Using Your Chime Credit Builder Card at ATMs and Cash Machines

Chime Credit Builder Card and ATM Access

The Chime Credit Builder Card does not work at ATMs. You cannot withdraw cash from an ATM using this card, and ATMs will not accept it. The card is designed only for purchases at stores and online — it has no PIN and no cash withdrawal function built into it.

This is different from a debit card. Chime does offer a debit card (the Chime Visa Debit Card) that works at ATMs, but the Credit Builder Card specifically is a credit card meant only for building your credit history through regular purchases.

If you need cash and you have a Chime checking account, you can use your Chime debit card at any ATM in the Chime network or pay a fee to use out-of-network machines. But the Credit Builder Card itself will not dispense cash under any circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• The Chime Credit Builder Card cannot be used at ATMs and has no cash withdrawal feature.
• This card works only for purchases at stores and online retailers.
• If you have a Chime checking account, your Chime debit card can withdraw cash at ATMs, but that is a separate card from the Credit Builder Card.
• The Credit Builder Card builds your credit score by reporting your monthly purchases and payments to credit bureaus.

How the Chime Credit Builder Card Actually Works

The Chime Credit Builder Card is a credit card, not a debit card. When you use it to buy something, you are borrowing money from Chime, not spending money from your account. You then receive a bill and pay it back — usually monthly. This borrowing and repayment history is what builds your credit score.

Because it is a credit card, it does not have a PIN like a debit card does. ATMs require a PIN to work, so the card simply cannot function at one. The card is designed to work only at point-of-sale terminals in stores and on websites that accept credit cards.

The card comes with a credit limit — the maximum amount you can charge to it. Chime sets this limit based on your account history and creditworthiness. You do not load money onto the card beforehand the way you might with a prepaid card.

What Happens If You Try to Use It at an ATM

If you insert the Chime Credit Builder Card into an ATM, the machine will reject it. The ATM will display an error message and return your card. This happens because credit cards and ATMs operate on different systems — ATMs are built to read debit cards and prepaid cards that have a PIN, not credit cards.

You will not be charged a fee for the failed attempt, and your card will not be damaged. The ATM simply will not recognize the card as valid for its purposes.

If you are looking for cash and you have both a Chime Credit Builder Card and a Chime debit card, make sure you are using the debit card at the ATM. The two cards look similar, so double-check which one you are holding before you insert it.

Using Your Chime Debit Card at ATMs Instead

Chime offers ATM access through its Chime Visa Debit Card, which is separate from the Credit Builder Card. The debit card works at ATMs in the Chime network, which includes over 60,000 machines nationwide. Using an in-network ATM is free.

If you use an ATM outside the Chime network, Chime does not charge you a fee, but the ATM operator may charge a surcharge. This fee comes out of your account when you withdraw cash. The amount varies by ATM location and operator.

To use your debit card at an ATM, you need your PIN. If you do not have one or have forgotten it, you can set or reset it through the Chime mobile app or by calling Chime customer service.

Why the Credit Builder Card Has No ATM Access

The Credit Builder Card is built for a specific purpose: to help you build credit history. Credit bureaus track how you use credit cards — whether you make purchases, pay your bills on time, and keep your balance low. This history becomes your credit score.

ATM withdrawals would not build credit because they are not purchases or credit transactions. They are just moving money around. So Chime designed the Credit Builder Card without ATM capability to keep it focused on its core function.

If you need both credit building and cash access, you would use the Credit Builder Card for purchases and your Chime debit card for ATM withdrawals. Many people do this — they carry both cards and use each one for what it is designed to do.

Alternatives If You Need Cash

If you do not have a Chime debit card or do not want to use it, you have other ways to get cash. You can ask a cashier at most stores to give you cash back when you make a purchase with your Credit Builder Card. This is called a cash advance at point of sale, and it works at grocery stores, pharmacies, and many retailers.

You can also visit a bank branch or credit union and ask to withdraw cash using your Credit Builder Card, though this is less common and some institutions may not offer it. Call ahead to ask whether the branch accepts this.

A third option is to transfer money from a Chime checking account (if you have one) to another bank account or to a mobile payment app like Venmo or PayPal, then withdraw from there. This takes a day or two but gives you access to your funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cash advance with my Chime Credit Builder Card?

Chime does not offer traditional cash advances on the Credit Builder Card through ATMs or banks. However, you can ask for cash back at a store when you make a purchase. The amount available depends on the store's policy, but many retailers allow $20 to $100 in cash back.

What is the difference between the Credit Builder Card and the Chime debit card?

The Credit Builder Card is a credit card that builds your credit score through purchases and payments. The Chime debit card draws from your checking account and works at ATMs. They are two separate products, and you can have both.

Will my Credit Builder Card work at a bank teller window?

No. A bank teller cannot process a withdrawal using a credit card. You would need a debit card or a checking account at that bank to withdraw cash from a teller.

Can I use my Credit Builder Card to pay bills online?

Yes. You can use the Credit Builder Card anywhere that accepts credit cards online, including bill payment websites. This counts as a purchase and builds your credit history.

What should I do if I lose my Credit Builder Card?

Contact Chime immediately through the mobile app or by calling customer service. They will cancel the card to prevent fraud and can send you a replacement. In the meantime, you can still use your debit card for ATM access if you have one.