Chime is an online financial technology that allows you to deposit and use money. The company operates in the USA, and you have to open an account online to benefit from the service. The company works with various banks such as Bancorp Bank, Stride Bank, and N.A. bank, which are members of FDIC. Therefore, funds in Chime are secure. I will take you through various ways how to add money to your Chime card.
Chime Card is a debit card that connects to your Chime account and allows you to use your Chime balance. The card is helpful for online payment of goods and services. Moreover, you can use the Chime card to withdraw funds from an ATM. Various ATMs allow you to withdraw funds for free from your Chime account. Also, you can withdraw money over the counter using your card.
When you add money to your Chime account, the funds are still available to use with your card. However, there are ways you can add money to your account to use it for various kinds of transactions. Most of them are physical locations where you need to walk with money, and with the assistance of the cashier, you can easily add money to your account.
How to get started with Chime
You can use most Chime services online. If I want someone to send me money to my Chime account, I will need to get the necessary details from my account online. You, therefore, need to open an account online using any of the internet-enabled devices. You can use your Chime account on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Before opening your account, you must make sure that you have various documents such as;
- Phone number
- Email address
- An identification document
- Social Security Number
- Current physical address
After you have gathered all the requirements to open your account, you then visit the Chime account opening page, scroll down to enter your email address, and tap ‘Get started.’ If you have a Chime account, you can tap the ‘Already have an account?’ tab and enter your login information to access your account.
Once you have typed your email in the space provided and selected to get started, you can enter other details as per the guidelines. You can either open a checking or savings account. The Chime checking account is called the Chime Spending account. Therefore, before opening your account, you must decide which account you want between the two.
What are the various Chime accounts?
As mentioned above, Chime only has two main types of accounts. We have the Chime Spending account and the Chime saving accounts.
i) Chime Spending account
The account allows you to deposit funds and use them for your everyday needs. The account allows you to get the Chime debit card to use your balance to purchase goods online and at physical stores. There are various things one can do with a Chime account. First of all, you can purchase goods online. You need to get the seller’s details, then transfer money to their account to purchase whatever goods or services you want.
If you are sending to a Chime account, you will need the $ChimeSign, email, or phone number to send money. However, when transferring money to another bank, you have to transfer money using the routing number and account number of the other bank. You require the two numbers every time you directly transfer money between banks.
Also, you can use your Chime Spending account for direct deposits. Here, you can receive your government benefits two days earlier than the traditional banks. You can also receive your salary via direct deposit. Therefore, you do not need to open a traditional bank to receive funds in your account. You can also qualify for a Chime overdraft, whereby you can get financing to complete a particular purchase. To qualify for a no-fee overdraft, you must be eligible to enroll in SpotMe, whereby you must.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Got $500 deposited in your Chime Spending Account in the last month.
- Have an Android or Apple phone with a data plan.
ii) Chime savings account
Saving is not about banks and credit unions. You can open a savings account with Chime and keep funds for your future use. The chime savings account requires that you first open a spending account, then open the savings account.
By the way, when opening your spending account, Chime will ask you if you need a savings account. Unlike the spending account, the savings account has no debit card. However, you will earn a reasonable interest rate on your account.
The only problem with savings accounts is that you have a limited number of withdrawals. It is not like the spending account that allows you to get your money anytime you need it.
How can I add money to my Chime Card?
As I mentioned earlier, your Chime spending account comes with a Chime debit card that you can use for your transactions. Although the card allows you to access money from your Chime account, there are ways you can put money on your Chime card. The funds will also reflect in your Chime account.
The first way you can add money to your account is by receiving it from others. If someone sends money to your spending account, the funds will still be available on your Chime debit card. Therefore, that is one way you can add money to your card. Generally, the funds will be available on your card when you receive money in your checking account.
Another way you can add money to your card is by recharging at various locations. They include the following.
- Walmart
- Walgreens
- 7-Eleven
- Pilot Travel Centers
- Circle K Stores
- GPM Investments
- Royal Farms
- Cumberland Farms Corp
- Sheetz Incorp
- CVS
- Family Dollar
- Dollar General
- Speedway
- Duane Reade
- Rite Aid
- Holiday Station Stores
- TA Operating LLC (TravelCenters of America)
- Kwik Trip Inc
- Krause Gentle (Kum & Go)
To add money at any location, you need to carry cash and request the cashier to add money to your card. You should have the card with you to read the card’s details for easier deposits. Remember that adding money to your Chime card at the participating locations is the same as depositing cash to Chime since the funds will still reflect in your account.
How can you use the Chime debit card?
There are various ways you can use your Chime debit card as long as it has sufficient money. They include the following.
i) Buy goods and services.
The ultimate use of any debit card is to purchase goods and services online and at physical stores. When using the card online, you need the card number, the expiry date, and the security code. You must make sure that you pay only at trustable sites. Some merchants may fraudulently use your card details to steal money from you.
When paying at physical locations, you can swipe or tap to pay. The POS will deduct the exact amount that you have spent.
ii) Withdraw money at an ATM
Withdrawing money at an ATM is very important, especially if you need cash. The only quick way to get cash from your account is by withdrawing at an ATM point. There are about 60,000+ fee-free ATMs across the country, making the card convenient.
To withdraw money at an ATM point, you need your PIN, whereby you have to insert the card in the slot, then input your PIN and enter the amount of money to withdraw and proceed.
What are the advantages of opening a Chime account?
A Chime account has various advantages. They include the following.
i) Mobile app
The platform comes with a mobile app that you can use to access your balance, view transaction history, as well as other kinds of transactions. Apps are secure compared to accessing your account on the platform’s website. Even when transferring money from Chime to a bank account, you can use your app to carry out the transaction.
ii) Zero monthly fees
You do not pay any monthly fees when using your Chime account. Most financial institutions and especially banks, charge monthly fees. If you calculate the amount of money you spend paying every month, you will realize that you will have paid a lot of money in a single year.
iii) Direct deposit
You have the chance to save from the lengthy period taken by traditional banks to accept direct deposits. With Chime, you can receive direct deposits two days earlier.
iv) FDIC insurance
Your money is safe at Chime because it works with FDIC-insured banks. Therefore, if Chime collapses, your money will remain safe. FDIC insures money up to $250,000 per account.
Bottom line
Chime is a financial technology company that offers spending and savings accounts. You can get started with the platform online by opening your account using the most suitable device and secure internet. To open a savings account, you must open a spending account.
Again, you can apply for a debit card to use money in your Chime Spending Account. Interestingly, Chime gives you an overdraft if you run out of funds as long as you qualify.
