The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is changing the game in how consumers build and manage their credit. Designed primarily for those with poor to fair credit histories or who are new to credit, it provides a unique blend of flexibility and control, which sets it apart from traditional credit cards. This card requires no credit check, carries no annual fee, and does not impose interest charges.
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Product Details
- No credit check, annual fees, or interest; no minimum security deposit
- Can be used for everyday purchases like gas and groceries
- Helps build credit history; reports to Transunion, Experian, and Equifax
- Potential to increase credit scores by an average of 30 points with on-time payments
- Real-time transaction notifications and instant card disable feature for security
- Issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, usable wherever Visa is accepted
- 24/7 live support
- Fee-free use at over 60K+ in-network ATMs
- Available after signing up for a Chime Checking Account and receiving a qualifying direct deposit
- *Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.
- **Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2022 and October 2022 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.
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Our Take
Pros:
- No annual fees
- No minimum security deposit*
- No credit check to apply
- A better way to build credit
- No APR and adjustable credit limit
- Help increase your credit scores/FICO® Score by an average of 30 points**
- High potential credit limit with a $10,000 maximum secured account balance
Cons:- No rewards
- No upgrade path
Overview
CreditFinder’s Rating: 4.5/5
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® positions itself as a powerful tool for those aiming to establish or rebuild their credit. By combining the features of a prepaid card with those of a traditional credit card, Chime offers a product that helps you build credit safely and predictably.
Key Features
Fees and Rates
- Annual Fee: $0
- APR: 0% – Chime does not charge interest on purchases
Credit Building
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax)
- No credit check required for application
Usability
- Requires a Chime Spending Account to use
- Set your own credit limit by the amount of money you transfer into the Credit Builder secured account
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- No annual fee and no interest charges
- No credit check makes it accessible for most users
- Reports to all three major credit bureaus, supporting genuine credit building
Disadvantages
- Requires an existing relationship with Chime through their spending account
- No rewards or cash back program
- Limited to the amount of money deposited as the credit line
Detailed Review
How It Works
The Chime Credit Builder Card operates on a simple principle: the money you transfer into your Credit Builder secured account sets your credit limit. This approach means you can only spend what you have, which helps maintain debt control and ensures you’re building a positive credit history without risk of overspending.
Reasons to Get this Card
For Building or Rebuilding Credit
If you’re looking to establish a credit score or repair a damaged one, the Chime Credit Builder Card is an excellent choice. It requires no minimum security deposit and offers a significant degree of control over credit utilization, a key factor in credit scores.
Low Cost
With no annual fee and no interest rates to worry about, the cost of maintaining the Chime Credit Builder Card is extremely low compared to many secured credit cards.
User Control
The requirement to transfer funds to cover potential purchases means users are far less likely to incur debt. This setup not only fosters responsible spending habits but also aligns well with Chime’s broader financial health tools.
CreditFinder’s Verdict
“The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card stands out as a top-tier tool for credit management. Its innovative approach removes many of the barriers that traditional cards erect, making it easier than ever to build and maintain good credit. Ideal for those new to credit or looking to rebuild, this card offers a unique combination of flexibility and safety that is hard to find elsewhere in the credit card market.” – CreditFinder
FAQs
- How does the Chime Credit Builder Card affect my credit score?
- Regular reporting to the three major credit bureaus can help raise your credit score, provided you use the card responsibly.
- Can I use the Chime Credit Builder Card for everyday purchases?
- Yes, it functions like a regular Visa credit card and can be used for purchases anywhere Visa is accepted.
