Closing your Chime account takes about 10 minutes and requires you to move your money out first
To close a Chime account, you log into the app or website, transfer any remaining balance to another bank account, and then request account closure through the settings menu. Chime will confirm the closure within a few business days. The process itself is straightforward, but the timing matters—you need to empty the account before you close it, and you should plan for a small window where transactions might still process.
Before you start, make sure you have moved your direct deposits elsewhere. If your employer or a government agency is still sending money to your Chime account, those deposits will bounce or be returned. Update your direct deposit information with your employer, the Social Security Administration, or whoever sends you regular payments at least a week before you close the account.
Key Takeaways
- Transfer all money out of your Chime account to another bank before requesting closure, because you cannot close an account with a balance.
- Update your direct deposit with your employer or benefits provider before closing, or future payments will fail and be returned.
- Request closure through the Chime app or website under account settings; Chime will send a confirmation email within a few business days.
- After closure is confirmed, any pending transactions may still post for up to 10 business days, so monitor your account briefly after the closure request.
- If you have an outstanding balance or owe Chime fees, the company may refuse to close the account until the debt is paid.
How to transfer money out of your Chime account
Open the Chime app or go to chime.com and log in. Tap or click the account balance at the top of the screen to see your full balance. If you have money in both a checking and savings account with Chime, you will see both balances listed separately.
To move money out, you have three options: transfer to another bank account you own, request a check, or withdraw cash at an ATM. The fastest method is a transfer to another bank account. In the app, go to Transfers, select the account you want to transfer from, enter the amount, and choose the destination bank account. If you have not linked another bank account yet, you can add one during this step by providing the routing number and account number. Transfers typically arrive within one to three business days.
If you do not have another bank account, you can request a check through the app. Chime will mail it to the address on file, which takes five to seven business days. You can also withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts Chime cards—there is no fee at MoneyLion ATMs or most other networks, though some ATMs may charge a small surcharge.
Requesting account closure through the app or website
Once your account balance is zero, open the Chime app and go to Settings. Scroll down and tap Account. Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Closure." If you are using the website, log in, click your profile icon in the top right, select Settings, and then Account. The closure option should appear near the bottom of the account settings page.
Chime will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why you are leaving. You do not have to answer the survey question, but Chime uses the feedback to improve the service. After you confirm, you will see a message saying your closure request has been submitted. Chime will send a confirmation email to the address on file within one to three business days.
If the closure option does not appear, your account may still have a balance, an outstanding fee, or a pending transaction. Go back to your account balance and make sure it shows zero. If it does and the option is still missing, contact Chime support through the app or call 1-844-244-6363.
What happens to pending transactions after you request closure
Even after you request closure, transactions that were already in process may still post to your account for up to 10 business days. This includes debit card charges, ACH transfers, and bill payments that were scheduled before you submitted the closure request. If a transaction posts after you close the account, Chime will typically reject it and return the money to the sender.
To avoid confusion, cancel any recurring bill payments or subscriptions that charge your Chime card before you request closure. Log into each service (streaming apps, insurance, utilities, etc.) and update the payment method or cancel the subscription. This prevents failed charges and the back-and-forth of refunds.
Handling outstanding balances or fees before closure
If your Chime account has a negative balance—meaning you owe Chime money—the company will not close the account until you pay what you owe. This can happen if you overdraft your account and do not bring it current, or if Chime charged you a fee you did not pay. Check your account statement to see if there are any charges or overdraft amounts listed.
To pay an outstanding balance, transfer money back into your Chime account from another bank account, or deposit cash at a participating retailer. Once the balance is zero or positive, you can proceed with the closure request. If you are unsure whether you owe anything, contact Chime support before attempting to close.
After your account is closed
Once Chime confirms the closure, your account is no longer active. You will not be able to log in, and any debit card associated with the account will stop working. If you have a physical Chime card, you can destroy it or let it expire. Chime does not require you to return it.
Keep your confirmation email for your records. If a transaction posts to the account after closure or if you need proof that the account was closed, you will have documentation. If you ever need to reopen a Chime account in the future, you can do so using the same email address or a different one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Chime account if I still have money in it?
No. You must transfer all money out first. Once your balance is zero, the closure option will appear in your account settings. If you see an error saying you cannot close the account, check that the balance truly shows zero and that there are no pending transactions.
What happens to my direct deposit if I close my Chime account?
Future direct deposits will be rejected and returned to the sender. Update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefits provider at least one week before you close the account. If a deposit bounces after closure, contact the sender to resubmit it to your new bank account.
How long does it take Chime to close my account?
Chime typically confirms closure within one to three business days of your request. You will receive a confirmation email. After that, the account is closed and your card will stop working. Pending transactions may still post for up to 10 days after closure.
Can I reopen my Chime account after I close it?
Yes. You can open a new Chime account at any time using the same email address or a different one. There is no waiting period or penalty for reopening. However, Chime may review your account history before approving a new account if there were issues with the previous one.
What if Chime will not let me close my account?
This usually means your account has a negative balance, an outstanding fee, or a pending transaction. Check your account statement for any charges or overdraft amounts. Pay what you owe, wait for pending transactions to clear, and try again. If the problem persists, contact Chime support at 1-844-244-6363.