You cannot add a joint owner or authorized user to a Chime account
Chime does not offer joint accounts or the ability to add another person as an authorized user on your existing account. Each Chime account is individual — it belongs to one person only, and only that person can access it, make transfers, or manage the funds.
If you need to share money with someone or give them access to funds, you have other options through Chime, but they do not involve adding them to your account. The most common route is to send money directly to another person using Chime's peer-to-peer transfer feature, or to open a separate account for them.
Key Takeaways
- Chime accounts cannot have joint owners or authorized users — each account is tied to one person only.
- You can send money to another person instantly using Chime's peer-to-peer transfer feature if they have a Chime account or a bank account at another institution.
- If you want to give someone regular access to shared funds, opening a separate Chime account for that purpose is an option, though you would manage it separately.
- Chime does not offer custodial or minor accounts, so you cannot open an account on behalf of someone under 18.
Sending money to another person through Chime
The fastest way to share money with someone is to transfer it directly from your Chime account to theirs. If the other person has a Chime account, the transfer is instant and free. You can send money through the Chime app by selecting the person from your contacts or entering their Chime username or phone number.
If the other person does not have a Chime account, you can still send money to their bank account at another bank using Chime's transfer feature. This takes one to three business days and is also free. You will need their routing number and account number, or you can use their debit card number in some cases.
Transfers through Chime are one-way — you send money, but the recipient does not get access to your account or any of your other funds. This is different from a joint account, where both people can deposit and withdraw from the same pool of money.
What to do if you need to share ongoing access to money
If you regularly need to share money with someone — for example, a household expense fund or money for a family member — you have a few options, none of which involve adding them to your account.
One approach is to open a separate Chime account specifically for shared expenses. You would deposit money into that account, and the other person would have their own separate account. You could then transfer money to them as needed, or they could request money from you through Chime's peer-to-peer feature. This keeps shared money separate from your personal account.
Another approach is to use a third-party app or service designed for splitting expenses, such as Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash. These apps let multiple people contribute to and track shared spending, though they operate outside your Chime account.
Why Chime does not offer joint accounts
Chime is a mobile-first bank designed around individual accounts and fast peer-to-peer transfers. The company has chosen not to build joint account features, which means it does not support multiple owners on a single account. This is a business decision, not a technical limitation — many online banks do offer joint accounts, but Chime does not.
If you need a joint account, you would need to open one at a different bank. Traditional banks and some online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and others offer joint checking and savings accounts where two people can both deposit and withdraw money.
Adding a dependent or minor to your account
Chime does not offer custodial accounts or accounts for minors. You cannot open an account on behalf of someone under 18, and you cannot add a child or dependent to your existing account as an authorized user.
If you want to give a young person their own account, they would need to meet Chime's age requirements and open their own account. Chime's current policy requires account holders to be at least 18 years old. Some other banks and fintech companies offer teen or youth accounts with parental controls, but Chime does not.
How to send money to someone without a bank account
If the person you want to send money to does not have a bank account or a Chime account, you have limited options through Chime itself. Chime's transfer feature requires either a Chime account or a bank account at another institution.
In that case, you could use a money transfer service like Western Union, MoneyGram, or Walmart-to-Walmart transfers, which allow you to send cash that the recipient can pick up in person. These services charge a fee and are slower than Chime transfers, but they work if the recipient has no bank account. You would initiate the transfer outside of Chime, using the service's app or website.
What happens if someone else tries to access your Chime account
Only you can access your Chime account. If someone else knows your login credentials or has your debit card, they could access your account or spend your money, but Chime does not recognize them as an authorized user or account owner.
If someone unauthorized accesses your account or uses your card without permission, report it to Chime immediately through the app or by calling customer service. Chime offers fraud protection and can dispute unauthorized transactions, though the timeline and outcome depend on how quickly you report it and the details of the transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give someone else my Chime debit card to use?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. If you give someone your physical debit card, they can spend money from your account, but Chime does not recognize them as an authorized user. If they misuse the card or lose it, you are responsible. It is safer to transfer money to their account instead.
Can I set up automatic transfers to someone else's account?
Chime does not have a built-in recurring transfer feature for sending money to another person. You would need to initiate each transfer manually through the app. Some other banks and apps like Venmo or PayPal offer automatic or scheduled transfers if that is what you need.
What if I want to split rent or bills with a roommate?
You can send money to your roommate's Chime account or bank account after you pay the full amount, or they can request money from you through Chime's peer-to-peer feature. Alternatively, you could use an app like Venmo or Splitwise that is designed specifically for splitting shared expenses.
Can someone else open a Chime account in my name?
No. Chime requires identity verification during signup, so the person opening the account must be the person whose name and Social Security number are used. If someone opens an account using your information without your permission, that is fraud — report it to Chime and the Federal Trade Commission immediately.
Does Chime offer power of attorney or account management for someone else?
No. Chime does not offer power of attorney, guardianship, or any legal arrangement that would let one person manage another person's account. If you need to manage someone else's finances due to age, illness, or incapacity, you would need to work with a lawyer and a bank that offers those services.