find out my credit limit and available amount?
During each pay period, you can view your credit limit and the amount you can access each day in the app. The minimum withdrawal is $20, and the maximum is whatever your credit limit is.
Will using MyPay affect my credit?
Using MyPay won’t impact your credit score. Chime doesn’t do credit checks, nor does it report your payment history. But if you are interested in building credit, Chime offers a secured credit card that can help you build credit and raise your credit score.
Your reviews
Lacey Finder
Writer
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