Chime does not accept incoming wire transfers to your Chime account
Chime's checking and savings accounts cannot receive wire transfers from other banks or people. If someone tries to send you money by wire, it will be rejected. Chime does not maintain the infrastructure required to process incoming wires, and the bank has not built this feature into its service.
You can, however, receive money through other methods that Chime does support: direct deposit, peer-to-peer transfers via the Chime app, ACH transfers from another bank account, or cash deposits at partner retailers. If someone specifically wants to send you a wire, you will need to direct them to use one of these alternatives or ask them to send the money to a different bank account you control.
Outgoing wire transfers from Chime are also not available. You cannot initiate a wire to send money out of your Chime account to another bank or person. This is a significant limitation if wire transfers are part of how you normally move money.
Key Takeaways
- Chime accounts cannot receive incoming wire transfers from any source, and the bank does not offer outgoing wire transfers either.
- If you need to receive a wire, you must use a different bank account or ask the sender to use direct deposit, ACH, or a peer-to-peer app instead.
- Chime's fastest money-movement options are direct deposit, same-day ACH transfers, and peer transfers through the Chime app.
- If you regularly send or receive wires for business or personal reasons, you will need a second bank account at an institution that supports wire transfers.
Why Chime does not offer wire transfers
Wire transfers require banks to maintain compliance systems, fraud monitoring, and direct connections to the Federal Reserve's wire network or SWIFT for international transfers. These systems are expensive to operate and carry regulatory responsibility. Chime, as a mobile-first bank with lower overhead, has chosen not to invest in this infrastructure.
Instead, Chime focuses on the payment methods that its customer base uses most: direct deposit for paychecks, peer transfers for splitting bills or sending money to friends, and ACH transfers for moving money between bank accounts. For most everyday transactions, these methods are faster and cheaper than wires anyway.
If you need wire transfer capability, you will have to maintain an account at a traditional bank or credit union that offers this service. Many people keep a Chime account for daily spending and a second account elsewhere for wires and other specialized transactions.
How to receive money if someone wants to send you a wire
Start by asking the sender whether they can use a different method. Direct deposit is the fastest option if they are your employer—it typically lands in your account within one to two business days and costs nothing. If they are a friend or family member, ask if they can send money through Chime's peer-to-peer feature, which is instant and free within the Chime network.
If the sender has access to your bank account number and routing number, they can send an ACH transfer instead. ACH transfers take one to three business days and are free. You can find your Chime routing number and account number in the app under account settings or on statements.
For international transfers, Chime does not support incoming wires or other international payment methods. If you need to receive money from outside the United States, you will need a bank account that handles international transfers, such as a traditional bank or a service like Wise or OFX.
What to do if you need to send money by wire
Because Chime does not support outgoing wires, you have two options: use a different bank account or find an alternative payment method.
If you need to send a wire for a real estate transaction, business payment, or other situation where a wire is required, you will need to open an account at a bank or credit union that offers wire transfers. Most traditional banks allow you to send domestic wires for a fee of $15 to $30, and international wires for $35 to $50. You can transfer money from Chime to that account via ACH first, then initiate the wire from there.
For smaller amounts or informal transfers, ask the recipient whether they can receive money through a peer-to-peer app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App instead. These apps move money faster than wires for most purposes and charge no fee if you use a linked bank account.
Moving money in and out of Chime without wires
Chime's main money-movement tools are direct deposit, ACH transfers, and peer transfers. Direct deposit is free and typically arrives within one to two business days. ACH transfers from another bank account to Chime are also free and take one to three business days. Peer transfers within Chime are instant and free.
You can also deposit cash at Chime partner retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart using the Chime app. These deposits are usually available within minutes. Chime does not have its own ATM network, but you can withdraw cash for free at over 60,000 ATMs through the MoneyLion and Allpoint networks.
If you need to move money out of Chime to another bank, you can initiate an ACH transfer from the Chime app. This takes one to three business days and is free. You cannot send a wire, but ACH is sufficient for most transfers between personal bank accounts.
When you might need a second bank account
If you send or receive wires regularly—for business payments, real estate transactions, or international transfers—Chime alone is not enough. You will need a checking account at a bank or credit union that supports wire transfers.
Many people use Chime as their primary account for everyday spending and direct deposit, then keep a second account at a traditional bank for wires and other specialized needs. This approach gives you the convenience and low fees of Chime without sacrificing the wire capability you need.
If you are self-employed or run a business, a business checking account at a bank that supports wires is usually necessary. Business accounts typically charge monthly fees but include wire transfer capability as standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive a wire transfer if I give someone my Chime account number?
No. Even with your account number and routing number, incoming wires to Chime accounts are rejected by the bank's system. Chime simply does not process incoming wires. Ask the sender to use direct deposit, ACH, or a peer-to-peer app instead.
What is the fastest way to receive money in Chime if not a wire?
Peer transfers within Chime are instant and free. If the sender is not on Chime, direct deposit from an employer is the next fastest option, typically arriving within one to two business days. ACH transfers from another bank take one to three business days.
Can I use Chime to send money internationally?
No. Chime does not support international wire transfers or other international payment methods. You will need a bank account that handles international transfers, or use a service like Wise or OFX designed for cross-border payments.
Do I have to close Chime if I need wire transfers?
No. You can keep your Chime account for everyday spending and direct deposit, then open a second account at a traditional bank for wire transfers. Many people maintain both accounts for this reason.
Is there a fee to receive money in Chime through ACH or direct deposit?
No. Direct deposit and incoming ACH transfers to Chime are both free. Chime does not charge fees for receiving money through these methods.