To get the black Chime card, you need to open a Chime Checking Account and select the black color option during the sign-up process. The black Chime card is simply a color choice for the Chime Visa® Credit Card, a secured credit card designed to help you build credit.
What the black Chime card really is
The black Chime card is not a separate prepaid product; it is a color option for the Chime Visa® Credit Card. This card is a secured credit card, meaning the money you add to it goes into a Secured Deposit Account and is automatically used to pay your card balance if you enable Safer Credit Building. Unlike a prepaid debit card, this card helps you build credit by reporting your payment history to the major credit bureaus.
How to get the black Chime card
Getting the black Chime card is a straightforward process that you can complete entirely through the Chime app. Follow these steps:
- Download the Chime app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and begin the process to open a Chime Checking Account.
- Provide your legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, U.S. address, email, and phone number when prompted.
- During signup, you will be given the option to choose your card color. Select the black option to get the black Chime card.
Choosing your card color and style
When you sign up for a Chime Checking Account, you can choose from several card color options: black, evergreen, or a premium titanium card. The black and evergreen options are standard choices with no additional cost. The premium titanium card, however, requires an upgrade fee of $50 plus applicable taxes. Your selection is made during the initial sign-up process, so you can decide which style best fits your preference before your account is opened.
Using your virtual card while you wait
Once your application is approved, you do not need to wait for the physical card to arrive. You can immediately use your virtual Chime Card. This virtual card can be added to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, allowing you to make purchases in stores or online right away. The physical black Chime card is expected to arrive in 7 to 10 business days, so you can start using your account without any delay.
How to activate your physical black Chime card
When your physical black Chime card arrives, you need to activate it before use. You have three easy ways to activate your card:
- Use the Chime app to activate your card directly from your account.
- Scan the QR code printed on the envelope your card arrived in.
- Call Chime at 1-844-244-6363 to activate over the phone.
How the Chime secured credit card builds your credit
The Chime Visa® Credit Card is designed to help you build credit responsibly. When you add money to your card, it goes into a Secured Deposit Account. If you enable Safer Credit Building, that money is automatically used to pay your card balance each month. You can turn on Safer Credit Building by navigating to Profile > Credit Builder Card in the Chime app. If you prefer to make manual payments, you can do so from your Secured Deposit Account or another bank account via Settings → Safer Credit Building → Make a Payment. Your payment history is reported to the major credit bureaus, which can help you establish or improve your credit score over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is a credit check required to get the black Chime card?
No, there is no credit check required to apply for the Chime Card. This makes it accessible even if you have limited or no credit history.
What are the age and residency requirements?
All members must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This is the Chime card age requirement you need to meet before applying.
How do SpotMe and MyPay work with the card?
Chime offers fee-free overdraft protection called SpotMe, which applies to credit card transactions and cash withdrawals, with limits ranging from $20 to $200. MyPay is an earned wage access product that allows you to access up to $500 of your wages before payday. Eligible members may be offered a credit limit of $20 to $1,000 per pay period based on estimated income and risk criteria. Both features work with your black Chime card to give you more flexibility with your finances, but keep in mind the daily Chime card withdrawal limit when accessing cash.
What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen, you can instantly lock it through the Chime app. This feature allows you to lock your Chime card from your phone to prevent unauthorized use while you decide whether to request a replacement.
