Chime rang out a banner year in US downloads

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Chime was the most downloaded US mobile banking app in 2021, with 12.8 million downloads, up 16% from 2020. Other neobanks had a huge year as well: Current posted 67% growth in downloads, and Varo skyrocketed to 10th place with a 529% increase. That said, traditional banks took the rest of the top five positions.

Beyond the chart: The top half of the list was virtually unchanged from 2020. Capital One overtook Chase to claim the No. 2 spot, while Bank of America and Wells Fargo held onto fourth and fifth place, respectively. But as consumers seek lower fees and streamlined technology, interest in digital-only banks will continue to mount, threatening a shake-up among the most popular banking apps in years to come.

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