You can open a Chime account in about five minutes using your phone, with no minimum balance and no monthly fees

Chime is a mobile-first bank that lets you open a checking account entirely through its app. You don't need to visit a branch, and there's no paperwork to mail. The account opens instantly once you verify your identity, and you can start using it the same day. Chime doesn't charge monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balance requirements — though you do need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number.

The entire process takes about five minutes from download to approval. Your account number and routing number appear in the app immediately, so you can set up direct deposit or link other accounts right away. Your physical debit card arrives within 1 to 5 business days, but you can use a virtual card number in the app while you wait.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Chime app, enter your email and phone number, and verify both before you start the identity check.
  • You'll need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number to verify your identity.
  • Chime deposits your account and routing number into the app immediately after approval, so you can set up direct deposit the same day.
  • Your debit card ships within 1 to 5 business days; you can use your virtual card number in the app right away while you wait.
  • Chime links to other bank accounts so you can transfer money in and out, though external transfers take 1 to 3 business days.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the app: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a phone number and email address you can access right now. Chime will text and email you verification codes, so make sure both are current and working.

You also need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident. Chime does not open accounts for people outside the United States, even if they have a U.S. address or Social Security number. If you don't have a Social Security number, you cannot open a Chime account — the bank does not accept ITINs or other tax identification numbers.

The five-step account opening process

Step 1: Download and create your login. Get the Chime app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it and tap "Sign Up." Enter your email address and create a password. Chime will send you a verification code to your email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code in the app.

Step 2: Verify your phone number. Enter your phone number. Chime texts you a code; enter it in the app to confirm the number is yours.

Step 3: Provide your personal information. Enter your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chime uses this to check your identity and run a soft credit check (this does not affect your credit score).

Step 4: Verify your identity with your ID. Take a photo of the front and back of your government ID using your phone camera. Chime's system reads the information automatically. If the photo is blurry or cut off, retake it — the system will ask you to try again if it can't read the ID clearly.

Step 5: Confirm your address. Enter your current mailing address. Chime verifies this against public records. If the address doesn't match what's on file, you may be asked to provide additional information or a utility bill as proof.

What happens after you submit your information

Chime reviews your identity information in real time. Most accounts are approved within minutes. Once approved, your account number and routing number appear in the app immediately — you don't have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

Your physical debit card ships within 1 to 5 business days. While you wait, you can use your virtual card number (a temporary card number generated in the app) to make online purchases or add it to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. The virtual card works right away; the physical card works once it arrives.

If your account is not approved immediately, Chime sends you an email explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between your ID and the address on file, or a flag from the bank's fraud detection system. You can usually resolve this by uploading additional documents (like a utility bill or lease) through the app. Manual review of these documents typically takes a few hours to a business day.

Setting up direct deposit and linking other accounts

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit from your employer right away. Go to the "Account" tab in the app, select "Direct Deposit," and share your account and routing number with your payroll department. Direct deposits typically arrive one to two business days earlier than they would at a traditional bank.

You can also link external bank accounts to transfer money in and out. Tap "Move Money" in the app, select "Link Bank Account," and enter your login credentials for the other bank. Chime uses Plaid (a secure third-party service) to verify the connection. Transfers from another bank into Chime take 1 to 3 business days; transfers out of Chime to another bank also take 1 to 3 business days.

Fees and features to know about

Chime charges no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fee, and no minimum balance requirement. You also won't pay fees for ATM withdrawals at Chime's network (over 60,000 ATMs nationwide, mostly at Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart). Withdrawals at ATMs outside the network may charge a fee from the ATM operator, but Chime reimburses it.

Chime does charge fees for some services: wire transfers cost $2, and replacing a lost or stolen card costs $5. International transactions are charged a 1% foreign transaction fee. If you overdraw your account, Chime doesn't charge an overdraft fee, but the transaction may still be declined.

Chime also offers optional features like SpotMe (which covers small overdrafts up to a certain amount, depending on your direct deposit history) and early direct deposit (which can get your paycheck up to two days early). These are free add-ons available in the app once your account is set up.

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 ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, Chime does not currently accept it. You would need to explore other banks that work with ITINs.

What if my ID photo doesn't scan correctly?

Retake the photo in good lighting, making sure the entire ID is visible and in focus. If the app still can't read it, you can upload a utility bill or other proof of address instead. Chime will review these documents manually, which may take a few extra hours.

How long does it take to receive my physical debit card?

Chime ships cards within 1 to 5 business days. Delivery time depends on your location and the carrier. You can track your card's status in the app under "Card." Use your virtual card number in the meantime for online purchases and digital wallets.

Can I open a Chime account if I'm under 18?

No. Chime requires account holders to be at least 18 years old. Some banks offer teen checking accounts with parental oversight, but Chime does not have this option.

What happens if Chime denies my account?

Chime sends an email explaining the reason — usually an identity verification issue or a fraud flag. You can respond with additional documents like a utility bill or lease. If your account is denied after review, you can contact Chime support through the app to ask about next steps or reapplying later.