Chime is a popular digital bank that works only through your phone. It has no physical stores you can visit.
Chime is famous because it doesn’t charge monthly fees. It also gives you your paycheck up to two days early. Many people love Chime because it’s simple and free.
But Chime isn’t perfect for everyone. Some people want features that Chime doesn’t have. Maybe you need to send money to other countries.
Or you want higher interest rates on your savings. Some people miss having real bank branches to visit. Others want investment options or better customer support.
That’s why we made this guide. We’ll show you the 10 best apps like Chime. Each one has different features that might work better for you.
We’ll explain what makes each app special. You’ll learn the good things and bad things about each one. By the end, you’ll know which app fits your needs best.
Best Banking Apps Like Chime
These alternatives can help you save more money, get better support, or access features Chime doesn’t offer. Let’s explore your options!
Quick Comparison Table
App Name | Account Types | Monthly Fee | Interest Rate (APY) | ATM Access | Mobile App Features | Customer Support | FDIC Insurance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ally Bank | Checking, Savings, CDs | $0 | Up to 4.00% | 43,000+ ATMs | Budgeting, Goal Setting | 24/7 Phone, Chat | Yes |
Varo Bank | Checking, Savings | $0 | Up to 5.00% | 55,000+ ATMs | Early Pay, Savings Goals | Phone, Email, Chat | Yes |
Current | Checking, Savings | $0 | Up to 4.00% | 40,000+ ATMs | Teen Accounts, Points | Phone, Email | Yes |
Axos Bank | Checking, Savings, CDs | $0 | Up to 3.30% | 91,000+ ATMs | Bill Pay, Mobile Deposit | Phone, Email, Chat | Yes |
SoFi | Checking, Savings, Loans | $0 | Up to 4.60% | 55,000+ ATMs | Investment, Career Advice | Phone, Email, Chat | Yes |
Discover Bank | Checking, Savings, CDs | $0 | Up to 4.00% | 60,000+ ATMs | Cashback Rewards | 24/7 Phone, Chat | Yes |
Capital One 360 | Checking, Savings, CDs | $0 | Up to 4.00% | 70,000+ ATMs | Multiple Savings Goals | Phone, Email, Chat | Yes |
One Finance | Checking, Savings | $0 | Up to 3.00% | 55,000+ ATMs | Auto-Save Pockets | Email, Chat | Yes |
Aspiration | Checking, Savings | $0-$7.99 | Up to 3.00% | 55,000+ ATMs | Round-up Savings | Phone, Email | Yes |
Revolut | Checking, Savings | $0-$16.99 | Up to 4.50% | 55,000+ ATMs | International Transfers | Chat, Phone | Yes |
Top 10 Best Chime Alternatives in 2025
1. Ally Bank
Ally Bank is one of the best alternatives to Chime. It started as an online-only bank in 2009. Ally focuses on giving customers high interest rates and no fees.
Unlike Chime, Ally offers many different account types. You can get checking accounts, savings accounts, and CDs (certificates of deposit).
CDs are special accounts where you agree to leave your money alone for a set time. In return, you get higher interest rates.
Ally is great for people who want to earn more money on their savings. Their interest rates are much higher than those of most traditional banks.
They also have excellent customer service that works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call them anytime you need help. Ally’s mobile app is easy to use and has many helpful features.
Features:
- High-yield savings accounts with competitive interest rates
- No minimum balance requirements on most accounts
- 24/7 customer support by phone and chat
- Access to over 43,000 ATMs nationwide
- Mobile check deposit and bill pay
- Buckets feature to organize your savings goals
- No overdraft fees on checking accounts
Pros:
- Excellent interest rates on savings accounts
- No monthly fees on any accounts
- Outstanding customer service is available all day
- Easy-to-use mobile app and website
- No minimum balance to open accounts
Cons:
- No physical branches to visit in person
- Limited checking account features compared to some competitors
- ATM reimbursements are only up to $10 per month
Who Should Download It?
Ally Bank is perfect for people who want to earn more money on their savings. It’s also great if you value excellent customer service. If you don’t need physical bank branches and want higher interest rates, Ally is an excellent choice.
2. Varo Bank
Varo Bank is a digital-first bank that’s very similar to Chime. It became a real bank in 2020, making it one of the first digital banks to get full banking licenses.
This means your money is extra safe with them. Varo offers some of the highest interest rates you can find. They also give you early access to your paycheck, just like Chime does.
What makes Varo special is its savings account. You can earn up to 5% interest on your money. That’s much higher than most banks offer.
But there are some rules to get the highest rate. You need to save regularly and meet certain requirements. Varo also has tools to help you budget and save money automatically.
Features:
- Early direct deposit up to 2 days early
- High-yield savings account with up to 5% APY
- No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
- Automatic savings tools and round-up features
- Access to over 55,000 ATMs without fees
- Real-time spending notifications
- Savings goals and budgeting tools
Pros:
- Very high interest rates on savings (up to 5%)
- Early paycheck access like Chime
- No fees and no minimum balances
- Good mobile app with helpful features
- Full FDIC insurance as a real bank
Cons:
- High interest rate requires meeting specific conditions
- Limited customer support options
- Newer bank with less history than competitors
Who Should Download It?
Varo is perfect for people who want to earn the highest interest on their savings. It’s also great if you like getting your paycheck early. If you’re good at following saving rules and want maximum returns, Varo is excellent.
3. Current
Current is a digital bank that focuses on younger users and families. It’s especially popular with teenagers and their parents.
Current offers features that help families manage money together. Parents can set up accounts for their teens and monitor their spending. This makes it different from Chime, which doesn’t have family features.
Current also has a unique points system. You earn points when you spend money with your Current card. These points can be turned into cash or used for rewards.
They also offer early direct deposit and have partnerships with popular apps that young people use. Current tries to make banking fun and educational.
Features:
- Teen accounts with parental controls and monitoring
- Early direct deposit up to 4 days early
- Points reward system for purchases
- Round up savings to the nearest dollar
- Instant money transfers between family members
- Access to over 40,000 ATMs without fees
- Spending notifications and budgeting tools
Pros:
- Great family features for parents and teens
- Points reward system for extra value
- Very early paycheck access (up to 4 days)
- No monthly fees or overdraft fees
- Easy money sharing between family members
Cons:
- Interest rates are lower than those of some competitors
- The points system can be confusing at first
- Customer support is limited to email and phone during business hours
Who Should Download It? Current is perfect for families with teenagers. It’s also great for young adults who want to earn rewards while they spend. If you like getting your paycheck very early and want a fun banking experience, Current is a good choice.
4. Axos Bank
Axos Bank is an online bank that has been around since 2000. It offers a wide range of banking products, making it more comprehensive than Chime.
Axos provides checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, and even business accounts. They focus on technology and offer some of the most advanced mobile banking features available.
Axos is known for having very few fees and competitive interest rates. They offer different types of checking accounts to match different needs.
Some accounts are designed for people who use direct deposit, while others are for people who keep higher balances. This flexibility makes Axos appealing to many different types of customers.
Features:
- Multiple checking account options with different benefits
- High-yield savings accounts and CDs
- Access to over 91,000 ATMs worldwide
- Advanced mobile app with budgeting tools
- No monthly fees on most accounts
- Mobile check deposit and bill pay
- Business banking options available
Pros:
- Large ATM network with fee reimbursements
- Multiple account types to choose from
- Competitive interest rates on savings
- Advanced mobile banking technology
- No minimum balance requirements on many accounts
Cons:
- Some accounts have specific requirements to avoid fees
- No physical branches for in-person service
- Customer support is not available 24/7
Who Should Download It?
Axos Bank is great for people who want choices in their banking products. It’s perfect if you travel a lot and need access to many ATMs. If you want advanced mobile features and don’t mind online-only banking, Axos is excellent.
5. SoFi
SoFi started as a student loan company but has grown into a full financial service provider. SoFi Money is their banking product that competes with Chime.
What makes SoFi different is that it offers much more than just banking. You can also invest money, get loans, and even get career advice from them.
SoFi focuses on helping people improve their entire financial life. They offer free financial planning advice and educational resources.
Their mobile app lets you manage all your money in one place.
You can check your bank account, investments, and loans all in the same app. This makes SoFi perfect for people who want everything in one place.
Features:
- High-yield checking and savings accounts with no fees
- Investment options include stocks, ETFs, and crypto
- Personal loans and mortgage services
- Career coaching and networking events
- Access to over 55,000 ATMs with fee reimbursements
- Financial planning tools and advice
- Insurance products available
Pros:
- All-in-one financial platform beyond just banking
- No account fees and competitive interest rates
- Free career and financial advice
- Excellent mobile app that handles multiple services
- Strong educational resources and community
Cons:
- It can be overwhelming with so many options
- Some services require meeting income requirements
- Customer support can be slow during busy times
Who Should Download It?
SoFi is perfect for people who want more than just basic banking. It’s great for young professionals who want to invest and grow their careers. If you like having all your financial services in one place, SoFi is an excellent choice.
6. Discover Bank
Discover Bank is the online banking division of Discover Financial Services. You might know Discover from their credit cards, but they also offer excellent banking services.
Discover Bank has been providing online banking since 2007. They offer some of the highest interest rates available and have excellent customer service.
What makes Discover Bank special is its cashback rewards program. You can earn money back on purchases with their debit card.
They also have a large network of ATMs and reimburse fees from other ATMs. Discover Bank feels more like a traditional bank, but with the convenience of digital banking.
Features:
- High-yield savings accounts and CDs
- Cashback rewards on debit card purchases
- Access to over 60,000 ATMs with fee reimbursements
- 24/7 customer support based in the US
- Mobile check deposit and bill pay
- No minimum balance requirements
- Goal-setting tools for savings
Pros:
- Excellent interest rates on savings accounts
- Cashback rewards on debit card spending
- Outstanding customer service available 24/7
- Large ATM network with fee reimbursements
- Long history and reputation in banking
Cons:
- No physical branches for in-person banking
- Limited checking account features
- Cashback rates are lower than those of some credit cards
Who Should Download It?
Discover Bank is perfect for people who want traditional banking quality with online convenience. It’s great if you want to earn cashback on your debit card purchases. If you value excellent customer service and high interest rates, Discover is a solid choice.
7. Capital One 360
Capital One 360 is the online banking platform from Capital One Bank. Capital One is a large, well-established bank that also offers online-only accounts.
Capital One 360 combines the safety of a big bank with the convenience of digital banking. They offer competitive interest rates and innovative features.
One of the best features of Capital One 360 is their savings buckets. You can create multiple savings goals within one account.
For example, you might have buckets for vacation, an emergency fund, and car repairs. This makes it easy to organize your money and track your progress toward different goals.
Features:
- Multiple savings goals with “bucket” organization
- High-yield savings accounts and CDs
- No minimum balance requirements
- Access to over 70,000 ATMs
- Mobile check deposit and bill pay
- Automatic savings plans
- Integration with other Capital One products
Pros:
- Excellent organization tools for savings goals
- Large ATM network with no fees
- Backed by a major bank with a long history
- Competitive interest rates on savings
- Easy integration if you have other Capital One products
Cons:
- Interest rates can be lower than those of online-only banks
- Limited checking account features
- Customer support hours are not 24/7
Who Should Download It?
Capital One 360 is perfect for people who want to organize multiple savings goals. It’s great if you already use other Capital One products. If you want the security of a major bank with online convenience, Capital One 360 is excellent.
8. One Finance
Download [Android | iOS]
One Finance takes a unique approach to banking by automatically organizing your money into different “pockets.”
When money comes into your account, One Finance can automatically split it into spending money, bills, and savings. This helps you budget without thinking about it. It’s like having multiple accounts that work together automatically.
One Finance also offers early direct deposit and has partnerships with employers to provide financial benefits.
They focus on helping people build better financial habits through automation. Their approach is different from traditional banks and can be very helpful for people who struggle with budgeting.
Features:
- Automatic money organization into spending, bills, and savings pockets
- Early direct deposit up to 2 days early
- High-yield savings options
- No monthly fees or overdraft fees
- Access to over 55,000 ATMs
- Automatic bill pay and savings
- Financial wellness tools and education
Pros:
- Automatic budgeting makes money management easier
- No fees and early paycheck access
- Innovative approach to organizing finances
- Good savings rates and options
- Helpful for building better money habits
Cons:
- Newer bank with less track record
- An automatic system might not work for everyone
- Limited customer support options
Who Should Download It?
One Finance is perfect for people who want automatic budgeting help. It’s great if you struggle to organize your money or stick to a budget. If you like innovative financial tools and want to build better habits, One Finance is worth trying.
9. Aspiration [GreenFi]
Aspiration also known as “GreenFi” is a financial company that focuses on social and environmental responsibility.
They offer banking services that align with your values. Aspiration promises to never invest your money in fossil fuel companies.
They also plant trees when you use their services and offer carbon-neutral spending options.
Aspiration operates on a “Pay What Is Fair” model for some services.
This means you can choose how much to pay for certain features, including paying nothing if you prefer.
They also offer investment options that focus on sustainable and responsible companies.
Features:
- Socially responsible banking with environmental focus
- “Pay What Is Fair” pricing model
- Round-up savings that plant trees
- Carbon-neutral spending tracking
- Access to over 55,000 ATMs
- Sustainable investment options
- Cash back rewards on conscience-friendly purchases
Pros:
- Banking that aligns with environmental and social values
- Flexible pricing with “Pay What Is Fair” option
- Unique features like tree planting and carbon tracking
- Good interest rates on savings
- No minimum balance requirements
Cons:
- Limited customer support options
- Some features require a paid subscription
- Newer company with less banking history
Who Should Download It?
Aspiration is perfect for people who care about environmental and social issues. It’s great if you want your banking to reflect your values. If you like the idea of flexible pricing and supporting good causes, Aspiration is a unique choice.
10. Revolut
Revolut is a global financial app that started in the UK and expanded to the US. What makes Revolut special is its focus on international features.
You can easily send money to other countries, exchange currencies, and travel without foreign transaction fees. This makes it very different from Chime, which is focused only on the US market.
Revolut also offers investment options, cryptocurrency trading, and even travel insurance. Their app feels more like a financial super-app than a traditional bank.
They offer different subscription levels, from free to premium, with more features as you pay more.
Features:
- International money transfers with low fees
- Multi-currency accounts and travel-friendly features
- Cryptocurrency buying and selling
- Stock and commodity investments
- Travel insurance and perks
- Access to over 55,000 ATMs
- Budgeting and spending analytics
Pros:
- Excellent for international use and travel
- Many features beyond basic banking
- Competitive exchange rates and international transfers
- Modern app with lots of functionality
- Different subscription levels to choose from
Cons:
- Can be complex with many features
- Customer support can be limited
- Some features require paid subscriptions
Who Should Download It?
Revolut is perfect for people who travel internationally or send money abroad. It’s great if you want to invest or trade cryptocurrency. If you like having many financial tools in one app and don’t mind complexity, Revolut is excellent.
Criteria for Choosing Chime Alternatives
When you’re looking for a banking app to replace Chime, there are several important things to consider. The right choice depends on what you need and how you use money.
- Fee Structure is one of the most important factors. Look for banks that don’t charge monthly fees, just like Chime. But also check for hidden fees. Some banks charge fees for things like using other ATMs, overdrafts, or closing your account. The best alternatives offer truly free banking with no surprise charges.
- Account Features matter a lot, too. Think about what services you need beyond basic checking and savings. Do you want to invest money? Do you need loans or credit cards? Some banks like SoFi offer everything in one place. Others focus just on banking basics. Choose based on what you actually need, not just what sounds good.
- Accessibility includes how you can access your money and get help. Check how many ATMs you can use for free. Look at whether the mobile app has all the features you need. Some people need 24/7 customer support, while others are fine with email help during business hours.
- Customer Support quality varies a lot between banks. Some offer phone support at any time of day. Others only offer chat or email. Read reviews to see if other customers are happy with the help they receive. Good customer support becomes very important when you have problems.
- International Money Transfer options are important if you send money to other countries. Chime has limited international features. If you need to send money abroad, look for banks like Revolut or SoFi that offer international transfers with low fees.
Consider your lifestyle and needs carefully. A college student might prioritize no fees and early paychecks. A frequent traveler might need international features and lots of ATMs. A family might want tools to teach kids about money. The best bank for you is the one that fits your specific situation.
Chime vs Top Alternatives Comparison
Feature | Chime | Ally Bank | Varo Bank | SoFi | Revolut |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0-$16.99 |
Savings Interest | 2.00% | 4.00% | 5.00% | 4.60% | 4.50% |
Early Direct Deposit | Up to 2 days | No | Up to 2 days | No | No |
ATM Network | 60,000+ | 43,000+ | 55,000+ | 55,000+ | 55,000+ |
International Features | Limited | Limited | Limited | Limited | Excellent |
Investment Options | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Customer Support | Chat, Email | 24/7 Phone | Email, Chat | Phone, Chat | Chat |
Physical Branches | No | No | No | No | No |
When comparing Chime to its alternatives, several patterns emerge.
- Interest Rates are where Chime falls behind most competitors. While Chime offers around 2% on savings, alternatives like Varo offer up to 5%. This difference can mean hundreds of dollars more per year if you keep substantial savings.
- Early Direct Deposit is one of Chime’s best features, and only some alternatives offer this. Varo and Current provide early paycheck access, while traditional online banks like Ally don’t. If getting paid early is important to you, this narrows your choices significantly.
- Customer Support varies widely among alternatives. Ally Bank offers 24/7 phone support, which is much better than Chime’s chat-only approach. This can be crucial when you have urgent banking issues that need immediate attention.
- Additional Services are where some alternatives really shine. SoFi offers investment services, loans, and career advice. Revolut provides international banking and cryptocurrency trading. Chime focuses just on basic banking, which is simpler but more limited.
Who Each Option Suits Best:
- Chime remains good for people who want simple, fee-free banking with early paycheck access.
- Ally Bank is better if you want higher savings rates and excellent customer service.
- Varo works well if you can meet their requirements for high interest rates.
- SoFi is ideal for people who want comprehensive financial services.
- Revolut is perfect for international users and travelers.
The best choice depends on your priorities. If you’re happy with Chime’s simplicity but want higher savings rates, Ally or Varo might be perfect. If you want more services beyond banking, SoFi offers the most comprehensive platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Chime better than Varo?
It depends on your needs. Varo offers much higher interest rates (up to 5% vs Chime’s 2%), but you need to meet specific requirements to get the highest rate. Both offer early direct deposit and no fees. Chime is simpler to use, while Varo can help you earn more money on savings if you follow its rules.
- Which Chime alternative has the highest savings interest?
Varo Bank offers the highest savings interest at up to 5% APY. However, you need to receive at least $1,000 in direct deposits and save at least $200 per month to qualify. If you can’t meet these requirements, Ally Bank and SoFi offer consistently high rates around 4% with no special requirements.
- Can I use Chime alternatives outside the US?
Most Chime alternatives work only in the US, just like Chime. However, Revolut is specifically designed for international use. You can use Revolut to send money abroad, exchange currencies, and travel without foreign fees. Some other banks allow ATM use abroad but charge fees.
- Are these apps safe and FDIC insured?
Yes, all the alternatives in our list are FDIC insured, which means your money is protected up to $250,000 per account. This is the same protection you get from traditional banks. Always check that any bank you consider has FDIC insurance before opening an account.
- Which is the best Chime alternative for families?
Current is the best choice for families because it offers teen accounts with parental controls. Parents can monitor spending, set limits, and teach financial responsibility. The points rewards system also makes it fun for younger users to learn about money management.
- Do any Chime alternatives offer credit cards or loans?
Yes, several alternatives offer additional financial products. SoFi provides personal loans, mortgages, and investment services. Discover Bank offers credit cards with excellent rewards. Capital One 360 can be linked with Capital One credit cards for easy management.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right banking app depends on what matters most to you. If you want the highest interest rates on your savings, Varo Bank offers up to 5% APY, though you’ll need to meet their requirements.
For consistently high rates without requirements, Ally Bank is excellent at around 4%.
For families with teenagers, Current provides the best features with parental controls and teen accounts. For international users and travelers, Revolut offers unmatched global banking features.
For people who want comprehensive financial services, SoFi combines banking, investing, and loans in one platform.
For environmentally conscious users, Aspiration aligns your banking with your values through sustainable practices. For those who want traditional banking quality, Discover Bank offers excellent customer service and competitive rates.
For simple, organized money management, One Finance automatically sorts your money into different purposes. For people who want multiple savings goals, Capital One 360’s bucket system is perfect for organization.
Remember that you don’t have to choose just one bank. Many people use multiple banks for different purposes. You might keep your main checking account with one bank and a high-yield savings account with another.
The best digital bank depends on your lifestyle, so pick the one that matches your needs.
Consider what features matter most to you: high interest rates, early paychecks, family features, international options, or comprehensive financial services.
Take time to compare the options and choose the bank that will help you reach your financial goals.
Sources:
- https://www.chime.com/
- https://www.ally.com/
- https://www.varomoney.com/
- https://www.sofi.com/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/banking/ally-bank-review
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein.
The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice.
The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory, or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual.
IDT makes no representation, warranty, or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete.
You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action based on the information in this article.
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