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Self vs Chime Credit Builder

Both are meant to help build credit history. Here's what Self and Chime Credit Builder each say about cost and reporting.

SelfChime Credit Builder
What it isCredit-builder loan (money held, paid out at end)Secured credit card
Monthly costPlans shown from $25/mo (example: $35/mo for 24 months returns $717)No annual fee
Other fees / interestAPR up to about 16% depending on plan; $9 nonrefundable admin fee (per Self)No interest
Reports toAll 3 bureausAll 3 major bureaus
Credit check to applynot foundNo credit check

Sources: Self page (checked 2026-10-12) · Chime Credit Builder page (checked 2026-10-12)

More on Self · More on Chime Credit Builder · All credit-builder loans & accounts

FAQ

What's the difference between Self vs Chime Credit Builder?

What it is: Self Credit-builder loan (money held, paid out at end), Chime Credit Builder Secured credit card; Monthly cost: Self Plans shown from $25/mo (example: $35/mo for 24 months returns $717), Chime Credit Builder No annual fee; Other fees / interest: Self APR up to about 16% depending on plan; $9 nonrefundable admin fee (per Self), Chime Credit Builder No interest; Reports to: Self All 3 bureaus, Chime Credit Builder All 3 major bureaus; Credit check to apply: Self not found, Chime Credit Builder No credit check.

Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.