You can close your Chime account through the mobile app or by calling customer service, and the process takes a few minutes

To close your Chime account, open the Chime app, go to Settings, select Account, and tap Close Account. You'll be asked to confirm, and Chime will deactivate your account immediately. If you prefer not to use the app, call Chime customer service at 1-844-244-6363 and ask an agent to close it for you. Either way, your debit card stops working right away, but you can still access your account to withdraw remaining funds for up to 30 days.

Before you close, make sure any pending transactions have cleared and that you've moved money out if you want to keep it. Chime doesn't charge a fee to close, and you don't need a reason. If you're closing because of a problem with the account, customer service may ask what happened — but that won't stop the closure.

Key Takeaways

  • Close your account through the Chime app (Settings > Account > Close Account) or by calling 1-844-244-6363.
  • Your debit card stops working immediately, but you have 30 days to withdraw any remaining balance.
  • Wait for pending transactions to clear before closing so you don't accidentally overdraw or lose track of money in transit.
  • Chime does not charge a fee to close your account, and you do not need to provide a reason.

What happens to your money when you close

Any money still in your Chime account remains yours. You can withdraw it by transferring to another bank account, requesting a check, or using your debit card before it's deactivated. Chime will not freeze or take your balance — it stays accessible for 30 days after closure.

If you have a Chime savings account linked to your checking account, both close together. Make sure you've moved savings to another bank if you want to keep that money separate. Direct deposits stop hitting your Chime account once it's closed, so update your employer or benefit payer with a new account number before you close.

Timing: when pending transactions clear

Pending transactions — charges that show in your account but haven't fully processed — can take 1 to 5 business days to clear. If you close your account while a transaction is still pending, it may still go through and overdraw your account, or it may fail and create confusion with the merchant.

Check your transaction history in the app and wait until everything shows as complete (not pending) before closing. This is especially important if you've made recent purchases, subscriptions, or bill payments. Once you're sure nothing is in flight, you can close without risk.

Reactivating your account after closure

Chime does not allow you to reactivate a closed account. If you close and then change your mind, you'll need to open a new account from scratch. This means a new account number, a new debit card, and a new routing number for direct deposits.

If you're thinking about closing because of a temporary issue — a lost card, a dispute, or a fee — contact customer service first. Chime can replace a card, reverse certain fees, or help with fraud claims without you having to close. Closing is permanent, so make sure it's what you actually want.

Closing through the app versus calling customer service

The app method is faster: open Settings, tap Account, select Close Account, and confirm. The closure is instant. You don't speak to anyone, and there's no hold time.

Calling customer service (1-844-244-6363) takes longer because you'll wait in queue and explain what you want, but an agent can answer questions before you close or help if something goes wrong during the process. If you're unsure about anything — like whether you've withdrawn all your money or what happens to a linked savings account — calling first is worth the wait.

What to do with your direct deposits and automatic payments

Before you close, update any direct deposits (paycheck, benefits, tax refunds) to point to a new bank account. This usually takes one pay cycle to take effect, so do it at least a week before closing if you can. If a deposit hits your closed Chime account, it may bounce back to the sender, and you'll have to contact them to resend it to the correct account.

Automatic bill payments and subscriptions also need a new payment method. Go through your accounts — utilities, insurance, streaming services, loan payments — and update them to a different card or bank account. If you forget and a payment tries to go through after closure, it will fail, and you may face a late fee from the biller.

Chime account closure and your credit report

Closing a Chime checking or savings account does not affect your credit score. Chime is a bank account, not a credit product, so the closure is not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit history remains unchanged.

If you have a Chime Credit Builder card (a secured credit card), closing that is also not reported as a negative mark. However, closing any credit account can slightly lower your score if it reduces your total available credit. This effect is usually small and temporary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Chime account if I have a negative balance?

No. You must bring your account to zero or positive before closing. If you're overdrawn, deposit money to cover the negative balance first. Once it's positive, you can close. If you can't pay the overdraft, contact Chime customer service to discuss options.

What if I close my account but money is still pending from a direct deposit?

The deposit may bounce back to the sender (your employer or benefit payer) because the account is closed. Contact the sender and ask them to reissue the deposit to your new bank account. This can take several days to process.

Do I need to destroy my Chime debit card after closing?

You don't have to, but it's a good idea. The card stops working immediately when the account closes, so it can't be used for fraud. You can cut it up, throw it away, or keep it — it poses no risk once the account is deactivated.

Can I close my Chime account if I have pending disputes or chargebacks?

Chime may not allow closure if you have an open dispute or chargeback under investigation. Contact customer service to check the status. Once disputes are resolved, you can close. If you close before a dispute is settled, you may not be able to receive a refund if the dispute is decided in your favor.

How long does it take for my Chime account to fully close?

The account closes immediately when you confirm in the app or when the agent processes your request on the phone. Your card stops working right away. However, you have 30 days to withdraw any remaining balance before Chime fully removes the account from their system.