What you need to open a Chime account
You can open a Chime checking account in about five minutes using the Chime mobile app or website. You'll need a valid Social Security number, a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your current address, and a way to fund your first deposit—either a linked bank account or a debit card.
Chime does not require a minimum opening deposit, so you can open the account with zero dollars and add money later. The account opens immediately after you complete the verification steps, though some features like direct deposit may take a day or two to activate.
You do not need to visit a physical location. Everything happens on your phone or computer, and Chime will send you a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chime checking account through the app or website in minutes using your Social Security number and a government ID.
- No minimum deposit is required, and your account becomes active immediately after identity verification.
- Your Chime debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can request a temporary digital card for immediate use.
- Direct deposit setup requires your employer's information and typically processes within one to two business days after your first deposit posts.
- Chime charges no monthly fees, overdraft fees, or foreign transaction fees, but does charge fees for certain services like wire transfers.
Step-by-step account opening process
Start by downloading the Chime app from the App Store or Google Play, or go to chime.com on your browser. Tap "Sign Up" and enter your email address and create a password. Chime will send a verification code to your email—enter it to confirm.
Next, provide your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chime uses this information to verify your identity and check for fraud. You'll then upload a photo of your government-issued ID (front and back). The app uses your phone's camera to capture the images, and the process takes about 30 seconds per side.
After ID verification, enter your current address and confirm it matches your ID. Chime will ask you to verify your address using a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You can upload this document through the app, or skip this step if your address matches your ID exactly.
Once identity verification is complete, your Chime checking account opens immediately. You can see your account number and routing number in the app right away. At this point, you can set up direct deposit or link a bank account to make your first deposit.
Funding your account and getting your debit card
You have three ways to add money to your new Chime account: link an external bank account and transfer funds, use a debit card to make a deposit, or set up direct deposit from your employer.
To link a bank account, go to the "Move Money" section of the app and select "Add Bank Account." Enter your bank's name, your account number, and routing number. Chime will make two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to your linked bank account within one to two business days. You'll then confirm the amounts in the Chime app to verify ownership. After confirmation, you can transfer money between accounts instantly.
Your physical Chime debit card ships by mail and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can request a temporary digital card in the app that works immediately for online purchases and contactless payments through Apple Pay or Google Pay. This digital card has its own number and expiration date separate from your physical card.
If you want to set up direct deposit, go to the "Direct Deposit" section and select "Set Up Direct Deposit." Chime will generate a form showing your account and routing number. Give this form to your employer's payroll department. Your first direct deposit usually posts within one to two business days after your employer processes it.
Identity verification and security checks
Chime uses multiple verification methods to confirm you are who you say you are. During signup, the app scans your government ID using optical character recognition (OCR) technology, which reads the text on your ID and compares it to the information you entered. This happens in real time and typically takes less than a minute.
Chime also runs a background check through a third-party verification service to confirm your Social Security number and check for fraud. This check does not affect your credit score. If Chime cannot verify your identity automatically, you may be asked to provide additional documents or answer security questions.
In rare cases, Chime may request a video call to verify your identity in person. This happens when the automated checks cannot confirm your information with certainty. If you receive this request, you'll be prompted to schedule a call with a Chime representative, which usually happens within 24 hours.
What happens after your account opens
Your Chime checking account is fully functional immediately after verification, even before your debit card arrives. You can receive direct deposits, transfer money to linked bank accounts, send money to other Chime users through the app, and pay bills through Chime's bill pay feature.
Your account comes with a routing number and account number that you can use to receive ACH transfers, wire transfers, or direct deposits from your employer or government benefits. These numbers appear in the app under "Account Details" and never change.
Chime offers no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. However, Chime does charge fees for certain services: wire transfers cost $2.50 to send, ATM out-of-network withdrawals cost $2.50 each (though Chime reimburses these fees), and expedited card replacement costs $5.
Linking external accounts and setting up transfers
After your account opens, you can link up to 10 external bank accounts for transfers. Go to "Move Money" and select "Add Bank Account." Enter your bank's name and your login credentials, or enter your account and routing numbers manually. Chime will verify the account with two small test deposits.
Once verified, you can transfer money between your Chime account and your linked bank account. Transfers to your Chime account from an external bank typically take one to three business days. Transfers from Chime to an external bank usually post within one business day, though some banks may take longer.
You can also send money directly to another person's bank account using Chime's "Send Money" feature if you have their account and routing number. This uses the ACH network and takes one to three business days. Chime does not charge a fee for this service.
Troubleshooting common signup problems
If your identity verification fails, Chime will show you a message explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered, an address that does not match your ID, or a Social Security number that does not match your other information. Go back and correct the information, then try again.
If your government ID is expired, Chime may still accept it for verification purposes, but some states' IDs are harder to scan than others. If the app cannot read your ID, try taking the photo in better lighting or from a different angle. If the scan still fails, you can enter your ID information manually instead of uploading a photo.
If you do not receive the verification code email, check your spam folder. If it is not there, go back to the signup screen and request a new code. Codes expire after 10 minutes, so you'll need to request a fresh one if too much time has passed.
If your account opening is delayed or you receive a message that says your identity cannot be verified, Chime may ask you to provide additional documents or schedule a video call. This is normal and usually resolves within 24 hours. You can contact Chime support through the app to check on the status of your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit check to open a Chime account?
No. Chime does not check your credit score or credit history when you open an account. Chime runs a background check to verify your identity and check for fraud, but this does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score.
Can I open a Chime account if I don't have a government ID?
You need a government-issued ID to open a Chime account. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, you will not be able to open an account through the standard process.
How long does it take to receive my Chime debit card?
Your physical debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary digital card in the app that works immediately for online purchases and mobile payments. The digital card has a separate number from your physical card.
What if my address doesn't match my ID?
If your current address does not match the address on your government ID, Chime will ask you to provide proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You can upload this document through the app to verify your address.
Can I open a Chime account on a computer instead of the app?
Yes. You can open a Chime account at chime.com using a web browser on your computer. However, you will need to upload photos of your ID and address proof, which is easier on a phone. You can start on your computer and finish on your phone if you prefer.