Chime vs Nubank
Business model, scale, and a side-by-side Litmus framework score — which model wins, and for whom.
Both serve the underbanked, but Nubank lends for high margin while Chime leans almost entirely on US debit interchange.
At a glance
| Metric | Chime | Nubank |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $2.19B (FY2025, +31%) | $5B+ quarterly revenue (Q1 2026, first time over $5B) |
| Profit | $127M adjusted EBITDA (6% margin) | $871M net income (Q1 2026, +41% YoY) |
| Active users | 9.5M active members | 135M+ customers (83% activity rate) |
| Employees | ~1,500 | ~8,000+ |
| Founded | 2012 | 2013 |
| HQ | San Francisco, USA | São Paulo, Brazil |
LLitmus Framework Score
Overall: Chime 83 · Nubank 91
Customer Segment
90
96
Value Proposition
92
95
Marketing Channel
78
94
Engagement
85
92
Income Source
80
93
Asset Validation
84
94
Core Operations
82
88
Strategic Alliance
85
80
Expense Validation
75
90
Chime leads 1 module, Nubank leads 8. Overall edge: Nubank.
Head to head
| Dimension | Chime | Nubank |
|---|---|---|
| Market | US (underbanked) | Latin America (underbanked) |
| Primary revenue | Debit interchange (~1.5%/swipe) | Lending net interest income (~55%) |
| Members | 9.5M active | 135M+ |
| Profitability | Adj. EBITDA positive; GAAP guided 2026 | Profitable, 29% ROE |
FAQ
Is Chime or Nubank a better business?
Both serve the underbanked, but Nubank lends for high margin while Chime leans almost entirely on US debit interchange. It depends on what you optimise for — see the module-by-module breakdown above.
What is the difference between Chime and Nubank's business model?
Chime operates in Fintech (Banking that has your back), while Nubank is Fintech (We want to fight complexity to empower people). Their revenue, scale and Litmus scores are compared in detail above.
Which is more profitable, Chime or Nubank?
Chime: $127M adjusted EBITDA (6% margin). Nubank: $871M net income (Q1 2026, +41% YoY).