Connect your external bank account in the Chime app in three steps

To link an external bank account to Chime, open the Chime mobile app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), select "Banking," then "Link Bank Account." Enter your bank's name, your login credentials for that bank, and Chime will verify the connection. The whole process takes about five minutes, and your account is usually ready to use within one business day.

You link an external account so you can move money between Chime and another bank without waiting for ACH transfers to clear, or so you can set up direct deposit from your employer to a different account. Chime also uses linked accounts to verify your identity when you first open your account or when you change security settings.

Key Takeaways

  • You enter your external bank's login credentials directly into Chime, which uses Plaid (a third-party service) to verify the connection securely without storing your password.
  • Chime supports linking to most U.S. banks, credit unions, and online banks, but some smaller institutions or credit unions may not be available through Plaid.
  • Once linked, you can transfer money between your Chime account and the external account, though transfers initiated from Chime usually take one to three business days.
  • If your bank is not showing up in the list, you can manually enter your account and routing number instead, though this method takes longer to verify.

What happens when you enter your bank credentials

When you tap "Link Bank Account" and search for your bank, Chime redirects you to Plaid, a third-party service that connects financial apps to banks. You log into your external bank account through Plaid's secure portal, not through Chime itself. Plaid verifies that the account exists and that you own it, then reports back to Chime that the link is valid. Chime never sees or stores your bank password.

This verification usually completes instantly, but some banks take longer. If your bank requires additional security steps—like answering security questions or confirming a code sent to your phone—you complete those through Plaid before the link is confirmed. Once Plaid confirms the connection, you return to the Chime app and the account appears in your linked accounts list.

Banks and credit unions that work with Chime

Chime can link to most major U.S. banks, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and most online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover. Most credit unions also work, though some smaller or regional credit unions may not be available through Plaid.

If you search for your bank and it does not appear in the list, you have two options. First, try searching by the parent company name if your bank is a subsidiary—for example, searching "PNC" if you bank with PNC's subsidiary. Second, you can add the account manually by entering your account number and routing number instead. Manual verification takes longer because Chime has to confirm the account through small test deposits, which can take three to five business days.

How to transfer money after linking

Once your external account is linked, you can move money between Chime and that account through the Chime app. Tap the menu icon, select "Banking," then "Transfer Money." Choose whether you are sending money out of Chime or receiving it into Chime, select the linked account, enter the amount, and confirm. Transfers initiated from Chime to an external account usually take one to three business days because they move through the ACH network.

Transfers from your external bank into Chime may be faster if your bank offers real-time payments or Zelle, but most standard transfers still take one to three business days. Chime does not charge a fee for transfers to or from linked accounts. If you need money faster, you can use your Chime debit card to withdraw cash at ATMs or make purchases directly.

Unlinking an account or updating credentials

If you want to remove a linked account, open the Chime app, go to "Banking," find the account in your linked accounts list, and tap the three-dot menu next to it. Select "Remove" or "Unlink." The account is removed immediately, and you can no longer transfer money to or from it through Chime.

If your password changes at your external bank, you do not need to relink the account. Chime stores only the verification that the account is yours, not your password. However, if Chime ever needs to re-verify the account—for example, if you change your Chime security settings or if Chime detects unusual activity—you may be asked to log in to your external bank again through Plaid.

What to do if linking fails

If Chime cannot find your bank or the link fails, first check that you are entering your credentials correctly. If your bank requires a username and password, make sure you are using the same login you use on your bank's website or app, not just your account number. Some banks use different credentials for their mobile app than their website.

If you are still having trouble, try the manual account entry option: enter your account number and routing number instead of logging in through Plaid. Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check, or you can find it on your bank's website. Manual verification takes longer but works for almost every U.S. bank. If manual entry also fails, contact Chime support through the app—they can sometimes link the account on your behalf or troubleshoot why your bank is not connecting.

Security and what Chime can see

Linking an account does not give Chime access to your external bank account's balance, transaction history, or any information beyond what you explicitly authorize. Chime can only see that the account is real and that you own it. Chime cannot withdraw money without your permission, cannot see your other linked accounts at that bank, and cannot access any savings or investment accounts you hold there.

The connection is encrypted, and Plaid is required to follow the same security standards as banks. Your external bank password is never shared with Chime and is never stored anywhere. If you are concerned about security, you can change your external bank password after linking without affecting the Chime connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link multiple bank accounts to Chime?

Yes. You can link as many external accounts as you want. Each one appears in your linked accounts list, and you can transfer to or from any of them. This is useful if you have accounts at multiple banks or if you want to move money between a checking and savings account at the same bank.

Does linking a bank account cost money?

No. Linking an account is free, and transfers between Chime and linked accounts are free. Chime does not charge a fee for moving money out or in. Your external bank may charge a fee for incoming transfers if they charge for ACH deposits, but most do not.

What if I forget my external bank password after linking?

Forgetting your password does not affect the Chime link. You can reset your password at your bank's website or app without touching Chime. The connection stays active because Chime stores only the verification, not your password. If you change your password, you do not need to relink.

Can I link a savings account or money market account?

Yes, as long as it is a deposit account at a U.S. bank or credit union. You can link savings accounts, money market accounts, and checking accounts. You cannot link investment accounts, brokerage accounts, or credit card accounts—only accounts that hold cash deposits.

How long does it take to transfer money to a linked account?

Transfers from Chime to an external account usually take one to three business days. Transfers from your external bank into Chime also take one to three business days unless your bank offers real-time payments. Weekends and bank holidays can add time to the transfer window.