Chime’s SpotMe® overdraft product review
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- Min. Amount
- $20
- Max. Amount
- $200
- Turnaround time
- Instant
Our verdict
No fees or tips required to access the Chime SpotMe feature.
Chime users who have either a Chime debit or Credit Builder card may find SpotMe helpful if they regularly overdraw their checking account when using their Chime debit card or making a cash withdrawal. SpotMe is similar to a cash advance app, but instead of lending you cash, it offers up to $200 in fee-free overdraft protection. To qualify for the service, users need to have direct deposits — from income or benefits — of at least $200 deposited into their Chime account each month.
In addition to SpotMe, Chime offers the option to receive your paycheck up to two days before your payday if you sign up for direct deposit into a Chime checking account. How soon you receive your funds depends on when your employer submits your paycheck. Chime generally makes this available the day it receives the payment file. However, early direct deposit is a common feature on many checking accounts — including those from big banks like Capital One and Chase.
Those who don't already use Chime or need to borrow for a larger expense may want to compare other cash advance options. New Chime SpotMe users won't receive more than $20 with SpotMe until they've built up a history of regular deposits. SpotMe doesn't cover ACH transfers. The transfer is declined if you don't have the money in your account.
Pros
-
Fee-free overdraft
-
No interest or tip required
-
Direct deposit at least $200 each month for max protection
Cons
-
Limits start at $20
-
Must be used with Chime account
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Must have Chime debit card or Credit Builder card to access SpotMe
Details
Product details
| Product Name | Chime SpotMe® |
| Min. Amount | $20 |
| Max. Amount | $200 |
| Loan Term | Next deposit |
| Turnaround Time | Instant |
| Costs | No fee |
| Requirements | Qualifying $200 direct deposits into Chime checking account each month. Chime debit or Credit Builder card. |
Is Chime legit?
Yes, Chime is a legitimate financial app. Its SpotMe feature has covered more than $30 billion in transactions for its customers to date.(1) Because it isn’t a loan and only uses your Chime checking account information to offer access to SpotMe, you won’t need to sign into other bank accounts or share extra information with Chime.
In general, Chime is a secure option with an encrypted website and app. Its privacy policy also covers what information it collects, how that information is used and what you can do to prevent it from being shared.
How Chime SpotMe works: Fees, features and requirements
SpotMe allows you to overdraft up to $200 from your Chime account when you make a purchase with your debit card or withdraw cash from an ATM. Limits start at $20, but account history and regular deposits may let you increase your limit up to $200. But Pay Anyone transfers, Chime Checkbook and ACH transfers don’t qualify.
Fees
While Chime doesn’t charge a fee to use the service, third-party fees still apply. For example, if you use an ATM that’s out of Chime’s network, you may pay a fee.
Features
SpotMe is one of the benefits available to Chime checking account users, among others:
- Chime’s MyPay feature that allows cash advances up to $500.
- Chime’s checking account has no monthly fee and is required to use SpotMe.
- Chime’s Credit Builder card helps you build your credit history with no annual fee.
- Chime’s savings account comes with savings tools like the option to set aside a portion of your paycheck automatically.
Requirements
To qualify for SpotMe, you’ll need a Chime Checking Account or Credit Builder card that receives qualifying direct deposits of $200 a month. That’s it. You don’t need to meet any other requirements or eligibility criteria.
Your SpotMe limit starts at $20 but can increase over time — potentially up to $200. This increase depends on your account activity, among other factors.
What is Chime Boost?
Chime SpotMe Boosts are a way for friends to help each other by increasing their SpotMe limits. When you send a Boost to your friend, their limit is increased by $5, but these expire at the end of the month.
Chime SpotMe users can send and receive up to four boosts each month, but each user can only send one Boost per friend per month. But, if you get four Boosts in a month, you can increase your limit by $20 until 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the month.
How does Chime Boost work?
Using Chime Boost is a snap. Just open your Chime app and follow these three steps.
- Go to the Friends screen.
- Tap on SpotMe Boosts.
- Look up a friend and tap Send $5 Boost next to their name.
How Chime SpotMe compares to cash advance apps
Chime checking account users get access to a fee-free overdraft feature of up to $200 with the ability to get your paycheck up to two days early when you have direct deposit. This feature is different from some cash advance apps that offer up to 100% of your paycheck as early as 15 days before your payday. However, Chime is offering a new cash advance feature called MyPay offering up to $500 in advances that is more comparable to other apps on the market.
Other cash advance apps like Dave offer advances up to $500 for a $1 membership fee. Brigit is an overdraft protection app that offers up to $250 in overdraft protection and charges a membership fee of $8.99 to $14.99 monthly membership fee.
Chime reviews and complaints
| BBB accredited | No |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | A |
| BBB customer reviews | 4.17 out of 5 stars, based on 3,278 customer reviews |
| BBB customer complaints | 8,083 customer complaints |
| Trustpilot Score | 2.5 out of 5 stars, based on 9,150 customer reviews |
| App Store Score | 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 779,500 customer reviews |
| Google Play Score | 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on 620,000 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 22 April 2024 |
Chime receives mixed reviews on its Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot pages, as well as on the App Store and Google Play. Many users report issues with customer service and problems disputing false charges, frequently saying they weren’t able to have every charge removed. However, app store ratings are fairly high.
Reviews for SpotMe are also mixed. Some customers have no issues and love it. But one says their SpotMe was closed after receiving a smaller deposit than usual. Overall, the feature earns decent ratings.
SpotMe vs. payday loans
SpotMe and payday loans work very differently. SpotMe simply covers debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals as needed, up to your overdraft limit. It’s not a good option for covering an unexpected expense. Payday loans are a high-cost, short-term option that may put you at risk of a cycle of debt if you fail to repay on time.
| SpotMe | Payday loans | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | Up to $200 | Typically up to $1,000, and most states allow only one at a time |
| Turnaround time | Same day | Typically next business day |
| Application process | Sign up through Chime app | Simple online application, usually requires Social Security number and bank account numbers |
| Costs | Optional tip | High interest rates that can equal fees of $15 to $25 per $100 borrowed |
| Availability | Anywhere in the US | Prohibited in some states |
Is SpotMe worth it?
SpotMe is worth signing up for if you already use the Chime debit or Credit Builder card. If there’s ever a chance you might overdraft your account through a debit card purchase, there’s good reason to enroll.
With no fees, automatic coverage once you’ve enrolled and no obligation to tip, SpotMe is one of the better overdraft product options on the market. Its early direct deposit feature can also help users who are tight on funds right before payday. Otherwise, check out other third-party apps that work with Chime.
If you don’t qualify or don’t already use Chime, compare cash advance apps and overdraft product options.
See cash advance apps
Compare more low-cost options to keep your account in the green until your next payday.
Frequently asked questions
How can I raise my Chime SpotMe limit?
While you can’t request that Chime raise your SpotMe limit, you can do a few things that may help to increase your limit, such as adding more money to your accounts. Or, if you have more than one source of income, you could have those checks directly deposited as well. You can also ask your friends to “give you a Boost,” which can raise your limit up to $20 for the month.
Does Chime let you overdraft without SpotMe?
No. If you don’t have enough money in your Chime checking or Credit Builder account and haven’t signed up for SpotMe, your transaction is declined. On the upside, Chime doesn’t charge for declined transactions, but since SpotMe is free, it is a good idea to have it just in case.
Does Chime offer cash advances?
No. Chime is not a cash advance app, so you can’t get an extra $20 or $50 whenever you need a quick loan. However, if you are eligible for the SpotMe feature, you’ll be covered if your purchase or ATM withdrawal is more than you have in your account — as long as it falls within your SpotMe limit — which is practically like a cash advance.
Your reviews
Anna Finder
Editor
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