Step-by-step guides on money, government services, technology and everyday life — researched, written in plain English and kept up to date.
Activating a Chime card takes about two minutes. Open the Chime app, tap Activate on the home screen (or go to Profile > Cards), choose the right card, confirm the card details, and set a 4-digit PIN.
Every guide is checked against official sources, company help pages and real-world testing.
We put the answer first and explain each step simply, without jargon or filler.
We review and update guides when apps, fees, rules or processes change.
Got a new Bank of America debit card? Activate it in minutes by phone, at an ATM, with a PIN purchase, or in the app, and learn what to do if you don't know your PIN.
Got a new Capital One card in the mail? Here's how to activate it online, in the app, or by phone in a few minutes, plus fixes for the most common activation errors.
Paid with PayPal and didn't get what you ordered? Here's exactly how to request a PayPal refund, from messaging the seller to escalating a claim before the deadlines run out.
Not sure how much is left on your Walmart gift card? Here are the four fastest ways to check your balance online, by phone, in the app, or in store, plus what to do if it shows $0.
Lost your Social Security card? Here's how to replace it for free, online or at an SSA office, which documents to bring, and how to protect your identity while you wait.
Your routing number is the nine-digit number in the bottom-left corner of your check. This guide shows how to read every number on a check, how to tell routing and account numbers apart, and how to find your routing number when you don't have a checkbook.
Send us your question and we may cover it in our next guide.
