New Chime users are full of questions about their new app and card. With so many features and possibilities, it’s easy to see why.
Today we’re answering all the questions about the Chime card, including how to properly activate it. But first, here’s the short answer for How to activate your Chime card using the Chime app:
- Open the Chime app
- Tap the “Card Status” button
- Tap “Activate Card”
Keep on reading to learn other ways of activating your new card as well as tips and tricks on how to use it to the fullest.
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When Will I Receive my Chime Debit Card?
If you already ordered your new Chime Card, you might be wondering how long it will take for it to arrive. The card should arrive relatively quickly, within:
- 7-10 business days for regular shipping
- 3-5 business days for express shipping
While you’re waiting for your card to arrive, you can still use your temporary digital card as well. More on that below.
How To Activate Your Chime Card
Chime card is incredibly easy to activate. You have several options to complete the activation:
- Chime app
- Website
- Chat
- Phone call
The first two are definitely the fastest and the most convenient. However, you can certainly contact Chime support to help you do it as well.
READ ALSO: Does Chime Have Zelle? (Quick Explanation)
How To Activate Your Chime Card Using The Chime App
Chime has an excellent app that lets you do many things. One of them being the card activation. To activate the Chime card follow these simple instructions:
- Open the Chime app
- Login (if not already logged in)
- Tap the green button called “Card Status”
- Tap “Activate Card”
It’s as easy as that. You can activate it as soon as it arrives at your address.
How To Activate Your Chime Card Through The Website
If you’re more comfortable activating the Chime card on a computer, you can open your preferred web browser and:
- Open the Chime website
- Click the “Activate Card” button on the left side
- Enter the CVV for your card
- Set your PIN
- Click “Call Now“
- Enter the verification code and the 4-digit PIN
- Click “Done”
Sometimes, the Activate Card button in the Chime app won’t show, so this alternative method is as good as any to activate your new card. After you have activated your new Chime card, you are ready to use it online or in-store.
You can also add it to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay for even more convenience.
READ NEXT: 7 Possible Reasons Why Your Chime Account is Suspended
How To Activate Your Chime Card Via Chime Chatbot
So many apps these days are using the so-called chatbots – automated customer support assistants that are either annoying or extremely helpful, depending on the situation.
Not only are they way faster if you have a simple issue or one that’s been asked a million times already, but they are available 24/7.
On the other hand, if your issue isn’t listed in the chatbot program or it’s a lesser-asked question, you will be stuck in a loop trying to find the answer or at least the option to contact a real customer support representative.
Nevertheless, to activate your Chime card using the chatbot, simply ask it to “Activate my card”.
You can access the chatbot from the top right corner of the home screen.
How To Activate Your Chime Card Via The Phone
If you prefer talking to a live person to activate your card, you can call the Chime support number at 1-844-244-6363 to ask them to activate the card.
However, you have to be aware that Chime support is often regarded as “unresponsive”.
READ ALSO: The 10 Most Common Chime Scams You Should Be Aware Of
How to Use The Card if it Hasn’t Arrived Yet?
You don’t have to wait for the physical card to arrive to be able to use it. You can, in fact, access your provisional digital card in the app. You can even add it to wallets such as Apple Pay. To find the temporary digital card details:
- Open the Chime app
- Tap on “Settings”
- Scroll down and tap “Debit Card”
- Select “View your card”
- Take note of your card number and other details
Once the physical card arrives and you’ve successfully activated it using one of the above-mentioned methods, your temporary card and physical card numbers will match.
However, once you activate your physical card, you’ll no longer be able to use your temporary debit card.
How do I Get a Replacement Card?
Have you lost your card, or even worse, it got stolen? You can easily order a replacement in the app. You’ll first have to check and/or update your mailing address.
To update the address, go to:
- “Settings”
- “Personal Information”
After you’ve made sure the address is current:
- Go to “Settings” again
- Find the card you want to replace
- Tap “Replace your Card”
- Follow the prompts
The replacement card should arrive in 7 to 10 business days (after it’s been printed). By ordering a new card, your previous card will be deactivated. However, you won’t be stranded because you’ll be able to use a temporary digital card in Settings until your new card comes.
If your card was damaged and that’s the reason why you requested a new card, the damaged card will stay active until you activate your new card.
You can, of course, turn off transactions in the app at any time so whoever finds or has your card, can’t use it.
How do I Reset The Card PIN?
If you forgot your PIN or you simply want to change it, you’ll have to call 1-844-244-6363 and follow the prompts for resetting your PIN.
Make sure you have the Chime card in hand because they will ask for your card information.
READ NEXT: How Does Chime Make Money? | Over $200 Million Revenue
Can I Use Chime Card Abroad?
Chime has two different types of cards – the Chime Visa Debit Card and the secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card.
Both of them can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. This includes online or in-store, in the US and internationally. You will, however, have to enable the international transactions in the app. To do this:
- Open the Chime app
- Open “Settings”
- Find the card you want to use abroad
- Toggle to the on position next to “International transactions”
There’s no fee for foreign transactions. However, some merchants and ATMs can charge their fees.
There’s also an extensive list of countries where you can’t use your Chime card in. These include the usual Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Somalia, and other “similar” countries.
Still, there are some countries on the list that you wouldn’t expect. Croatia, which is a part of the EU for some years now, and a popular tourist destination, is on the list, for example.
Conclusion
It’s easy to activate your new Chime Visa debit card by using the app, website, chat, or phone call.
Once you activate your card, you’re not only able to use it online or in-store, as well as internationally, but you also get access to physical checks and unlimited ACH transfers in and out of the account.
Adrian Volenik is a fintech enthusiast who loves testing and reviewing digital banking apps and financial products in general. How many digital banking accounts can one man have? Not enough, if you ask Adrian. As his wallet will soon explode if he doesn’t cut back on the number of cards.
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As a mobile banking app affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.