The minimum age to get a Chime card is 18 years old. This chime card age requirement applies to both the Chime Visa Debit Card and the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card, with no exceptions for minors.
What is the Chime card age requirement?
You must be at least 18 years old to open a Chime account and receive any Chime card. This requirement is firm: Chime does not offer joint accounts or custodial accounts, so there is no way for a minor to obtain a Chime card, even with a parent or guardian. The age limit applies equally to the standard debit card and the credit builder card, and once you turn 18, you can also take full advantage of the daily Chime card withdrawal limit or even get the black chime card for premium metal perks.
Why can't minors get a Chime card?
Chime does not provide joint or custodial account options, which are the typical ways banks allow minors to hold accounts. Because of this policy, anyone under 18 cannot open a Chime account on their own, and no adult can open one on their behalf. This restriction covers both the Chime Visa Debit Card and the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card, meaning minors have no path to access Chime's services.
What you need to open a Chime account
To open a Chime account as an eligible applicant aged 18 or older, you must provide the following personal information:
- Full legal name
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Valid U.S. address
- Email address
- Phone number
Chime does not require a credit check to open a checking account, and there is no minimum deposit required to open a Chime Checking Account.
How to apply for a Chime card online
Applying for a Chime card is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
- Go to chime.com or download the Chime mobile app.
- Click "Get Started" or "Sign Up" to begin creating your account.
- Enter your full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, valid U.S. address, email address, and phone number.
- Read and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Complete identity verification as prompted by Chime.
- Set up your account by creating a username and password.
- Wait for Chime to review your application and determine eligibility.
- Once approved, access your virtual Chime Visa Debit Card immediately through the app.
- Receive your physical card in the mail, typically within 7 to 10 business days.
- Activate your card through the Chime mobile app or by phone.
Remember, there is no credit check and no minimum deposit required to start.
Key features once your account is open
Now that you know you are eligible, here are the key benefits you can expect from your Chime account:
- Fee-free banking with no monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or ATM withdrawal fees
- Early direct deposit, allowing access to your paycheck up to two days early
- No minimum balance requirements
- SpotMe, a fee-free overdraft feature for qualifying accounts
- Instant transaction alerts and the ability to lock your Chime card directly from the app if your card is misplaced, which is a simple way to protect your funds
- Seamless integration with the Chime mobile app for real-time account management
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
