Chime: the fastest growing challenger bank in the US

By Amber Donovan-Stevens
Share
Earlier this month, Chime featured in our top 10 fintech disruptors. As Chime announces its sharp increase in valuation, we return to the challenger ban...

Earlier this month, Chime featured in our top 10 fintech disruptors. As Chime announces its sharp increase in valuation, we return to the challenger bank to see what makes it so successful.  

Chime, one of the many challenger banks taking over the payment scene, has seen a skyrocket in its market valuation following its most recent fundraising round. In this round, it raised US$500mn, totalling the digital-only bank at $5.8bn, a $4.3bn increase from March 2019. This is the largest round of funding since NuBank raised $400m. 

Chime was first created with the mission of encouraging smart spending and saving. Earlier this year it acquired unicorn status following a US$200mn fundraiser, which placed it ahead of its competitors in the US as one of the fastest-growing challenger banks. With its recent fundraising round, it has positioned itself as a leading challenger, with a user base of over 5 million. Some of the key features that draw users in include its no-hidden-fees banking and an automatic savings account. In addition to this, it lets users get paid early thanks to its instant direct deposits. With the money acquired in this latest round, it will employ more staff, as well as opening its Chicago office.  

SEE MORE:   

About Chris Britt  

Chris Britt, co-founded Chime in 2013 with CTO Ryan King. When discussing the latest fundraising round, Britt said: “It's a combination of things. The opportunity to improve the way banking works in America is huge. Combine that with the fact that we created a suite of products that is really resonating with a large segment of America.” 

“It's about continuing to do more of the same which is investing to build out an amazingly talented team so we can continue to build products that help our members achieve financial peace of mind,” he said. 

Did you know?  

According to Business Insider, Chime is the largest single equity challenger bank.  

For more information on all topics for FinTech, please take a look at the latest edition of FinTech magazine. 

Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

Share

Featured Articles

FinTech LIVE Singapore - Become a Sponsor

Join us at FinTech LIVE Singapore next year as a sponsor and showcase your brand to a highly targeted audience of fintech professionals

The Evolution of TBM: A Framework for the AI Era

TBM Council reshapes its framework to unite dispersed tech leadership, as CISOs and AI officers increasingly operate outside traditional IT structures

Money20/20: Thredd Sets New Path for Global Card Processing

In an era where fintech expansion faces mounting regulatory hurdles, Thredd positions itself as a navigator for global card programme deployment

Amdocs: Breaking Down Banking Silos at Money20/20 USA

Financial Services (FinServ)

NVIDIA Unveils AI Vision at Money20/20 USA

Tech & AI

Global FinTech Awards 2025 - SUBMISSIONS OPEN

Financial Services (FinServ)