Banking Checking Accounts

OnePay vs. Chime® [2025]: Which Is Better for Your Money?

It's a close call between OnePay and Chime®. Here's what you need to know.

By Ben Walker, CEPF, CFEI®
and Lisa Dammeyer

Edited by Michael Kurko

Updated May 5, 2025

Up to 3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) APY on Savings with eligible deposits¹ 3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay Cash accounts that either (i) received $500+ of <a href="https://support.one.app/hc/en-us/articles/360053046053-Direct-deposit">Direct Deposits</a> in the current or previous month or (ii) have a  balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. 3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) APY is also earned on Pay Autosave balances without deposit or balance requirements.  3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) APY is limited to a total Savings balance of up to $250,000. All other Savings balances will earn 1.00% APY. APYs are as of 12/20/2024, but may change at any time before or after account opening.
No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees
Integrated budgeting tools through customizable "pockets"
Cash back rewards on debit card purchases

2025 award winner Best for Bad or No Credit

4.6

No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements² There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
Early access to direct deposits³ Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
No fee overdraft up to $200 for eligible members⁴ SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Credit Builder Terms and Conditions</a>.
Large network of fee-free ATMs⁵ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
Automatic savings features

Our view

OnePay and Chime® are both solid fintech firms, offering very similar financial services to their users. If you're looking for an online banking solution that offers high-interest accounts, cashback rewards, and virtually no monthly fees, either could be a good fit.⁶ Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.  ⁷ OnePay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, Members FDIC.

However, I slightly prefer OnePay for two main reasons. First, it offers a higher interest rate on its savings pockets and more opportunities to earn interest across account types. And second, I am a big fan of organizational savings tools, so OnePay's pockets feature really appeals to me.

At the end of the day, you can't go wrong with either, but I would recommend OnePay to most people deciding between these two financial services providers.

How we evaluate products

It's important to choose the right financial service to help manage your money. But with so many available options, how do you know which one might make the most sense for you?

In this OnePay vs. Chime review and comparison, we've researched the key details between both of these online-only financial service providers. We like OnePay's budgeting features that give you an overall snapshot of your finances, but Chime has options that might be helpful for those who are working on improving their credit.⁸ Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. The secured Chime Credit Builder Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.

OnePay vs. Chime

OnePay and Chime both offer online-only financial services, but they're not online banks. They're fintech companies, and they both partner with some of the best banks to provide different types of bank accounts. Neither OnePay nor Chime has in-person physical branches.

Without physical locations, online banking services are typically able to offer better interest rates and lower fees than traditional banks. In the table below, you can quickly compare the different fees, features, and benefits of OnePay and Chime accounts.


Account type(s)	Checking	Checking and savings
Bank partner(s)	Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, Members FDIC	The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, Members FDIC
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)	3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) APY on primary savings and pockets if you meet certain direct deposit or daily balance requirements⁹ <p class="">The product and annual percentage yield (APY) data displayed on this website is gathered from various sources and may not reflect all of the offers available in your area. Although we strive to provide the most accurate data possible, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Always verify account details and availability with the financial institution before opening an account.<br></p> ¹⁰ <p>3.75% annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay Cash accounts that either (i) received $500+ of Direct Deposits in the current or previous month or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. 3.75% APY is also earned on Pay Autosave balances without deposit or balance requirements. 3.75% APY is limited to a total Savings balance of up to $250,000. All other Savings balances will earn 1.00% APY. APYs are as of 12/20/2024, but may change at any time before or after account opening.</p> 3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) available on savings balances up to $250,000	Checking: Not an interest-bearing account Savings: 2.00% (as of Apr. 28, 2025) APY¹¹ <p class="">The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is accurate as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest. </p> Note that you must have a Chime checking account to be eligible for a Chime savings account¹² <p class="">Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.<br></p>
Minimum balance for APY	None	Checking: None Savings: None
Minimum deposit to open account	None	Checking: None Savings: None
Debit card	Yes	Yes
Cashback program	Yes	Yes
Referral program	Yes	Yes
ATM access	Yes (Fee-free at over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs)¹³ <p element-id="3">Only applies to OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received <a href="https://www.onepay.com/help-center/articles/direct-deposit?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1207782460763901308&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQ6AIAwEwBdB7ybGgw8hIqs0Im1KE26%2B3ZnqrmMhko4wkeOhGhv3h0CFDaeHApXBHiqabp%2Fhghn3O2WTOWDrXk1e%2FLyW8klIAAAA" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Direct Deposits</a> totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. For all other ATM transactions the OnePay ATM Fee will apply and third-party ATM fees may be incurred.</p>	Yes (Fee-free at over 60,000 network ATMs: Moneypass at 7-Eleven locations, Allpoint, and Visa Plus Alliance)⁵ <p>Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.</p>
Early paycheck	Yes¹⁴ <p><a href="https://www.onepay.com/help-center/articles/direct-deposit?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1207782460763901308&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQ6AIAwEwBdB7ybGgw8hIqs0Im1KE26%2B3ZnqrmMhko4wkeOhGhv3h0CFDaeHApXBHiqabp%2Fhghn3O2WTOWDrXk1e%2FLyW8klIAAAA" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Direct Deposit</a> is required. Funds may be available up to 2 days in advance, depending on when your employer sends paycheck data</p>	Yes³ <p> Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.</p>
Round-ups	Yes	Yes¹⁵ <p class="">Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account. <br></p>
Monthly fees	$0	$0² <p>There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.</p>
Overdraft fee	$0¹⁶ <p>Available to OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received <a href="https://www.onepay.com/help-center/articles/direct-deposit?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1207782460763901308&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQ6AIAwEwBdB7ybGgw8hIqs0Im1KE26%2B3ZnqrmMhko4wkeOhGhv3h0CFDaeHApXBHiqabp%2Fhghn3O2WTOWDrXk1e%2FLyW8klIAAAA" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Direct Deposits</a> totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ as of the last day of the previous month. You must be 18 or older to receive Overdraft Protection. When on, Savings Backup will be used before Overdraft Protection. Overdraft balance is due right away. Transactions eligible for Overdraft Protection are at the discretion of One and may exclude certain transactions (e.g., bill pay, global transfers). See details.</p>	$0
ACH transfer fee	$0	$0
Mobile check deposit (checking accounts)	Yes	Yes
Mobile app	Yes (iOS and Android)	Yes (iOS and Android)
FDIC insured	Yes	Yes
	Visit OnePay	Visit Chime

What both excel at

OnePay and Chime offer similar services, so there is plenty of overlap between the two. Here are where both financial services excel:

Mobile apps: Both OnePay and Chime have visually appealing and easy-to-navigate apps that work with both Apple and Android devices. For online banking services, a useful app is extremely important and one of the first features I look for. Both of these apps have been downloaded millions of times and have high customer ratings in the Google Play and Apple App stores.
Direct deposit: Setting up an eligible direct deposit with either service unlocks certain features or perks. These include early paychecks, a credit line, and increased interest potential for OnePay and mobile check deposits for Chime — all useful features for the average user.
Early payday: You may be able to receive your direct deposit paychecks up to two days early with either OnePay¹⁴ <a href="https://www.onepay.com/help-center/articles/direct-deposit?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1207782460763901308&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQ6AIAwEwBdB7ybGgw8hIqs0Im1KE26%2B3ZnqrmMhko4wkeOhGhv3h0CFDaeHApXBHiqabp%2Fhghn3O2WTOWDrXk1e%2FLyW8klIAAAA" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Direct Deposit</a> is required. Funds may be available up to 2 days in advance, depending on when your employer sends paycheck data or Chime.
Low fees: Neither service charges monthly maintenance, overdraft, or ACH transfer fees. This isn't always the case with traditional bank accounts, and it's a feature I always make sure is present when evaluating online banking services.
No minimums: There's no minimum deposit to open a OnePay or Chime account, and you don't need a minimum account balance to start earning interest on applicable accounts. This is another attractive feature I always look for. Many of the big banks require a minimum balance to get started.
Round-ups: Both OnePay and Chime offer features for rounding up your debit card purchases to the nearest dollar to help you with automatic savings.¹⁵ Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.  The amount rounded up is transferred to your savings, typically by the next day. I like this feature a lot because it can help you save small amounts of money over time without having to think about it.
ATM access: Accounts from both companies offer fee-free ATMs and ATM withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs. Chime provides slightly more ATM access than OnePay but not by much.⁵ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
Mobile check deposit: This feature isn't automatically included with OnePay and Chime accounts, but it shouldn't be hard to unlock.¹⁷ Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member's direct deposit enrollment status. Eligibility for being able to deposit your checks remotely depends on your account history and other factors for both companies.
FDIC insurance: OnePay accounts and Chime accounts offer FDIC insurance, which means they're insured for up to $250,000 through the applicable bank partnerships. For OnePay, it's through Coastal Community Bank and Lead Bank. For Chime, it's through The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank.

5 important differences between OnePay and Chime

Comparing the differences between banking services can help you understand whether one company may suit you better than another. Here are five differences to consider between OnePay and Chime:

APY earnings

OnePay offers a 3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) APY on up to $250,000 if you meet direct deposit or daily account balance requirements. All other balances receive a 1.00% APY.

Chime offers an APY of 2.00% (as of Apr. 28, 2025) on balances in its savings account.¹¹ The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is accurate as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.  Note that you must have a Chime checking account to be eligible for a savings account.

Winner: OnePay offers the more attractive earning options since it offers other ways to earn interest as well, so OnePay takes the edge over Chime here.

Savings options

You can save money with either OnePay or Chime, but OnePay accounts offer a few more options than Chime. I especially like that OnePay lets you create up to three "pockets," which are like separate accounts for storing money. Since you can create multiple pockets, separating different savings goals into different accounts is easy.

Chime doesn't have this option, which limits how much you can customize and organize your finances. You can still use round-ups or automatic transfers with your Chime checking and savings accounts, but that's where the customization ends.¹⁸ Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

Winner: OnePay because of its pockets feature that allows you to set different savings goals.

Credit building

Bank accounts aren't always associated with building credit, but both OnePay and Chime offer options to help users do just that.

Chime offers the Chime^® Credit Builder Secured Visa^® Credit Card¹⁹ The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.  To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account. . The Credit Builder is a secured credit card, which means that you pay a security deposit. Your credit limit is determined by how much money you move onto it from your Chime checking account. Credit activity on this card is reported to all three major credit bureaus. There's no credit check to apply, no annual fee, and no minimum security deposit required.

OnePay, on the other hand, has the Credit Builder program. The program works a bit like a loan. Essentially, you would take out a 12-month loan for $300 at 0% APR through OnePay, and the company would then put that $300 into a lockbox. Each month, you pay $1 and $24 is taken out of your lockbox to complete your monthly payment. Each payment you make is reported to all three major credit bureaus, effectively raising your credit score over time. At the end of the one-year period, you get your contributions back.

Winner: It's a tie. Both companies offer good credit-building options. It just depends on whether you prefer a secured card or the Credit Builder program.

Cash back

OnePay offers 3% cash back at Walmart on up to $150 spent per month. ²⁰ Cash back is earned as OnePay Points, redeemable as a deposit into a OnePay Cash account pursuant to the <a href="https://www.onepay.com/legal/onepay-rewards-terms?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1207782460763901308&utm_medium=marketing&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBSwqAMAwFwBO12QviwoNIi09btB9eAtl5dmeK2dRFZHQER45pzvjW%2FgiE8MRTg4FNt4%2B4QNZ%2BH5nDFVz3wtHwA%2BiTVRhCAAAA" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">OnePay Rewards Terms</a>. Only applies to OnePay Cash accounts that have either (i) received <a href="https://www.onepay.com/help-center/articles/direct-deposit?%24web_only=true&_branch_match_id=1207782460763901308&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQ6AIAwEwBdB7ybGgw8hIqs0Im1KE26%2B3ZnqrmMhko4wkeOhGhv3h0CFDaeHApXBHiqabp%2Fhghn3O2WTOWDrXk1e%2FLyW8klIAAAA" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Direct Deposits</a> totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ as of the last day of the previous month. This reward applies to purchases at U.S. Walmart locations and on Walmart.com only and may not be combined with other OnePay Cash promotions for cash back at Walmart.

Chime has a cashback program in which you can choose and activate deals for select retailers. Some cashback rewards programs have a small number of specific retailers, but I like that Chime has several useful options when it comes to its cashback retailers, including gas stations and grocery stores.

Winner: It's a tie. Both offer solid cashback deals.

Additional features

Aside from your traditional banking needs, OnePay and Chime each have some unique features that set them apart. An additional feature I like about OnePay is that it allows you to send money easily and conveniently through its mobile app. You can also make global transfers to more than 140 countries. This eliminates the need for an additional app like Remitly for international transfers. Chime also allows you to pay others via the Chime app, but it does not have the global transfer feature.

OnePay also offers a number of benefits if you are a frequent Walmart shopper. These include cashback rewards when you use OnePay's digital wallet feature and the ability to add or take out cash at Walmart using your OnePay debit card of the mobile app.

For Chime, an additional feature I find interesting is its tax refund benefit. If you have your federal tax refund directly deposited with Chime, you can receive your refund up to six days early. Chime actually has a number of benefits that allow you to receive your paycheck early. For example, its MyPay benefit allows you to receive an advance of up to $500 of your paycheck. While OnePay allows you to receive your paycheck up to two days early, its early payment benefits stop there.

Winner: Chime. It has a few more interesting benefits that I think would be attractive to more people.

Which account should you choose?

Overall, OnePay and Chime accounts are very similar. Choosing the better one for your personal finance goals depends on your preferences. A OnePay account seems like the better option on paper, but you might prefer certain features with Chime.

Here are a few basic factors to consider when comparing bank accounts:

Account fees
Out-of-network ATM fees
The ability to make cash deposits if needed
Minimum balance requirements
Convenience
Account types

Online financial services that partner with banks don't have many fees or restrictions, which is different from most traditional banks and some credit unions. OnePay and Chime are similar in this regard since they charge few or no fees. However, as online-only services, don't expect to find any in-person branches with either company. This isn't an issue if you're used to phone apps and mobile banking.

Personally, I prefer OnePay because it lets you set specific savings goals and separate your funds into pockets. I also think it's hard to argue with a higher interest rate.

However, if you aren't worried about earning interest over time or setting multiple savings goals, OnePay and Chime offer very similar products and services. You could pick either and be just fine.

FAQs

What's better: OnePay vs. Chime?

It depends on your financial situation and goals. OnePay has features that can help you budget along with checking and savings accounts.

Chime offers one of the best checking accounts as well as a savings account. It also has options that could help you build your credit.

Additionally, OnePay accounts typically offer better APY rates.

Is OnePay a checking account?

Yes, the OnePay deposit account is a checking account. However, it also has savings pockets, which can help you with setting savings goals. It also has auto-save options, and you could earn interest on your funds.

Is OnePay legit?

OnePay is a legit financial institution that provides financial services to its customers. This includes a checking account, savings pockets, and a debit card.

Bottom line

The better option for you between OnePay vs. Chime accounts depends on your banking preferences and whether you're looking for credit building features. Both companies offer similar financial services, though you'll find a few differences with certain benefits and features.

Up to 3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) APY on Savings with eligible deposits¹ 3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay Cash accounts that either (i) received $500+ of <a href="https://support.one.app/hc/en-us/articles/360053046053-Direct-deposit">Direct Deposits</a> in the current or previous month or (ii) have a  balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. 3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) APY is also earned on Pay Autosave balances without deposit or balance requirements.  3.75% (as of 12/20/2024) APY is limited to a total Savings balance of up to $250,000. All other Savings balances will earn 1.00% APY. APYs are as of 12/20/2024, but may change at any time before or after account opening.
No minimum balance requirements or monthly fees
Integrated budgeting tools through customizable "pockets"
Cash back rewards on debit card purchases

2025 award winner Best for Bad or No Credit

No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements² There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.
Early access to direct deposits³ Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
No fee overdraft up to $200 for eligible members⁴ SpotMe® for Credit Builder is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account; SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. <a href="https://www.chime.com/policies/">SpotMe on Credit Builder Terms and Conditions</a>.
Large network of fee-free ATMs⁵ Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
Automatic savings features

Author Details

Ben Walker, CEPF, CFEI®

Ben Walker, CEPF, CFEI®, is credit cards specialist. For over a decade, he's leveraged credit card points and miles to travel the world. His expertise extends to other areas of personal finance — including loans, insurance, investing, and real estate — and you can find his insights on The Washington Post, Debt.com, Yahoo! Finance, and Fox Business.

Author Details

Lisa Dammeyer

Lisa Dammeyer is a writer for FinanceBuzz and an accomplished editor focused on personal finance and investing. She got her start in the finance industry in 2020 when she worked at a stock market news website. In that role, she helped lead a team of editors as they covered the biggest news stories in the market each day.