No history? No problem. No fee, either.
The Chime Credit Builder Visa® has no annual fee, no credit check to apply, and reports to all three bureaus — the simplest way to start a score from zero.
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Reports to all 3 bureaus
Equifax, Experian, TransUnion — the raw material of a score, reported from your first cycle.
Deposit from $0 (spend from your own money)
You move your own money to the card as you spend.
Annual fee $0
No annual fee — the card costs nothing while it builds your file.
Secured→Unsecured
Graduation path: secured→unsecured via CLI.
No history? No problem. No fee, either.
Starting from zero is its own kind of trap: no card means no history, and no history means most issuers will not look at you twice. The Chime Credit Builder was designed for exactly that door — no credit check to apply, no annual fee, and a spend-only design that makes overspending impossible.
Instead of a deposit that sits locked, Chime moves money from your Chime checking account to the card as you spend it. There is no interest and no balance to carry — the card can only spend what you moved. Payments report to all three bureaus like any card, which is where the score comes from.
How it works
Open a Chime checking account with a qualifying direct deposit, then request the Credit Builder card in the app — no credit check involved. Move money into the Credit Builder account when you want spending power; the card draws only from that. Each swipe is reported as a payment (because you are effectively paying as you go), and on-time reporting builds the file. Turn on AutoPay in the app so the reporting never slips.
Who it's for — and who should look elsewhere
- No credit history at all
- Want a $0-fee start with zero overspend risk
- Have (or will open) a Chime checking account
- Do not want a bank account (OpenSky works without one)
- Want rewards immediately (Quicksilver Secured)
- Need a large credit line fast (secured deposits give bigger lines)
Costs at a glance
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | See issuer terms for full schedule |
| Security deposit | $0 (spend from your own money) | You move your own money to the card as you spend |
| Credit reporting | 3 bureaus | Equifax · Experian · TransUnion |
How it compares
Versus the Capital One Platinum Secured: Capital One gives a real credit line from $49 with a major-bank approval process; Chime is easier (no check) but your line equals whatever you moved that month. Chime wins on total cost and safety; Capital One wins on line size and graduation path.
Rates & fees last verified Oct 2026 — verify current terms at the issuer. Editorial content, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does this card hurt my credit score?
What credit score do I need?
How long does it take to build credit with this card?
What happens to my deposit?
Can I be denied?
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