How to Add Money To Chime With A Credit Card

Loading your Chime account with a credit card offers flexibility for managing your funds. Here’s a general overview of the process to help you do it safely and effectively.

1. Review Your Card’s Terms: Before initiating a transfer, check your credit card’s agreement. Adding funds to a financial app like Chime is often treated as a cash advance, which can come with higher fees and immediate interest accrual.

2. Choose the Right Credit Card: Select a card with favorable terms for this type of transaction. If you need help finding one that aligns with your financial goals, the Kudos' Explore Cards tool can provide personalized recommendations.

3. Link Your Card to Chime: In the Chime app, navigate to the settings for linking external accounts. Securely enter your credit card details—number, expiration date, and CVV—to add it as a funding source.

4. Initiate the Transfer: With your card linked, select the option to add money. Choose the credit card, enter the desired amount, and carefully review any disclosed fees before confirming the transaction.

Impact On Your Credit Score

While convenient, funding your Chime account with a credit card can have several potential effects on your credit score that are worth considering.

• Credit Utilization Ratio. This transaction increases your credit card balance, which can raise your credit utilization ratio. A higher ratio is often viewed negatively by credit bureaus and can lower your score.
• Cash Advance. Your credit card issuer might classify this transaction as a cash advance, which often comes with higher fees and interest rates. These transactions typically don't have a grace period, meaning interest accrues immediately.

Alternative Ways To Add Money To Chime

Direct Deposit

One of the most common ways to fund your account is by setting up direct deposit. You can arrange for your employer or benefits provider to send payments directly to your Chime Spending Account. This method is not only convenient but often allows you to receive your paycheck up to two days earlier than traditional banks. To set it up, you simply provide your Chime routing and account numbers to the payer, automating the entire process.

Cash Deposits

If you frequently handle cash, you can deposit it directly into your Chime account at various retail locations. Chime has partnered with over 90,000 stores, including Walgreens and Walmart, to facilitate these transactions. At the register, you can ask the cashier to add cash to your account using the Chime mobile app. While Chime itself does not charge for this service, the retail partner may impose a small fee for the deposit.

Choose the Right Card to Add Money To Chime

Choosing the right credit card is crucial when adding funds to your Chime account, as it can unlock significant rewards and benefits. With nearly 3,000 options available, finding the perfect fit can feel overwhelming. Kudos simplifies this process with its Explore Tool, which helps you compare cards based on your personal preferences for rewards, fees, and benefits. You can find your next credit card and ensure you're getting the most value with every transaction.

If you want to supercharge your credit cards, Kudos is the smartest free shopping assistant for your online purchases. We're also giving you $20 back on your first eligible Kudos Boost purchase when you sign-up for free with the code “GET20”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does adding money from a credit card count as a cash advance?

Yes, your credit card issuer will likely treat this as a cash advance, which may incur higher fees and interest.

What are the fees for adding money with a credit card?

While Chime doesn't charge a fee, your credit card provider will likely charge a cash advance fee, usually 3-5%.

Are there limits on adding money from a credit card?

Yes, transfers are subject to Chime’s deposit limits and your credit card's specific cash advance limit, whichever is lower.