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Side-by-side

American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa from Chime at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,500 more in estimated value) than the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedChime Credit Builder Secured Visa
Annual fee$295$0
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash backNone
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$0
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressChime
Card categorybusinesssecured
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
      $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
      Read the full review
      Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa
      $0/yr · None

      Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

      Editorial take: Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa?
      The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus None (~$0) on the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa.
      Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa?
      At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
      Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa?
      Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Chime) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
      Should I get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 spend in 6 months. Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa: $0 in 0 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

      Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.