You can transfer money from your bank to Chime, but the method depends on whether you're moving money into a Chime checking account or a Chime savings account, and how fast you need it to arrive.

The most common route is to link your bank account to Chime through the Chime app, then initiate an ACH transfer from your bank's website or app. This is free and takes one to three business days. You can also have your employer or a government agency deposit directly into your Chime account if you provide them with your Chime routing and account numbers. A third option—slower but sometimes necessary—is to visit a MoneyLion ATM or a partner retail location and deposit cash, which then moves into your Chime account.

The fastest method is direct deposit, which arrives the same day or next business day depending on when your employer or payer processes it. If you need money urgently and can't wait for ACH, you may be able to use a debit card cash advance or a peer-to-peer transfer app, though these often carry fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Link your bank account to Chime through the app, then transfer money via ACH from your bank's website—this is free and takes one to three business days.
  • Direct deposit from your employer or a government agency is the fastest method and arrives within one business day in most cases.
  • You can deposit cash at a MoneyLion ATM or a Chime partner retail location, though this method is slower and may carry a small fee depending on the location.
  • Chime does not charge a fee to receive transfers, but your bank may charge a fee to send an ACH transfer if you're not a premium member.
  • Once linked, your bank account stays connected to Chime, so you can transfer money back and forth without re-entering details each time.

Linking Your Bank Account to Chime

Open the Chime app and go to the Money Movement or Transfers section. Select "Link Bank Account" and enter your bank's name or routing number. Chime will ask for your online banking username and password, or it will redirect you to your bank's login page. This is called OAuth authentication, and it lets Chime verify your account without storing your password.

After you log in, Chime will show you the accounts available at your bank. Select the checking or savings account you want to transfer from. Chime will then verify the account by sending two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account. Check your bank statement in one to two business days, find those deposit amounts, and enter them into the Chime app to confirm the link. Once confirmed, you can transfer money immediately.

If your bank doesn't support OAuth or you prefer not to use it, Chime offers manual verification. You'll enter your account and routing number by hand, and Chime will verify it the same way—by sending two small test deposits. This takes slightly longer but is equally secure.

Transferring Money via ACH

Once your bank account is linked, you have two ways to move money: initiate the transfer from Chime, or initiate it from your bank. Both are ACH transfers and both are free.

From the Chime app: Go to Money Movement, select "Transfer In," choose your linked bank account, enter the amount, and confirm. The money will arrive in one to three business days. Chime will show you the expected arrival date before you submit.

From your bank's app or website: Log into your bank, find the transfer or bill pay section, and add Chime as an external account. You'll need your Chime routing number (004913871 for most Chime accounts) and your Chime account number, which you can find in the Chime app under Account Details. Enter the amount and schedule the transfer. Your bank will process it as an outgoing ACH transfer, and it will land in your Chime account in one to three business days.

The timing depends on when you initiate the transfer and whether it's a business day. Transfers submitted on a Friday evening may not arrive until Tuesday. Chime does not charge a fee to receive the money, but your bank may charge you a fee if you're not a premium member or if you exceed a monthly transfer limit.

Using Direct Deposit for Faster Transfers

If the money coming in is a paycheck, tax refund, or government benefit, direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable method. You won't need to link your bank account or initiate a transfer yourself.

Ask your employer, the IRS, Social Security, or whoever is sending the money to deposit it directly into your Chime account. Provide them with your Chime routing number (004913871) and your Chime account number. Most employers and government agencies accept this information and will set up the deposit in their payroll or benefits system.

Direct deposits typically arrive on the scheduled payment date or the next business day. Some employers offer early direct deposit, which means the money lands one or two business days before payday. Chime advertises early direct deposit as a feature, so if your employer supports it, you may see the money arrive sooner than you would with a traditional bank.

Depositing Cash at ATMs and Retail Locations

If you have cash and want to move it into your Chime account without going through your bank, you can deposit it at a MoneyLion ATM or a Chime partner retail location. MoneyLion ATMs are located in grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail chains across the United States.

To deposit cash at a MoneyLion ATM, insert your Chime debit card, select "Deposit," enter the amount, and insert your cash. The ATM will count it and confirm the deposit. The money will appear in your Chime account within one business day, though it sometimes arrives the same day if you deposit before 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Some Chime partner retail locations, such as certain Walmart and CVS stores, also accept cash deposits. Walk into the store, go to the customer service desk, and ask to deposit cash into your Chime account. You'll need your Chime debit card. The fee and timing vary by location, but most deposits arrive within one business day. Check the Chime app's ATM locator to see which locations near you accept deposits.

What Happens If Your Transfer Fails or Is Delayed

If you initiate an ACH transfer and it doesn't arrive within three business days, log into the Chime app and check the status under Money Movement or Transfers. Chime will show you whether the transfer is pending, completed, or failed. If it failed, Chime will usually tell you why—common reasons include a mismatched account number, insufficient funds at your bank, or a frozen account.

If the transfer failed because of incorrect account information, you'll need to correct it and try again. If it failed because your bank account doesn't have enough money, wait until funds are available and resubmit. If your bank account is frozen or restricted, contact your bank to resolve the issue before attempting another transfer.

If a transfer is stuck in pending status after three business days, contact Chime support through the app. Provide them with the transfer date, amount, and the name of your bank. Chime can investigate on their end and may be able to trace the transfer or issue a refund if the money was lost in transit. Your bank can also investigate from their side, so contact them as well if Chime's investigation doesn't resolve it.

Fees and Limits on Incoming Transfers

Chime does not charge you a fee to receive money via ACH transfer, direct deposit, or cash deposit. However, your bank may charge you a fee to send an ACH transfer if you're not a premium member or if you exceed your monthly transfer limit. Check your bank's fee schedule or contact them to confirm.

Chime does not publicly state a maximum transfer amount, but ACH transfers are subject to federal limits that vary by bank. Most banks allow transfers of $10,000 or more per day, though some cap daily transfers at $5,000 or $25,000. If you're transferring a large amount, check with your bank first to make sure it won't be rejected or delayed.

There is no limit to how many transfers you can receive into your Chime account. You can link multiple bank accounts and transfer from each one, or receive multiple direct deposits from different employers or agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to link my bank account to Chime?

If you use OAuth (logging in through your bank's website), the link is instant. If Chime sends you two small test deposits, it takes one to two business days for those deposits to appear in your bank account, and then a few minutes for you to verify them in the Chime app. Once verified, transfers can begin immediately.

Can I transfer money from a savings account at my bank to my Chime checking account?

Yes. Link your savings account to Chime the same way you would link a checking account. The transfer process is identical, and it takes one to three business days. Your bank may charge a fee if you exceed your monthly savings withdrawal limit, so check your account agreement.

What if my bank doesn't show up when I search for it in the Chime app?

Select "Can't find your bank?" and choose the manual verification option. Enter your routing number and account number by hand. Chime will send two small test deposits to verify the account, which takes one to two business days. This works for nearly all banks, including credit unions and smaller regional banks.

Can I set up automatic recurring transfers from my bank to Chime?

You can set up recurring transfers through your bank's bill pay or transfer system, but Chime's app does not offer a built-in recurring transfer feature. If you want money to move automatically every week or month, initiate the transfer from your bank's app instead, and schedule it to repeat on your preferred date.

Is it safe to link my bank account to Chime?

Yes. Chime uses OAuth authentication, which means you log into your bank's website directly—Chime never sees your password. Your bank verifies the connection, and Chime only receives permission to initiate transfers. This is the same method used by other financial apps like Mint and PayPal.