# Expanding Stimulus Advance Programs Chime's Program Provides Early Access to Stimulus Funds By Kalin Ned | Published 2020-05-05 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/early-access-to-stimulus-fund References: [americanbanker](https://www.americanbanker.com/news/chime-expands-coronavirus-stimulus-check-advances-to-100-000-customers) & [chime](https://www.chime.com) For many, early access to stimulus funds can be crucial for avoiding personal or business-related bankruptcy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Fintech firm [Chime](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/financial-progress-month) recognized this pressure by launching a service that "offered 1,000 existing customers early access to their $1,200 in stimulus money from the government." One week of running this service and the demand suggested that the program should be expanded. As a result, Chime opened up the early access to stimulus funds to 100,000 clients, with a limit of advances to $200 per person. Chime is considered to be the only fintech company to provide a service such as this. Individuals can access this money free of charge and through platforms like [PayPal](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visa) and [Square](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/square). Image Credit: Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Early Access to Stimulus Funds:** The trend of providing customers with early access to stimulus funds can help businesses alleviate financial pressures during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. - **Expansion of Stimulus Advance Programs:** The expansion of programs that offer early access to stimulus funds allows for greater financial support to individuals and businesses in need. - **Fintech Solutions for Financial Relief:** Fintech companies like Chime are leveraging technology to provide innovative solutions for financial relief, such as early access to stimulus funds. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Financial Technology (fintech):** The fintech industry can explore opportunities to develop more advanced and inclusive platforms for customers to access stimulus funds in a timely manner. - **Payment Processing:** Payment processing companies like PayPal and Square can explore partnerships and features that enable their customers to access stimulus funds early. - **Consumer Banking:** Consumer banking institutions can consider implementing similar early access programs for stimulus funds to provide relief and attract new customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Early Wage Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tapcheck.md) - [Financial Coloring Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/financial-progress-month.md) - [Financial Literacy Board Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gamified-financial-literacy.md) - [App-Based Employee Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instant-financial-1.md) - [Credit-Consolidating Finance Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/credit-finance-app.md) - [Expanded Cross-Border Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visa.md) - [Low Income-Targeted Payroll Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/b9.md) - [African Digital Wallet Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/union54.md) - [Fintech Savings Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/savings-center.md)