Yes, you can send money from Chime to someone else's bank account
Chime lets you move money out to another person's bank account through a feature called Chime Transfer. The money lands in their account at their bank, not in Chime. You need their routing number and account number, and the transfer typically takes one to three business days. There is no fee from Chime for this service.
This is different from sending money to another Chime user (which is instant and free through Chime's peer-to-peer feature). If the person you are sending to does not use Chime, you use Chime Transfer instead.
Key Takeaways
- Chime Transfer sends money from your Chime account to any U.S. bank account and takes one to three business days.
- You need the recipient's routing number and account number, which you can find on a check, bank statement, or by asking their bank.
- Chime charges no fee for transfers, but the receiving bank may charge a deposit fee (rare, but possible).
- Weekend and holiday transfers process on the next business day, so plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date.
- If you send money to the wrong account by mistake, contact Chime immediately; recovery depends on whether the receiving bank can reverse it.
How to set up a Chime Transfer
Open the Chime app and tap the send or transfer button (exact wording varies by app version). Select "Transfer to Bank" or "Send to Bank Account." Enter the recipient's full name, routing number, and account number. Double-check both numbers before confirming—a single digit wrong sends the money to the wrong account.
Chime will ask you to confirm the recipient's name matches what the receiving bank has on file. This check catches some errors but not all. After you confirm, enter the amount and choose the date you want the transfer to go out. You can schedule transfers up to 30 days in advance.
Once you hit send, the transfer is locked in. You cannot cancel it after that point, so verify everything before you confirm.
Where to find routing and account numbers
The easiest source is a check from the recipient's bank account. The routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left; the account number follows it. If they do not have checks, ask them to log into their online banking and look at account details—most banks display both numbers there.
You can also call the recipient's bank directly and ask for the routing number. Have the recipient's name and account number ready. The bank will verify their identity before giving you the routing number, so the recipient may need to be on the call or authorize it in advance.
How long the transfer takes
Chime processes the transfer the same day you send it (if you send before the cutoff time, usually 5 p.m. Eastern). The receiving bank then has one to three business days to deposit the money into the recipient's account. Most transfers land within two business days, but some take the full three.
Transfers sent on weekends or federal holidays do not process until the next business day. If you send money on Friday evening, it will not leave Chime until Monday, and the receiving bank will not receive it until Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest.
If the recipient's bank is small or regional, processing may take longer than three days. Ask the recipient to check with their bank if the money has not arrived after three business days.
What happens if you send money to the wrong account
Contact Chime support immediately through the app or by phone. Chime can see where the money went and may be able to ask the receiving bank to reverse it, but success depends on whether that bank will cooperate. Some banks reverse transfers quickly; others refuse or take weeks.
If the receiving bank will not reverse the transfer, you will need to contact the recipient directly and ask them to send the money back. If you do not know the recipient or they refuse, you have limited legal recourse. This is why verifying the account number before sending is critical.
Chime does not charge you a fee to attempt a reversal, but they also cannot force another bank to return the money. The outcome is in the receiving bank's hands.
Fees and limits
Chime charges no fee to transfer money to another bank account. The receiving bank may charge a deposit fee, but this is uncommon in the United States—most banks accept transfers for free.
Chime does not publish a daily or monthly transfer limit in its standard terms, but your account may have limits based on your account type or history. If you are trying to transfer a large amount and the app rejects it, contact Chime support to ask whether a limit applies to your account.
Alternatives if Chime Transfer does not work
If the recipient's bank does not accept ACH transfers (the underlying method Chime uses), Chime Transfer will fail. This is rare but can happen with very small credit unions or international banks. In that case, you can ask the recipient for their Chime account details and send the money peer-to-peer if they have Chime, or use a different payment method like a wire transfer through another bank.
Wire transfers are faster (often same-day) but cost $15 to $30 and require you to have access to a bank that offers them. ACH transfers through Chime are slower but free, so most people use Chime Transfer unless speed is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a savings account or only a checking account?
You can send to either. Chime Transfer works with any U.S. bank account as long as you have the routing and account number. The receiving bank will deposit the money into whichever account you specify.
What if the recipient's name on their bank account does not match exactly?
Chime asks you to confirm the name matches what the bank has on file, but small differences (like a middle initial or nickname) usually do not block the transfer. If the name is very different, Chime may reject it or the receiving bank may hold the transfer for review. Contact Chime support if you are unsure.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
No. Once you confirm the transfer in the Chime app, it cannot be cancelled. This is why you must verify the account number and recipient name before hitting send. If you realize you made a mistake immediately after sending, contact Chime support right away—they may be able to stop it if it has not yet left Chime's system, but this is not may provide.
Do I need to tell the recipient I am sending them money?
It is a good idea to let them know the transfer is coming and when to expect it, especially if they do not recognize your name or if the amount is large. This prevents confusion and gives them a heads-up to watch for the deposit.
What if the transfer fails?
Chime will notify you in the app if a transfer fails. Common reasons are an incorrect routing or account number, a closed account, or the receiving bank rejecting the transfer for fraud reasons. Check the error message, verify the account details, and try again. If it fails a second time, contact Chime support or ask the recipient to confirm their information with their bank.