Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card review
Last updated:
A great credit-building card if you don’t mind opening a Chime account.
- Get this card if you want to build credit with no credit check required.
- Pick something else if you don’t want to commit to Chime’s online banking service.
- Apply with any credit score.
$0
Annual fee
N/A
Purchase APR
300
Recommended credit score
Expert review
Review by
Steven Dashiell
steven.dashiell@finder.comSteven Dashiell is a credit cards writer at Finder. He's worked on 250 Finder articles and counting, helping readers embrace and maximize credit cards. Backed by nearly a decade of research and reporting experience, Steve's work can be seen on Debt.com, CreditCards.com and Lifehacker.
Expert review
How to apply for the Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card
To apply for the Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card, perform the following:
- Go to the Chime website.
- On the main page, select Credit Builder from the Accounts navigation on the top menu bar.
- At the Credit Builder page, click on Apply now.
- Enter your personal information as requested.
If you don’t already have a Chime banking account, you’ll be instructed to create one as part of the credit application process.
What credit score do I need?
Chime doesn’t check your credit score when assessing your application, so you can apply regardless of your current credit score.
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card benefits
- No pre-set security deposit. The money you spend on your secured account is tied to the money you move over from your Chime direct deposit account. This means the Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card works more like a debit card than a true credit card.
- No interest. The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card doesn’t rack up interest on your purchases since purchases made on your secured account are automatically paid at the end of the month.
- Doesn’t check credit history. Chime doesn’t factor in credit history when considering your application.
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus. Chime reports your card usage to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. This means you can build your credit score over time with responsible card use.
What to watch out for
- Chime banking account required. You can only fund the Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card through a Chime direct deposit banking account.
- Not a true credit card. Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card payments are funded from your direct deposit account and paid automatically at the end of each month. This means the card is more of a debit card rather than a credit card.
Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card reviews and complaints
As of January 2021, Chime holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, though the bank is not yet accredited with the bureau.
The bank has just over 3,500 complaints, all of which have been responded to and closed.
Compare secured credit cards
Bottom line
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Secured Credit Card is an excellent way to build your credit without worrying about some of the fees associated with traditional credit cards, such as interest or annual fees. If you’re not interested in opening a Chime direct deposit account however, this card is off the table and you’ll want to check out other secured card options.