Chime offers its customers a fully digital checking account, which works like a traditional checking account, with one exception: you can't write physical checks from your account on your own. Ten years ago, that might have been unthinkable, but these days it's more common to pay and be paid through mobile apps and direct deposit or direct debit. Customers who need to send a check somewhere can ask Chime to write and send it for them. You can apply online for a Chime account in about two minutes without affecting your credit score.

Chime provides a Visa®-branded Debit card with EVM chip capability and gives its customers access to a 60,000+ location network of fee-free˜ ATMs. You can instantly deactivate your card from the Chime app in the event it's lost or stolen.

In order to deposit money into a Chime account, customers can use the Chime app to deposit checks by taking a photo and uploading it, by making wire or ACH transfers, or by transferring money from external accounts. Members can pay friends and family, Chime members or not. No extra apps needed. The app is compatible with both Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Chime also offers early direct deposit, which makes directly deposited funds available up to 2 days earlier^ than they'd otherwise be. Additionally, customers can open a separate savings account with Chime through the app and easily set up automatic deposits from the spending account. That's an easy, effective way to reach your savings goals more quickly.

The Chime app allows account holders to set up real-time transaction notifications, such as notifications after every purchase or purchases over a certain amount. Customers can also opt to receive daily balance alerts.

Chime accounts also come with an optional service that provides fee-free overdraft. With SpotMe®, you can overdraw your checking account up to $200* for eligible members without incurring an overdraft fee.

Chime prides itself on not charging any hidden fees˜. Customers will not pay overdraft, maintenance, ACH transfer, card replacement, foreign transaction, or in-network ATM fees˜. Customers who use out-of-network ATMs will pay $2.50 per transaction. Some limits apply for amount withdrawn per day or monthly transfers, among other restrictions.

Chime’s banking services are provided by the Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank N.A.; Members FDIC. They both hold great financial ratings from the major credit agencies. This means the company's long-term outlook looks steady and is not seen as being in immediate risk of failure. As for the services provided by Chime, it holds an 4.0 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot.com. There, past and present customers appear to be satisfied with the service, praising the ease of use of the account and the convenience of its early direct deposit feature. Chime doesn't fare as well with the Better Business Bureau: that organization gives the company a B rating.