What counts as a qualifying direct deposit for the Chime bonus?

Chime defines a qualifying direct deposit as an electronic deposit from an employer, payroll provider, or government benefits program of $200 or more. A single deposit of $200 or more is required to unlock the first bonus tier.

How does the tiered Chime bonus work?

Chime offers three bonus tiers. The $100 bonus requires a $200 direct deposit. The $200 bonus requires ongoing $200 direct deposits in each of the first two months. The $350 bonus requires monthly deposits and debit activity over three months. Complete each milestone to unlock the corresponding payout.

Does Chime do a hard credit pull to open a Checking?

No. Chime does not pull your credit to open a Checking.

Is the Chime Checking bonus available nationwide?

Yes. The Chime Checking bonus is available to applicants in all 50 states.

Is the Chime Checking bonus taxable?

Yes. Bank account bonuses are considered taxable income by the IRS. Chime will send a 1099-INT form if your bonus is $10 or more.

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Chime

Chime Checking $100 – $350 Bonus

Chime pays you up to $350 when you open a checking account and hit direct deposit and debit card milestones. No monthly fee. No credit check. Available nationwide. One of the most accessible fintech bonuses for beginners, with no minimum balance and no ChexSystems sensitivity.

Bonus range: $100 – $350
Time to complete: ~30 days
Bonus deposited in: ~37 days
Difficulty: Easy

Requirements

Last verified: May 5, 2026

$100 Tier

Open an account via the offer link

Open a new Chime Checking Account as a first-time Chime account holder using the offer link above.

Receive a direct deposit of $200+

Receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within 30 days of opening your account.

Activate your Chime Visa card

Activate a physical Chime Visa card within 14 calendar days of receiving your first qualifying direct deposit.

$200 Tier

Open an account via the offer link

Open a new Chime Checking Account as a first-time Chime account holder using the offer link above.

Receive a direct deposit of $200+ in month 1

Receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within 30 days of opening your account.

Activate your Chime Visa card

Activate a physical Chime Visa card within 14 calendar days of receiving your first qualifying direct deposit.

Receive a second direct deposit of $200+ in month 2

Receive a second qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more in the calendar month following the month of your first direct deposit.

$350 Tier

Open an account via the offer link

Open a new Chime Checking Account as a first-time Chime account holder using the offer link above.

Receive a direct deposit of $200+ in month 1

Receive a qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more within 30 days of opening your account.

Activate your Chime Visa card

Activate a physical Chime Visa card within 14 calendar days of receiving your first qualifying direct deposit.

Receive a second direct deposit of $200+ in month 2

Receive a second qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more in the calendar month following the month of your first direct deposit.

Receive a third direct deposit of $200+ in month 3

Receive a third qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more in the calendar month following the month of your second direct deposit.

Each reward is deposited within 7 business days after the qualifying direct deposit.

Tips & Gotchas

→You must activate a physical Chime Visa card within 14 days of your first qualifying direct deposit. This includes the debit card or the Credit Builder card.
→Only real employer or payroll direct deposits count. Transfers from other banks, Venmo, Cash App, and cash deposits do not qualify.

Direct Deposit Data Points 61

Community-reported results for what triggers a qualifying direct deposit at Chime.

73 total

View all direct deposit data points across every bank →

Account Details

Monthly feeNo monthly fee

Min. hold period60 days

Keep open for at least 60 days to avoid issues.

Credit inquiryNo credit pull

ChexSystemsNo. Banking history is not checked for this account.

AvailabilityNationwide

Eligibility

Minimum age18+

Existing customersNot eligible

Must be a first-time Chime account holder.

Can You Earn This Bonus Again?

Can rechurnNo

Fine Print

Must be a first-time Chime account holder. Must receive an invitation from Chime via app, SMS, email, or advertisement. Qualifying direct deposits must be from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer. Bank ACH transfers, P2P transfers, mobile check deposits, and cash deposits do not qualify.

Taxable income · Reported on 1099-INT

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What is a direct deposit?

An electronic payment sent directly into your bank account, usually from an employer or government.

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