Yes, you can link Chime to another bank account

Chime lets you connect an external bank account in two ways: you can transfer money out of Chime to another bank, or you can set up direct deposit from your employer to Chime. You cannot pull money directly from another bank into Chime through the app itself, but you can use your external bank's bill pay or transfer feature to send money to Chime if you need to add funds that way.

The most common reason to link accounts is to move money between Chime and your primary checking account at another bank. This happens through Chime's transfer feature, which connects to the ACH network—the system that moves money between banks electronically.

Key Takeaways

  • Chime can send money to any U.S. bank account via ACH transfer, which typically takes one to two business days.
  • You need the receiving bank's routing number and your account number to set up an outgoing transfer from Chime.
  • Direct deposit to Chime comes from your employer's payroll system, not through the Chime app—you provide Chime's routing and account number to your HR department.
  • Transfers out of Chime are free, but some banks may charge a fee if you receive money into an account they consider a savings account rather than checking.
  • If you want to move money into Chime from another bank, use that bank's bill pay or transfer feature to send it to Chime's account details.

How to transfer money out of Chime to another bank

Open the Chime app, go to the Money section, and select Transfer. Choose "Send Money" and then "To Another Bank." Enter the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. Chime will ask you to verify the account with a small test deposit—the receiving bank will add a tiny amount (usually under $1) to your account within one to two business days, and you'll enter that amount back into the Chime app to confirm the account is yours.

Once verified, you can transfer up to your available Chime balance. The money leaves your Chime account immediately, but it takes one to two business days to land in the other bank. Chime does not charge a fee for outgoing transfers. The receiving bank almost never charges either, but if you're sending to a savings account at a bank that treats savings accounts differently from checking, confirm with that bank first.

Setting up direct deposit to Chime

To receive your paycheck directly into Chime, you don't link accounts through the Chime app. Instead, you give your employer's payroll department Chime's routing number and your Chime account number. Your employer's system then deposits your pay into Chime on your regular pay schedule.

You can find Chime's routing number in the app under Account Details or by calling Chime's support line. Most employers process direct deposit changes within one to two pay periods. Once set up, your paycheck arrives on the same day as it would at any other bank—Chime does not speed up or slow down direct deposit timing.

Moving money into Chime from another bank

Chime does not let you initiate a pull from another bank account through the Chime app. If you need to add money to Chime from your primary bank, use your other bank's bill pay or transfer feature instead. Treat Chime like a bill payee or external account in your primary bank's system, and send money that way.

This route takes the same one to two business days as any other ACH transfer. Some banks limit how much you can transfer in a single transaction or per day, so check your primary bank's transfer limits before you send a large amount. Chime will receive the money without a fee on their end.

What information you need to link accounts

To transfer money out of Chime, you need the receiving bank's nine-digit routing number and your account number at that bank. The routing number is specific to each bank and branch; you can find it on a check, in your bank's app, or by calling the bank directly.

To receive direct deposit into Chime, you need Chime's routing number and your Chime account number. Both appear in the Chime app under Account Details. Some employers also ask for the account type (checking), which is checking for all Chime accounts.

Timing and when money actually arrives

ACH transfers between Chime and other banks take one to two business days. Money leaves your Chime account immediately when you initiate the transfer, but it does not land in the receiving account until the ACH network processes it. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday evening may not arrive until Tuesday.

Direct deposit timing depends on your employer's payroll schedule, not on Chime. If your employer pays on Fridays, your money arrives on Friday—Chime does not hold or delay deposits. Some employers offer early direct deposit, which deposits pay one or two days before the official payday; Chime supports this if your employer offers it.

What happens if a transfer fails or takes too long

If you enter an incorrect routing number or account number, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank and returned to Chime within one to two business days. Chime will notify you in the app, and the money goes back to your Chime balance. You can then correct the account details and try again.

If a transfer seems stuck after three business days, contact Chime support through the app. Provide the date, amount, and receiving account details. Chime can check the status with the receiving bank and, if the money was lost in transit, file a trace to recover it. This process usually takes five to ten business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link my Chime account to multiple banks?

Yes. You can set up transfers to as many external bank accounts as you need. Each one requires verification the first time, but after that you can transfer to any of them. You can also receive direct deposit from one employer into Chime while maintaining accounts at other banks.

Does Chime charge a fee to transfer money out?

No. Chime does not charge for outgoing ACH transfers. The receiving bank almost never charges either, though some banks may charge a small fee if you're depositing into a savings account they classify differently. Check with your receiving bank if you're unsure.

What's the maximum amount I can transfer out of Chime?

You can transfer up to your available Chime balance in a single transaction. Chime does not set a daily or monthly limit on transfers. Your receiving bank may have its own limits on how much it accepts in one deposit, so confirm with them if you're moving a large amount.

Can I set up automatic recurring transfers from Chime?

Chime does not offer automatic recurring transfers through the app. You can set up a recurring transfer through your other bank's bill pay feature if you treat Chime as a payee, but you cannot schedule repeating transfers directly in Chime.

What if my employer needs my account number but I don't have a Chime debit card yet?

You can set up direct deposit without a debit card. Your account number and routing number exist as soon as your Chime account is open. Find them in the app under Account Details and give them to your employer's payroll department. Your paycheck will deposit normally once payroll processes the change.