What you need to open a Chime account

You can open a Chime checking account entirely on your phone 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 where Chime can reach you. The whole process takes about five minutes.

Chime does not require a minimum deposit to open the account, and there are no monthly fees. You don't need an existing bank account, though you will need a way to fund your account once it's open — either through direct deposit, a transfer from another bank, or a mobile check deposit.

Your age matters: you must be at least 18 years old to open a standard Chime checking account. If you're under 18, Chime offers a teen account through a parent or guardian.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Chime app or visit chime.com, enter your personal information and ID details, and you'll have a checking account within minutes.
  • Chime verifies your identity using your Social Security number and government ID; the app will ask you to take a photo of your ID.
  • Your account number and routing number appear in the app immediately after approval, so you can set up direct deposit right away.
  • You can start using your Chime debit card as soon as it arrives in the mail, or use your account number for transfers before the card shows up.

Step-by-step: opening your account

Step 1: Download and launch. Get the Chime app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or go to chime.com in your web browser. Tap "Sign Up" or "Open Account."

Step 2: Enter your phone number. Chime will text you a verification code. Enter that code to confirm your number.

Step 3: Provide personal information. You'll enter your full name, date of birth, email address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Chime uses this to check your identity against government records.

Step 4: Verify your ID. The app will ask you to take a photo of the front and back of your government-issued ID. Make sure the photo is clear and all text is readable. Chime's system checks that the ID matches the name and date of birth you entered.

Step 5: Review and confirm. Read through the account agreement and fee schedule. Tap to confirm you accept the terms. Your account opens immediately.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, your account number and routing number appear in the app right away. You can use these to set up direct deposit with your employer or to transfer money from another bank account. You do not have to wait for your debit card to arrive to start moving money.

Your Chime debit card ships to the address you provided during signup. Standard delivery takes 5 to 7 business days. Once it arrives, activate it in the app by taking a photo of the front of the card, then you can use it at ATMs, in stores, and online.

Chime also offers early direct deposit, which means your paycheck may land in your account up to two days before your employer's official payday. This is automatic if you set up direct deposit — there's nothing extra to turn on.

Funding your account

You have three main ways to put money into your Chime checking account. Direct deposit is the most common: give your employer or benefits administrator your Chime account number and routing number, and your paycheck or government benefits will deposit automatically. Bank transfer lets you move money from another bank account you own using your account and routing numbers, or by linking your other bank account in the Chime app. Mobile check deposit lets you photograph the front and back of a paper check and deposit it through the app.

There is no minimum deposit required, so you can open the account and fund it later. However, you cannot use the account until money is in it.

Fees and account features

Chime charges no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and no foreign transaction fees. You will not be charged if your account balance goes negative, though you cannot spend more than you have. There are no fees for transfers between your own accounts or for receiving money from other people.

Your Chime account includes a debit card, access to over 60,000 ATMs nationwide through the MoneyLion and Allpoint networks, and the ability to send and receive money to other Chime users through the app. You can also set up automatic bill payments directly from your Chime account.

Identity verification and security

Chime uses your Social Security number and government ID to verify that you are who you say you are. This process is called identity verification, and it happens automatically when you open your account. If Chime cannot verify your identity, it will tell you why and may ask you to provide additional information or documents.

Once your account is open, Chime monitors your account for fraud. If unusual activity appears, Chime will notify you through the app or by text. You can dispute unauthorized transactions through the app, and Chime will investigate. Fraudulent transactions are typically reversed within one to three business days.

What to do if your account is declined

If Chime cannot verify your identity during signup, the app will show you a message explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered, an incorrect date of birth, or an ID that is expired or not accepted (Chime accepts U.S. driver's licenses, state IDs, and passports, but not tribal IDs or military IDs).

If your account is declined, you can try again with corrected information. Make sure your name, date of birth, and ID details match exactly. If you've tried multiple times and still cannot open an account, contact Chime customer support through the app or by calling 1-844-244-6361. They can tell you whether there's a specific issue with your information or ID that needs to be resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chime account without a Social Security number?

No. Chime requires a valid Social Security number to verify your identity and comply with federal banking rules. If you don't have a Social Security number, you cannot open a Chime account.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Standard delivery is 5 to 7 business days from the day you open your account. You don't need to wait for the card to arrive to start using your account — you can set up direct deposit or transfer money using your account number and routing number immediately.

What if I'm under 18?

Chime offers a teen account for users under 18. A parent or guardian must open the account and link it to their own Chime account. The teen account has the same features as a standard account but with parental controls built in.

Can I open a Chime account if I've been denied by other banks?

Chime does not check ChexSystems or other banking history reports, so a previous bank closure or dispute will not prevent you from opening an account. Chime only verifies your identity using your ID and Social Security number.

Is there a way to speed up the debit card delivery?

Chime does not offer expedited card shipping. However, you can use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or make transfers while you wait for the physical card to arrive.