Chime Checking review

Chime is built for people who bank entirely from their phone. Chime's checking page says there is no minimum balance, no monthly fees and no overdraft fees, and that your paycheck can arrive up to two days early. Its best-known feature is SpotMe, which lets qualifying members overdraw on debit and credit purchases by up to $200 with no fees, a softer landing than declined cards or overdraft charges. Cash access runs through 47,000+ fee-free ATMs. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank; banking services come from The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. That setup is common among app accounts, but it means there are no branches. Chime's site blocked our automated price check from this location, so the fee row is marked pending until we can confirm it again from the vendor page.

Who it is for

People who want a simple app-first account and occasional fee-free overdraft cover.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• No monthly service fees and no minimum balance
• Paycheck up to two days early
• SpotMe overdraft up to $200 with no fees when you qualify
• 47,000+ fee-free ATMs
• Banking through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Very simple app-first setup
• Strength: Fee-free overdraft cover up to $200 for qualifying members
• Strength: Large fee-free ATM network
• Weakness: Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank
• Weakness: SpotMe limits depend on qualifying
• Weakness: No branches

Key facts

• Monthly fee: $0
• Minimum balance: None
• Early pay: Up to 2 days
• Overdraft: SpotMe up to $200 with no fees when you qualify
• Fee-free ATMs: 47,000+

Where it ranks

Chime Checking is No. 5 in our Best Checking Accounts verdict.