What you need to open a Chime checking account

You can open a Chime checking account in about five minutes using the Chime mobile app or website. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a Social Security number, and a phone number. Chime will verify your identity using the information you provide, and you don't need to visit a branch or mail anything in.

Once your account is open, Chime issues a debit card that arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until the card arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or transfers from other banks. Some employers and payroll systems recognize Chime accounts immediately for direct deposit setup.

There is no minimum balance required to open or maintain a Chime checking account, and there are no monthly fees. Chime makes money through interchange fees when you use your debit card, not by charging you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can complete the entire signup process on your phone using the Chime app or website in about five minutes.
  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and phone number; Chime verifies your identity electronically.
  • Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can start receiving deposits immediately using your account and routing numbers.
  • There is no minimum balance, no monthly maintenance fee, and no overdraft fees if you stay within your balance.

Step-by-step: opening your account

Download the Chime app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or go to chime.com on your web browser. Tap "Sign Up" and enter your email address and create a password. Chime will send a verification code to your email; enter that code to confirm.

Next, enter your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Chime will ask for your phone number and a mailing address where your debit card should be sent. You'll also choose a four-digit PIN for your account.

Chime will then ask you to take a photo of your government-issued ID using your phone's camera. Hold the ID flat, make sure all four corners are visible, and take a clear photo in good lighting. Chime's system reads the ID electronically and verifies the information matches what you entered.

Once Chime confirms your identity, your account is active. You'll see your account number and routing number on the screen immediately. Write these down or take a screenshot, because you'll need them to set up direct deposit with your employer or to transfer money from another bank account.

Getting your debit card and using your account before it arrives

Chime mails your debit card to the address you provided during signup. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, Chime offers expedited shipping for a fee, though the exact cost varies.

You don't have to wait for the card to start using your account. Once your account is open, you can receive direct deposits, ACH transfers from other banks, or peer-to-peer transfers from friends using services like Venmo or PayPal. Give your employer or payroll provider your Chime account number and routing number, and your paycheck can land in your account within one to two business days of your company processing it.

If you need to withdraw cash before your card arrives, you can use Chime's network of fee-free ATMs. Chime partners with MoneyLion and Allpoint, which together operate over 60,000 ATMs in the United States. You'll need to set up a PIN in the app first, then use that PIN at any of these ATMs to withdraw cash.

What happens during identity verification

When you submit your ID photo, Chime's system scans it and checks that the name, date of birth, and ID number match the information you entered. This usually takes a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours. You'll receive a notification in the app once verification is complete.

If Chime cannot read your ID clearly, it will ask you to retake the photo. Make sure the ID is flat, all edges are visible, and the lighting is bright enough to see the text and photo clearly. If you're using a phone with an older camera, try moving to a window or brighter room.

In rare cases, Chime may ask for additional information or a second form of ID. This usually happens if the name on your ID doesn't match other records, or if Chime detects a potential duplicate account. Chime will explain what it needs and how to provide it through the app.

Fees and account features

Chime charges no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and no minimum balance. There is no fee to transfer money between your Chime account and another bank account using ACH, and no fee to receive direct deposits.

Chime does charge a fee if you use an out-of-network ATM—typically $2.50 per withdrawal. To avoid this, use one of the 60,000+ fee-free ATMs in the Allpoint or MoneyLion networks. You can find the nearest one in the Chime app by tapping the ATM locator.

If you overdraw your account—meaning you spend more than you have—Chime will not charge you an overdraft fee. Instead, your transaction will be declined. This protects you from going into the negative and owing money back to Chime.

Moving money in and out of your Chime account

The fastest way to move money into Chime is through direct deposit. Set up direct deposit by giving your employer your Chime account number and routing number. Your paycheck will arrive one to two business days after your company processes it, depending on when your employer submits the deposit.

You can also transfer money from another bank account using ACH, which usually takes one to three business days. In the Chime app, tap "Move Money," select "Transfer from Bank," and enter the other bank's account and routing numbers. Chime will ask you to verify the transfer by confirming two small deposits that the other bank sends to your Chime account—this takes a few days but only happens once.

To move money out of Chime, use your debit card to withdraw cash at a fee-free ATM, or transfer money back to another bank account using ACH. You can also send money to friends using Chime's peer-to-peer feature if they also have a Chime account, though this is instant only if both accounts are Chime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chime account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Chime requires a valid Social Security number to open an account. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, Chime does not currently accept it. You may want to explore other banks that offer accounts to ITIN holders.

What if my ID photo is rejected multiple times?

Make sure your ID is flat, well-lit, and all four corners are visible in the photo. If you continue to have trouble, contact Chime support through the app. They can walk you through the process or ask for a second form of ID, such as a passport or state ID card.

Can I use my Chime account number and routing number before my debit card arrives?

Yes. Your account number and routing number are active immediately after signup. You can use them to set up direct deposit, receive ACH transfers, or receive peer-to-peer payments. You just won't be able to swipe your debit card or withdraw cash at an ATM until the physical card arrives.

What if I lose my debit card or it gets stolen?

Report it immediately in the Chime app by tapping "Card" and selecting "Report Card Lost or Stolen." Chime will freeze the card right away so no one else can use it. Chime will mail you a replacement card at no charge, which takes 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your account number and routing number for deposits and transfers while you wait.

Does Chime report my account activity to credit bureaus?

No. Chime is a checking account, not a credit product, so it does not report to credit bureaus or affect your credit score. Chime does not build credit history. If you want to build credit, you'll need a credit card or other credit product from a lender that reports to the bureaus.