Chime Launches Prime Membership Tier to Get Deposits

Chime has launched a premium membership tier that rewards members who make Chime their primary checking account.

The new Chime Prime is automatically delivered to members who receive at least $3,000 per month in qualifying direct deposits, the FinTech company said in a Thursday (April 2) press release.

Chime Prime members gain access to 5% cash back on a spending category of their choice when using Chime Card, 3.75% APY on savings, premium travel and lifestyle perks, fee-free overdraft with SpotMe, access to up to $500 before payday with MyPay, faster access to Instant Loans, priority 24/7 support, a Chime Card in a premium metal design, and access to exclusive experiences, according to the release.

This premium membership tier has no monthly fees and no subscription costs, per the release.

Chime also announced in the release that for Chime Plus, the company’s membership tier unlocked through qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more, it has increased the cash back from 1.5% to 2% on a spending category of the member’s choice when using Chime Card.

“When members make Chime their primary account, they should receive more — more rewards, more savings and more benefits — without large balance requirements or subscription fees,” Chime Chief Growth Officer Vineet Mehra said in the release.

The PYMNTS Intelligence report “Pay by Bank Deep Dive: Digital Bank Users Are Ready to Switch” found that digital banks are attracting customers who live much of their financial lives on mobile devices and rely on digital wallets rather than plastic cards.

Digital banks now serve as the primary financial institution for 13.8% of U.S. consumers, according to the report.

Chime reported in February that as of the fourth quarter, its active members totaled 9.5 million, up by 500,000 year over year, and that it saw continued growth in members treating the platform as their primary financial relationship.

During the company’s fourth quarter earnings call, Chime management said higher credit penetration, increased engagement from newer cohorts and continued use of liquidity tools all contributed to results.

The company launched a premium membership tier called Chime+ in March 2025 and began offering the members of that tier cash back rewards on a new Chime Card in September.