# Amex vs Chime®

The clearest difference is monetization model: Chime® at ad-supported against Amex's free with in-app purchases. Chime® also leads on update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly) and chart position (#9 vs #27). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Amex against 4.8 for Chime®. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4.5M and 1.7M respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 63% of Amex's written reviews are positive against 61% of Chime®'s.

Amex ships an update fortnightly, Chime® weekly. Both last shipped on November 11, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Amex | Chime® |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (4.5M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amex/id362348516/reviews)** | [4.8 (1.7M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chime-mobile-banking/id836215269/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.5M** | 1.7M |
| Positive reviews | **63.0% of reviews** | 61.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Best chart rank | #27 | **#9** |
| Size | 536 MB | 278 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.2 | **16.4** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [American Express](https://appshunter.io/developer/362348519) | [Chime Financial, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/836215272) |

## What reviewers say

### Amex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/amex/id362348516)

**Currently charting:** #27 Top Free · Finance (US App Store)

Manage your American Express accounts, track spending, and redeem rewards on the go. Access offers, freeze your card instantly, and get 24/7 customer support.

**Highlights:** Manage Cards, checking, and savings accounts, Freeze and unfreeze cards instantly, View and redeem rewards, Discover personalized offers, Track spending and view statements, Set up AutoPay, 24/7 customer service chat

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💳 Reliable credit card with good benefits
- 🤝 Excellent customer service and support
- 🚀 Seamless app experience
- 📱 Convenient mobile app features
- 💳 Prestigious card status and recognition

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤖 Inconsistent or unhelpful customer service
- 💳 Unexpected account changes or credit limit reductions
- 🤔 Confusing or misleading policies/offers
- 🕰️ Slow or delayed payment processing
- 🔒 Security issues with closed accounts

**Reported bugs**

- Scrolling glitches in the mobile app
- Inconsistent display of account balances
- Inability to view high-yield savings accounts

**Requested features**

- Improved rewards tracking and redemption
- Integrated dispute submission and status tracking
- Automatic offer activation based on transactions
- Better account balance and payment information
- Seamless integration between mobile app and website


### Chime®

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chime-mobile-banking/id836215269)

**Currently charting:** #9 Top Free · Finance, #109 Top Free (US App Store)

This mobile banking app offers fee-free banking and helps your money grow. Enjoy early paychecks, credit building tools, and cash back rewards. It's designed for easy, everyday financial management.

**Highlights:** Fee-free banking, Early paycheck access, Credit builder feature, Cash back rewards, Spot Me overdraft protection, Fee-free ATM network

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Early paycheck
- 💰 No overdraft fees
- 👍 Easy to use app
- 💳 Credit builder feature
- 💳 Spot me feature

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent direct deposit timing
- 🤖 Poor chatbot support
- 💳 Difficulty with card activation/replacement
- 💰 Fees for cash deposits
- 🤔 Unclear account closure policies

**Reported bugs**

- Delayed check deposits
- Unexplained account closures
- Disappearing funds during transfers

**Requested features**

- Instant transaction updates
- Option to choose credit builder amount
- Temporary card for emergencies
- Physical bank branches


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Amex free?

Amex is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Chime® free?

Chime® is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Amex or Chime®?

Amex is rated higher. Amex averages 4.9 out of 5 from 4.5M ratings, while Chime® averages 4.8 from 1.7M ratings.

### Do Amex or Chime® have ads?

Both Amex and Chime® show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Amex or Chime®?

Amex ships an update fortnightly, and Chime® weekly. Most recently, Amex was updated on November 11, 2026 and Chime® on November 11, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Amex or Chime®?

Amex currently peaks at #27 in the App Store charts, and Chime® at #9. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*