Getting your first credit card can be scary. The thought of accruing debt and potentially messing up your credit score can make anyone feel anxious.
Don’t worry, the card_name can help you with that problem. This card has no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, no credit checks, and no APR. It’s a debt-proof credit card designed for first timers looking to build their credit.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper on how the Chime Credit Builder Secured card works and what benefits it offers.
We’ll provide you with all the information that you need to know so you can decide if this is the right card that will take you on the right track towards a better financial future.
How the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Card Works
Building credit with the Chime Credit Builder is easy, and here’s how:
1. Transfer Money to your Credit Builder Account
The first step is to open a Chime Checking Account with at least $200 in direct deposits within the last 365 days.
After that, you need to transfer your funds from your Checking Account to your Chime Credit Builder secured account. You can choose any amount you want to transfer, and the amount transferred will then become your credit limit.
The process is quite similar to a traditional security deposit, but the only difference is you can move your cash back and forth between your Checking and Credit Builder account.
If you need access to cash, you can transfer money back into your Checking account through the app and use your Chime ATM card to withdraw funds.
2. Use Your Card
You can use your Chime Credit Builder card at merchants worldwide that accepts Visa.
Chime doesn’t report credit utilization rate so you can freely use your available credit without negatively impacting your credit score.
3. Make On-time Monthly Payments
Building your credit requires making timely payments every month. Take note that you can use the funds in your secured account to pay off your balances.
Your transactions will then be reported to the major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian), so your everyday purchases, such as gas, groceries, bills, and subscriptions, will help establish your credit history.
Welcome Bonus
The Chime Credit Builder doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, which is expected since its features are mainly focused on credit building.
Earning Rewards
The Chime Credit Builder does not earn rewards since it’s focused on allowing you to build your credit score over time.
No Annual Fee
The card doesn’t carry annual fees so you can allocate your money to other priorities such as paying monthly balances or adding funds to your secured account.
Card Benefits and Perks
The Chime Credit Builder card doesn’t work like a traditional credit card, but it still offers a wide array of benefits which we’ll discuss below.
No Credit Check
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Credit Builder Card is designed for individuals who want to establish or improve their credit score. So, even if you’re in the red, you don’t have to worry about a credit history check when applying for the card.
Instead, the amount you have deposited in your Credit Builder secured account sets your credit limit, which allows you to start building credit without the risk of going into debt.
No Interest Charges
Since you can’t spend more than what is available in your secured account, no money is taken out as credit, which means nothing to charge interest on. Remember, this card is for those looking to start or improve their credit rating.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
The Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees for in-person purchases made abroad or online purchases made from foreign merchants.
Foreign transaction fees typically cost between 1% to 3% per transaction, so imagine how much money that adds up to if you made large purchases.
No Minimum Security Deposit
You can transfer any amount you want into your Chime Credit Builder secured account. Whether it’s $20 or $500, it’s totally up to you.
Pros and Cons
Pros
No annual fees and foreign transaction fees
No credit history check
No minimum security deposit
Reports to the three credit bureaus.
Allows you to use your deposit to pay for your monthly balance.
Cons
Requires a Chime Checking Account to apply.
No welcome bonuses and rewards program.
You cannot convert to an unsecured credit card.
Is the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Card Worth it?
The Chime Credit Builderis a good option for individuals who are looking to establish or rebuild their credit.
While there are other cards available, the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa card has unique features that provides a simple and accessible way for individuals to take control of their credit and work towards their financial goals.
Unlike other secured cards, you can freely move your cash between your spending account and secured account, giving you the flexibility to use your money or increase your credit limit anytime you want.
