About Chime
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank, founded in 2013 on the premise that basic banking services should be helpful, easy, and free. It is one of the leading “neobanks” in the United States, offering mobile-first banking services provided by its bank partners. Chime is best known for having no monthly fees, no minimum balance fees, and features like “SpotMe” (fee-free overdraft) and early direct deposit access.
Chime Affiliate Program Overview
The Chime affiliate program is a popular choice for finance creators because the product (a fee-free banking app) is relatively easy to “sell” compared to traditional banks with high barriers to entry.
| Feature | Details |
| Industry | Finance / Fintech / Banking |
| Product Type | Mobile Banking App, Debit Card, Credit Builder Card |
| Affiliate Program Type | CPA (Cost Per Action) / CPS (Cost Per Sale) |
Chime Affiliate Program Offers
Chime provides standard affiliate resources but is strict about compliance due to banking regulations.
| Feature | Details |
| Promotional Materials | Banners, Text Links, Creative Assets, Custom Tracking Links |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | 30 Days |
| Accepted Traffic Sources | Blogs, Content Sites, Social Media (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram), Email (with approval) |
| Accepted Countries | United States (Chime is US-only) |
| Explicit Content | Not Accepted (Strictly prohibited) |
| Religious or Political Content | Not Accepted (Generally restricted in banking compliance) |
Chime Affiliate Commissions & Payments
The program pays for performance. You typically earn a commission when a user signs up and funds their account (usually via a qualifying Direct Deposit).
| Feature | Details |
| MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) | No (Single-tier affiliate program) |
| Commission Rate | $10 – $75+ per qualified lead/account* |
| Commission Structure | CPA (Paid upon qualified account opening + funding) |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (Net-30 usually, depending on network) |
| Payout Methods | Direct Deposit (ACH), Check, Payoneer (via Network) |
| Minimum Payout | Network Dependent (Usually $50 for CJ, $10 for Impact) |
Note: Commission rates may vary based on network, region, and promotional periods.
Suitable Affiliates for Chime
The Chime program is ideal for creators who focus on personal finance, saving money, or “life hacks” for younger demographics.
- Bloggers: Personal finance blogs, budget-living guides, and student finance tips.
- TikTokers: Creators doing “money hack” videos, explaining how to build credit or avoid overdraft fees.
- KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Everyday users sharing their genuine experience with getting paid early.
- KOL (Key Opinion Leaders): Financial advisors or experts reviewing neobanks.
- Influencers: Lifestyle influencers whose audience includes students, gig workers, or young professionals.
- YouTubers: Channels dedicated to banking reviews, “How to” financial guides, and credit building.
- Video Editors: Can create compilations of “best banking apps” for shorts/reels.
- Livestreamers: Twitch/YouTube streamers who discuss financial independence or saving tips during streams.
Chime Affiliate Software
Chime does not manage its affiliate program entirely in-house; it utilizes major third-party affiliate networks to handle tracking and payouts.
- Networks Used: CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction) and Impact.
3 Alternatives for Chime Affiliate Program
Here is a comparison of Chime against three major competitors: SoFi, Current, and Varo. All three target similar demographics (mobile-first banking users).
| Comparison Factor | Chime | SoFi | Current | Varo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Bill (Cost to User) | $0 (No monthly fees) | $0 (No monthly fees) | $0 (Basic account is free) | $0 (No monthly fees) |
| Entry Fees (For Affiliate) | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Withdrawal Threshold | ~$50 (Network limit) | ~$10 (Impact) | ~$50 (Network) | ~$50 (Network) |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly |
| Commission | $10 – $75 | $50 – $150 (High) | ~$50 – $75 | ~$50 – $100 |
| Conversion | High (Strong brand recognition) | Medium–High (Better credit often required) | Medium (Niche appeal) | Medium |
| Marketing Materials | Banners, Links, Landing Pages | Extensive creative assets | Banners, App Deep Links | Standard banners & links |
