Yes, you can transfer money from Chime to a bank account
Chime lets you send money to an external bank account using their built-in transfer feature. The transfer goes to the account you link in the Chime app, and the money arrives in 1 to 3 business days. You can transfer as much as you want, but Chime may flag unusually large transfers for review.
The process is straightforward: you add the receiving bank account's routing and account numbers in the Chime app, confirm the transfer amount, and submit. Chime verifies the account with two small deposits (usually within 24 hours), and once confirmed, future transfers are instant or next-business-day depending on the receiving bank.
Key Takeaways
- You link an external bank account in the Chime app using its routing number and account number, then Chime verifies it with two small test deposits.
- Transfers from Chime to a linked bank account take 1 to 3 business days, though some receiving banks process them faster.
- There is no fee to transfer money from Chime to another bank account, and you can transfer any amount.
- If your transfer does not arrive on time, check that you entered the correct routing and account numbers, and contact your receiving bank to confirm they received the request.
How to link a bank account in the Chime app
Open the Chime app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select "Transfers" or "Move Money," then choose "Add Bank Account." You will be asked for the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. Both numbers appear on a check, or you can find them on your bank's website or by calling the bank's customer service line.
After you enter the numbers, Chime sends two small deposits (usually $0.01 to $0.99 each) to the account. These deposits arrive within 24 hours. Once they land, go back into the Chime app, select the account, and enter the two deposit amounts to confirm you own that account. After confirmation, the account is linked and ready to use.
Keep the account linked as long as you plan to transfer money to it. You can link multiple bank accounts and choose which one to send money to each time you transfer.
How long transfers take and when the money arrives
Chime processes your transfer request immediately, but the money reaches your bank account in 1 to 3 business days. The exact timing depends on your receiving bank's processing speed. Some banks, especially larger ones, post transfers the next business day. Smaller regional banks or credit unions may take the full 3 days.
Transfers initiated on a Friday or weekend are processed on the next business day (Monday), so the money may not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday. If you need money urgently, ask your receiving bank whether they offer faster processing for incoming transfers—some do, though it is not may provide.
If a transfer does not arrive within 3 business days, log into the Chime app and check the transfer status. If it shows as completed on Chime's end, contact your receiving bank and provide them with the transfer date and amount. They can trace the transfer and tell you where it is.
Fees and transfer limits
Chime does not charge a fee to transfer money to an external bank account. The transfer is free regardless of the amount or how often you do it.
Chime does not publish a hard limit on how much you can transfer in a single transaction, but very large transfers (generally $5,000 or more) may trigger a review for fraud prevention. If your transfer is flagged, Chime will contact you to confirm it is legitimate. Once confirmed, the transfer proceeds normally.
Your receiving bank may have its own limits on incoming transfers, so check with them if you are moving a large sum. Some banks cap daily incoming transfers or require advance notice for amounts over a certain threshold.
What to do if a transfer fails or the money does not arrive
A transfer can fail if you entered the routing or account number incorrectly, if the receiving account is closed, or if there is a mismatch between the account number and the account holder's name. When a transfer fails, Chime notifies you in the app and the money returns to your Chime account within 1 to 3 business days.
If the transfer shows as completed in the Chime app but the money has not appeared in your bank account after 3 business days, the receiving bank may be holding it. Contact your bank's customer service with the transfer date, amount, and the routing number Chime used. Ask them to search their incoming transfer queue and confirm whether they received it. If they did receive it, ask why it has not posted and when it will.
If your bank says they never received the transfer, ask Chime to investigate. You can contact Chime through the app's support feature or by calling their customer service line. Provide the transfer confirmation number (visible in the app's transaction history) and the date you initiated it. Chime will trace the transfer through the banking system.
Transferring money back to Chime from another bank
If you need to move money in the opposite direction—from your external bank account back into Chime—you can set up an incoming transfer. In the Chime app, go to "Transfers" and select "Receive Money" or "Add External Account as Source." Chime will give you its routing number and your Chime account number. You then log into your other bank's app or website and initiate an outgoing transfer to Chime using those numbers.
Incoming transfers from external banks typically take 1 to 3 business days as well. Some banks process them faster if you use their mobile app instead of their website. Once the money lands in your Chime account, it is available to spend immediately.
Alternatives if you cannot link a bank account
If the bank account you want to transfer to will not verify (the test deposits did not arrive or the confirmation failed), try unlinking it and adding it again. Make sure you have the correct routing number—many banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the branch or service type.
If the account belongs to a very small credit union or a bank outside the United States, Chime may not be able to link it. In that case, you can withdraw cash from an ATM using your Chime debit card and deposit it into the other account in person. Chime is part of the MoneyLion ATM network and the Allpoint network, which together cover over 60,000 ATMs nationwide.
Another option is to use a third-party money transfer service like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash if the receiving account holder is a person rather than a business. These services have their own fees and timelines, so compare them against the free Chime transfer before choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Chime to a credit card?
No. Chime transfers only work with bank accounts and savings accounts. You cannot transfer directly to a credit card. If you need to pay a credit card bill, transfer the money to your bank account first, then pay the credit card from there.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
The transfer will fail during the verification step (when Chime sends the two test deposits) or it will go to the wrong account. If it fails, the money returns to Chime within 1 to 3 business days. If it goes to the wrong account, contact Chime immediately with the transfer confirmation number. They can attempt to recover the funds, but success depends on whether the receiving bank cooperates.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
If you cancel within a few minutes of initiating the transfer, Chime may be able to stop it. Once the transfer has left Chime's system (usually within an hour), you cannot cancel it. Contact Chime support immediately if you need to cancel, and provide the transfer confirmation number.
Do I need to verify my identity to transfer money?
Chime verifies your identity when you open the account, not each time you transfer. If you are transferring a very large amount, Chime may ask you to confirm the transfer is legitimate, but this is a one-time check for that transaction, not an ongoing requirement.
Can I set up automatic recurring transfers?
Chime does not offer automatic recurring transfers built into the app. You must initiate each transfer manually. If you want to move money regularly, set a reminder on your phone or calendar to transfer on the same day each week or month.