In the United States, several digital challenger banks exist. Some would even argue that mobile-only banking is in its heyday. And, even though Chime is one of the most popular, many people seek Chime alternatives. As a result, allow me to show you the finest online banks that are similar to Chime.
- Cash App – Cash Rewards App
- Varo Bank – Mobile Banking
- Earnin – Get Cash Before Payday
- One – Mobile Banking
- Ally Bank – Banking & Investing
- MoneyLion – Mobile Banking App
- Brigit – Borrow, Build Credit & Save
- Dave – Banking For Humans
- Current – Modern Banking
- OnJuno – Mobile Banking
Chime is congested because one of the issues consumers are having is with customer service. It is tough to recover your account if it has been lost or banned. Situations like that are where these Chime alternatives shine. So, what do these applications have to offer, and why are they the ideal chime substitute?
Apps Similar to Chime
Looking for superior mobile banking is your best choice if you want to manage your money from any place. Many banks provide a comprehensive range of services–all at your fingertips.
Let’s take a look at some of the top mobile banking alternatives accessible to you, as well as what you can anticipate from these apps when you use them on your devices, starting with Cash App.
1. Cash App – Cash Rewards App
App rating:
Google Play – 4.6 of 5 stars.
App Store – 4.7 of 5 stars.
The first runner-up is the Cash app. Cash app (formerly Square Cash) is a popular peer-to-peer mobile payment app accessible in the United States and the United Kingdom. Square Inc. introduced it in 2013, and it now has over 36 million users, with 7 million of them using their debit cards to make payments.
It provides a straightforward bank account with minimal fees and can receive direct payments like wages and tax returns up to two days ahead of schedule.
Chime lacks one feature that Cash App has: a straightforward way to purchase and sell Bitcoin. You may get this highly sought-after coin in your account in three taps. Investing in stocks is the same way.
You don’t have to be well-heeled to invest in stocks since you’re purchasing fractions of them. You may even invest as little as $1!
There’s good news for folks who enjoy collecting coupons and applying them at checkout! Cash App has a lot of their “Cash Boosts” available. You can only use discount codes with your cash app card at restaurants, cafés, and businesses that accept it.
Minimum purchase amounts and maximum discount amounts apply to boosts. At any given moment, you can only have one cash boost active. However, you can easily switch them out at any moment.
Cash App is an excellent app for people who don’t need many features and want to transfer or receive money quickly. Cash App’s extra capabilities, such as stock and Bitcoin trading, only add to the app’s worth.
Because of the app’s large number of users, it has also attracted a lot of fraudsters, so be cautious when using it. First and foremost, the Cash App is a fantastic tool for transferring or receiving money from individuals you know without incurring any costs.
It’s not a bank account, and you shouldn’t keep your money, or at least a significant amount of money, in it. I appreciate that you can invest in equities and Bitcoin with low or no fees and that you can use your free Cash App card to spend Bitcoin online or in stores.
Cash App Features:
- There are no monthly costs.
- There are no transaction costs.
- There are no foreign exchange costs.
- Debit card for free.
- Investing in stocks.
- Cash App supports Bitcoin trading.
2. Varo Bank – Mobile Banking
App rating:
Google Play – 4.5 of 5 stars.
App Store – 4.6 of 5 stars.
Get advance cash up to $100 between paychecks with Varo advance and avoid overdraft fees. It’s one of the most fantastic contactless banking apps available. You won’t have to worry about paying high costs if you bank with Varo Bank.
Monthly maintenance, ACH transfers, international transactions, and ATM withdrawals at over 55,000 locations globally are all free. Above all, there is no requirement for a minimum amount, but make sure your savings account balance is equivalent to or greater than $0.
This software, like bank apps like Chime, pays wages two days in advance via direct deposit. With quick alerts, you can keep track of your spending, history, or account activities.
You may use Varo for contactless payments with Google Pay or Samsung Pay. Even though the app has its benefits, it also has its drawbacks. For example, to qualify for a direct deposit of $1000 or more, you must complete at least five Visa Varo debit card purchases. Fees apply to advances of more than $20.
According to the protocol, to meet the requirements for an advance, your account must be at least 30 days old and have a balance of more than $0.
Varo Bank Features:
- First Digital Full Bank in the United States of America.
- Offers from partners.
- Direct deposit as soon as possible.
- Protection against overdrafts.
- There are no monthly costs.
- Savings account.
- Visa debit card.
- A bank account for savings.
- Direct deposit that comes early.
- Instant cash of $100.
- Withdrawals from ATMs are free.
3. Earnin – Get Cash Before Payday
App rating:
Google Play – 4.4 of 5 stars.
App Store – 4.7 of 5 stars.
Earnin has your back if you want to get up to $100 with your deposit. Earnin is a community-driven platform where you can demonstrate your kindness by tipping other users.
When using a debit card, you may receive your money in a flash with the app. It also offers up features that allow you to cash out $100 every day and up to $500 per pay period with no interest — you may tip anything from $0 to $14, depending on what you believe is fair. What is the best option?
If you save $10 in an Earnin savings jar, you could win up to $10 million in cash rewards.
It offers a Balance shield function that deposits up to $100 of your earnings directly into your account to prevent overdrafts. It also contains a financial calendar to remind you of periodic payments or keep track of your budget.
You may also get up to 10% cashback when you buy at local or popular locations. It’s a superior Chime alternative because it doesn’t charge for its services or tools. The live chat function elevates it to the level of a trusted bank app.
Earning Features:
- Earnin pays up to $100 per day, with a maximum bonus of $500 per day.
- Users in the community of 15 million can tip one another.
- Sends money at breakneck speed (may take up to 2 days)
- Support is available via live chat.
- Your GPS profits are automatically added to your account.
- Budgeting function that is simple to use.
- Up to 10% cashback is available.
- There are no fees or interest.
- To prevent an overdraft fee, use the balance protection option.
4. One – Mobile Banking
App rating:
Google Play – 4.6 of 5 stars.
App Store – 4.8 of 5 stars.
One app is a relatively new fintech firm, created in 2019 by Bill Harris and Brian Hamilton, who also serve as CEO.
One offers a checking, and savings account with no monthly fees or requirements for a minimum balance. It provides a 1% annual percentage yield up to $5,000 and a 3% annual percentage yield of up to 10% of your direct deposit.
Although some of this may appear to be complex, One finance is all about simplicity. The One card combines a debit and credit card with an overdraft protection feature. Unlike Chime, One’s credit building program features no fees, no interest, and no requirement for direct payroll deposit.
Free ACH bank transfers, Pockets for storing money, and access to 55,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs are among the additional advantages.
For some banks, overdraft protection is a crucial source of revenue. This revenue stream is genuinely incorporated into their business plan. Americans paid overdraft fees in 2017 to the tune of $34 billion.
On the other hand, One provides an optional Credit Line that acts as a built-in financial safety net. This optional feature allows you to get more money without being punished if you need it.
The main difference between a standard Overdraft Protection Program and One’s award-winning Credit Line is no additional per-transaction costs. In reality, you will not be charged any overdraft costs.
Customers’ deposits are kept with Coastal Community Bank, a member of the FDIC deposit protection program. That implies your funds are insured up to $250,000.
The One app Features:
- There are no monthly costs.
- A high annual percentage yield.
- Payday arrives early.
- There are no ATM fees.
- No minimum deposit is required.
- Pockets for saving money.
- Line of credit
5. Ally Bank – Banking & Investing
App rating:
Google Play – 4.1 of 5 stars
App Store – 4.7 of 5 stars
Ally has a lot more features than Chime. You can create a checking and savings account, as well as a mortgage for a home or car, a personal loan, or invest in equities, ETFs, bonds, options, mutual funds, and other financial instruments.
As you can see, Ally resembles a traditional bank rather than a digital one. Nonetheless, it has a more flexible and essential core than conventional banks. There are no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance restrictions with their Online Savings Account, and the interest rate is compounded every day, which is a benefit.
The Interest Checking Account pays a 0.10 percent annual percentage yield (APY) on balances under $15,000. It delivers a 0.25 percent APY on balances exceeding $15,000.
To contribute money to Ally’s account, you have a few alternatives. You may send a mail cheque or wire transfer to their postal address, or set up a direct deposit with your employment, or move money from one of your bank accounts to another Ally account.
The One app doesn’t appear to be the only digital bank that has stopped charging overdraft fees. Other banks have begun to realize the negative impact that overdraft fees have on their clients.
Ally has opted to abolish overdraft fees altogether. They began by compensating them in early 2020 as a means of assisting throughout the epidemic. They’ve now been thoroughly deleted.
Their excellent customer care team is available 24/7, which is unusual for digital banking providers. You may also use any Allpoint ATM in the United States for free, and you’ll get refunded up to $10 every statement cycle for fees incurred at other ATMs around the country.
Ally Bank Features:
- Online registration is available.
- Accounts for checking and savings.
- Investing in stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
- Mortgage.
- Vehicle finance is available.
- Personal loans.
6. MoneyLion – Mobile Banking App
App rating:
Google Play – 4.5 of 5 stars
App Store – 4.7 of 5 stars
MoneyLion is a digital banking platform established in 2013 and has been providing financial subscriptions and memberships since 2018.
Many people refer to this Chime alternative as the “Netflix of money” since it offers banking, personal finance, and investing services for a monthly subscription price. It truly is a one-stop shop for mobile banking.
Except for a $1 monthly admin charge and a $2.50+ cost for out-of-network ATMs, they have essentially no expenses. The excellent news is that there are over 55,000 accessible Allpoint ATMs available.
If you set up frequent direct deposits, you may get paid sooner and earn up to $1,000 in 0% APR cash advances each direct deposit month. MoneyLion will also include a flexible payment plan as well as cryptocurrency investment.
For the time being, you may use their fully managed portfolios and automated investing, both of which come with no management fees or minimums. They can assist you in selecting an investing plan that meets your needs and supports your objectives. You may make the portfolio as aggressive or as cautious as you like.
Adding themed sets of ETFs related to specific issues like technology innovation and social responsibility can give you even more control over your portfolio. After the year cycle, your weekly $20 investment will have grown to $1,000.
MoneyLion has created a so-called personal financial monitor if you want to see exactly where your money is going, which is an easy method to keep track of your finances and relieve financial stress.
When you check your Financial Heartbeat in-app, you’ll notice a heart that pulses and changes colors to indicate your progress. Your financial health will be determined by a real-time score ranging from 1 to 10. Personal financial planning becomes more accessible and realistic as a result of this.
Finally, by using your MoneyLion Mastercard to make purchases, you may receive cashback benefits. However, there is a catch. The cashback is deposited into a professionally managed investment account, from which you may withdraw or watch it grow.
MoneyLion Features:
- A free online account is available.
- Payday arrives early.
- At Allpoint, there are no ATM fees.
- Price stability.
- Spending is rewarded.
- Overdraft of $250 with no fees.
- $19.99 per month Credit Builder Plus is a credit building program.
- A $1,000 credit builder loan is available.
- Investing in ETFs
7. Brigit – Borrow, Build Credit & Save
App rating:
Google Play – 4.5 of 5 stars.
App Store – 4.8 of 5 stars.
Bright, like Chime, is one of the most outstanding apps for getting early pay and borrowing up to $250 when you need it. The software is safe, easy to use, and provides a one-stop shop for managing your credit score.
It does not provide a card service, unlike Chime; however, it does operate with over 15000 banks. It is a simple as connecting your account and keeping track of all of your spending.
Its user–friendly feature alerts you when there is a risk of overdraft or late payments. It not only offers you real-time notifications but also saves you hundreds of dollars in overdraft fees.
Furthermore, it includes a flexible repayment option that allows you to Extend due dates if you cannot pay on time. You may supplement your income by working for Instacart or Doordash with Brigit.
You’d want to use its Budget Assistant to figure out your monthly spending habits. And if you need money right away, it can transfer you up to $250 with just one touch, with no interest or fees.
If you don’t pay back the money, you won’t be able to borrow it again until you pay back the last advance charge. Subscribe to its $9.99 per month subscription to access other financial tools and request cash on schedule and without interest. Brigit’s basic plan allows you to keep track of your accounts.
Brigit Features:
- It breaks down your monthly spending into categories.
- Bill alerts and balance alerts are both available.
- To repay a payment, users can extend the due date.
- There are no fines or interest charges.
- Secure your credit card score and keep track of it.
- For you to avoid an overdraft, money is automatically transferred to your account.
- Side hustles are encouraged.
8. Dave – Banking For Humans
App rating:
Google Play – 4.5 of 5 stars.
App Store – 4.8 of 5 stars.
Dave is a revolutionary banking software that allows you to borrow up to $200 without paying interest or a credit check. It launched in 2017 and is backed by Mark Cuban. In a field dominated by mobile banking apps, it has been successful. It claims to have saved $200 million in overdraft fees for its customers.
Dave gives easy-to-use budgeting tools to everyone so they can keep track of their expenditure and avoid those bothersome fees. It lends up to $100 to everyone and up to $200 to Dave users with no interest and no extra costs.
You get your paycheck two days earlier if you use the app to set up a direct deposit account. With a money pass from Dave, you have access to over 30000+ free ATMs. It doesn’t surprise you with fees, like Chime and a few other comparable applications.
On the other hand, this cash advance app deducts $1 per month from your connected account to use its features, which include account monitoring, notification services, a debit card, and the ability to create a credit history. Users can also put their subscription on hold or cancel it.
Dave Features:
- There are no ATM fees or minimum balance requirements.
- There are around 30000 free ATMs in the United States.
- Budgeting and account activity tracking tools that are simple to use.
- The app allows up to $200 in cash advances with no interest and no credit check.
- Dave supplies a full-featured Visa debit card (both physical and virtual).
9. Current – Modern Banking
App rating:
Google Play – 4.6 of 5 stars.
App Store – 4.7 of 5 stars.
This last digital bank on our list is also a good substitute for Chime. Its black Visa debit card, which Current launched in 2015, has been spreading through social media, landing in the hands of every influencer currently existing.
All kidding aside, Current is a dependable checking account service that aims to improve the speed and simplicity of banking while also helping clients manage their finances better. Current has several things going for it. It offers a free account as well as a $4.99 monthly premium account.
With the Premium account, you can receive early direct deposits as well as the unmistakable black card. In addition, three saving buckets are available rather than one.
When you get a qualified direct deposit and activate Overdrive, Current Premium also allows you to overspend up to $100 with no overdraft penalties. The only stipulation is that you must receive at least $500 each month via direct deposit.
Current’s most intriguing feature is the ability to remove gas holds instantly. I understand that gas station authorizations might be inconvenient and can take up to 72 hours to erase. However, I do not believe it is so complicated that it would be a selling feature for digital banks.
The Teen banking account from Current costs $36 a year and provides parents with complete control and insight into their children’s spending habits. It also offers financial independence and teaches responsibility to teenagers.
If you want to get your teenagers to do more jobs around the house, you may use the chores tool, which lets you create a weekly list of tasks for them to accomplish. You are entirely in control over the amount of money they receive for doing the duties successfully or poorly.
Parents immediately notify all purchases, who may establish spending restrictions, blacklist specific merchants, and stop or replace the card. There are no noticeable expenses to speak of, aside from monthly account fees for Premium ($4.99/m)and Teen ($36/y) accounts.
There are no costs for in-network ATM withdrawals, bank transfers or Current to Current transfers, overdraft fees, or minimum balance fees.
Current Features:
- Online registration is completely free.
- The trial period is 30 days.
- Direct deposit.
- $100 in free overdraft.
- Cashback and points
- Transfers of current occur instantly.
- 60,000 shops accept cash deposits.
- Withdrawals from ATMs are free.
- Refunds on gas are not available.
- Check deposit on the go.
- Banking for teenagers.
Conclusion
As you can see, several online digital banks are comparable to Chime, and they are all excellent alternatives for consumers who no longer or never want to use Chime. The majority of them check all of the boxes that a great digital bank should have.
You won’t be charged until you have fully utilized all of the tools and services of these apps. Only Dave Bank costs a monthly fee of $1, with no further expenses. However, unlike the Chime app, none of those above apps impose a monthly or overdraft fee.
References:
G2: Chime Competitors and Alternatives
Youtube: Magnified Money: Top 5 BEST Bank Accounts of 2021
Product Hunt: Chime Alternatives
Youtube: Magnified Money: Chime vs. Varo
Dough Roller: Best Mobile Banking
Nerd Wallet: Online Checking Accounts
Business Insider: Best Mobile Banking Apps
The Balance: Best Banking Apps