How to close your Chime account
You can close your Chime account through the mobile app or by calling customer service. The process takes a few minutes, but you should plan ahead because Chime will freeze your account immediately—you won't be able to use your debit card or make transfers while the closure is in progress. Any pending transactions may still process for a day or two after you request closure, so check your balance and wait for everything to settle before you move your money elsewhere.
Chime does not charge a fee to close your account. You can withdraw your remaining balance through an ATM, transfer it to another bank account, or request a check. If you have direct deposits set up, you'll need to update your employer or benefits administrator with a new account number before you close, or those deposits will fail and bounce back.
Key Takeaways
- Close your account through the Chime app by going to Settings > Account > Close Account, or call 1-844-244-6363 to do it over the phone.
- Your account freezes immediately when you request closure, so move any money you need before you start the process.
- Pending transactions can still post for one to two days after closure, so check your balance daily until everything clears.
- Update your direct deposit information with your employer or benefits provider before closing, or future payments will fail.
- You can withdraw your remaining balance via ATM, bank transfer, or check—Chime does not charge a closure fee.
Close your account through the Chime app
Open the Chime app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select Settings, then scroll down and tap Account. Look for the option labeled Close Account and tap it. Chime will ask you to confirm that you want to close and may ask why you're leaving—this is optional feedback. Once you confirm, your account is closed and your debit card is deactivated immediately.
Before you tap that button, make sure you have moved or withdrawn any money you need. Chime will not let you reverse a closure request, so if you close and then realize you need access to funds still in the account, you'll have to contact customer service to reopen it—and they may not be able to do so right away.
Close your account by phone
Call Chime customer service at 1-844-244-6363. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready. A representative will verify your identity, confirm that you want to close, and process the closure on the call. Your account will freeze immediately, just as it does through the app.
Phone closure can be useful if you have questions about pending transactions or if you want to confirm the status of your balance before you hang up. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. Chime's customer service is available seven days a week, though wait times are longer during business hours.
What happens to money still in your account
Any balance remaining in your Chime account after closure stays there until you move it. You have several options: withdraw cash from any ATM using your debit card before closure (do this first), transfer the balance to another bank account through the app before you close, or call customer service to request a check mailed to your address.
If you close your account and then realize you forgot to move money, you can still access it. Call customer service and they can help you withdraw the balance or reopen the account temporarily. There is no time limit on how long Chime holds your money, but the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to remember the details you'll need to verify your identity.
Stop direct deposits before you close
If your paycheck, tax refund, or government benefits go directly into your Chime account, you must update that information before you close. Contact your employer's payroll department, the IRS, your state's benefits agency, or Social Security—whoever sends the deposit—and provide them with your new bank account number. This usually takes a few business days to take effect.
If a direct deposit arrives after your account is closed, it will bounce back to the sender. The sender may then try to redeposit it, which can delay your money by weeks. Some employers charge a fee if a direct deposit fails. To avoid this, update your account information at least one week before you close your Chime account, and wait to confirm that at least one deposit has gone to the new account before you close.
Pending transactions and timing
Transactions you made before closing—debit card purchases, transfers, bill payments—may still post to your account for one to two days after closure. This is because merchants and other banks take time to process payments. Your Chime account will show these transactions even though it's closed, and the money will leave your balance when they post.
Check your account balance every day for three days after you close to make sure all pending charges have cleared. If you see a transaction you don't recognize, call customer service right away. Once you've confirmed everything has posted and your balance is what you expect, you can move the remaining money out.
Reopen your account if you change your mind
If you close your account and then change your mind within a short window, you may be able to reopen it. Call customer service at 1-844-244-6363 and explain that you want to reopen. Chime can usually reopen accounts within a few days of closure, but the longer you wait, the less likely they are to restore it. There is no fee to reopen.
If your account has been closed for more than 30 days, Chime may not be able to reopen it and you may have to open a new account instead. A new account means a new account number, which you'll have to provide to your employer or benefits administrator again. To avoid this, decide whether you really want to close before you request it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose money if I close my Chime account?
No. Any balance in your account remains yours and you can withdraw it or transfer it to another bank. Chime does not charge a fee to close your account or to move your money. The only money you lose is what you've already spent.
What happens to my Chime debit card after I close?
Your card is deactivated immediately when you close your account. You won't be able to use it at stores, online, or at ATMs. If you have a physical card, you can throw it away or cut it up. Chime does not require you to return it.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
Chime may not let you close if you owe money. Contact customer service to discuss your options. You may be able to pay the negative balance first, or they may work with you on a payment plan before allowing closure.
How long does it take to close my account?
Closure is immediate—your account freezes as soon as you confirm the request through the app or phone. However, pending transactions may take one to two days to post, so plan for that before you consider the account fully closed.
Will closing Chime affect my credit score?
No. Closing a checking or savings account does not show up on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Only credit accounts like credit cards and loans appear on your credit history.