Chime does not accept cash deposits directly at ATMs or branches
Chime is an online bank without physical branches, so you cannot walk into a location and deposit cash the way you would at a traditional bank. Chime also does not own ATMs that accept cash deposits. If you need to put cash into your Chime checking account, you have to move the money through a third party first — either a retail location, another bank, or a peer-to-peer transfer.
The most common routes are depositing cash at a retail partner location (like Walmart or CVS), transferring money from another bank account you control, or receiving a cash transfer from someone else through a service like Square Cash or PayPal. Each method has different timing and fees.
Key Takeaways
- Chime's retail deposit partners include Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Family Dollar, where you can deposit cash without a Chime card present.
- Retail deposits typically post to your account within minutes to a few hours, and most locations charge no fee.
- You can also transfer cash to your Chime account by depositing it into another bank account you own and then transferring the funds electronically.
- Mobile payment apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and Venmo let someone send you cash digitally, which then moves into your Chime account.
- Chime's SpotMe feature lets you borrow small amounts against your next paycheck, but this is a loan, not a deposit method.
Depositing cash at Chime's retail partners
Chime has partnerships with major retail chains where you can hand over cash and have it added to your account. The most widely available partners are Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Family Dollar. At these locations, you go to the customer service desk or money services counter, tell them you want to deposit cash to a Chime account, and provide your Chime-linked phone number or the last four digits of your Chime debit card.
The retailer will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. The cash posts to your Chime account within minutes to a few hours — most deposits arrive within 30 minutes. There is no fee at any of these partner locations. This is the fastest and simplest way to get cash into your account if you have access to one of these stores.
Not all locations of these chains offer the service, so call ahead or ask at the counter before you hand over cash. Some rural or smaller-format stores may not have a money services desk. You can also check Chime's app or website for a list of participating locations near you.
Transferring cash from another bank account you own
If you have a checking or savings account at another bank, you can deposit cash there and then transfer the money to Chime electronically. This takes longer than a retail deposit but works if you do not have access to a Chime partner location or prefer to move larger amounts.
Deposit the cash at your other bank using their ATM, teller, or mobile app (if they offer mobile deposit for cash). Once the cash is in that account, log into your Chime app and set up an external transfer to pull the money in. You can also initiate the transfer from your other bank's app and push the money to Chime. The transfer typically takes one to three business days, depending on both banks' processing times.
This method works well if you already have another bank account, but it requires you to have access to that bank's deposit methods first. There is no fee from Chime for receiving an external transfer, though your other bank may charge a fee for the deposit itself.
Receiving cash transfers through payment apps
If someone wants to send you cash, they can use a digital payment app like PayPal, Square Cash, Venmo, or Google Pay to transfer money to you. You provide them with your username or phone number, they send the cash, and the money lands in your Chime account (or the payment app's wallet, which you then transfer to Chime).
This is not a way to deposit your own cash, but it is a way to receive money from someone else without handling physical bills. The sender must have their own account with the payment app and a way to fund it (usually a bank account or card). The transfer is typically instant or takes a few minutes.
Be aware that some payment apps charge fees for instant transfers or for sending money to certain account types. Check the app's fee schedule before you ask someone to send you money this way.
What happens if you try to deposit cash at a Chime ATM
Chime offers fee-free ATM withdrawals at over 60,000 ATMs nationwide through its network partners (primarily MoneyPass and Allpoint). However, these ATMs do not accept cash deposits. If you insert cash into a Chime ATM, it will be rejected and returned to you.
This is a common point of confusion because Chime advertises its large ATM network. The network is for withdrawals only. If you need to deposit cash, you must use one of the retail partner locations or another method described above.
Timing and fees for each deposit method
| Deposit Method | Time to Post | Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail partner (Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Family Dollar) | Minutes to a few hours | None | Quick deposits of any amount |
| Transfer from another bank account | 1–3 business days | None (from Chime) | Larger amounts or when you have time |
| Payment app transfer (PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash) | Instant to a few minutes | Varies by app and sender | Receiving money from others |
| Chime ATM | N/A | N/A | Does not accept deposits |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at any Walmart or CVS?
Not every location offers the service. Larger stores with customer service desks are more likely to have it, but some smaller or rural locations may not. Call ahead or ask at the counter. Chime's app or website has a locator tool to find participating stores near you.
What if I do not have another bank account to transfer from?
Use a retail partner deposit. That is the simplest option if you only have Chime. If you do not have access to a partner location, ask someone to send you the money through a payment app like PayPal or Venmo, or open a second account at a traditional bank that accepts cash deposits.
Do I need my Chime card to deposit cash at Walmart?
No. You can provide your phone number or the last four digits of your Chime debit card. You do not need to have the physical card with you.
How much cash can I deposit at one time?
Chime does not publish a per-transaction limit for retail deposits. Most retail partners can handle deposits of several hundred dollars without issue, but very large amounts may require you to split them across multiple transactions or use a bank transfer instead.
What if the retail deposit does not show up in my account?
Keep your receipt. If the deposit does not appear within a few hours, contact Chime's customer service with the confirmation number from your receipt. They can trace the transaction and credit your account if there was an error on the retailer's end.