The fastest way to send money from Chime to another bank account
You can transfer money from Chime to an external bank account using the Chime mobile app or website. The transfer goes through the ACH network, which typically takes one to two business days. Chime does not charge a fee for outgoing transfers, but your receiving bank may charge an incoming transfer fee — check with them first.
The process requires you to add the receiving bank account as a verified external account. Verification usually takes one business day, though Chime sometimes verifies instantly. Once verified, you can transfer up to the daily and monthly limits set by your account.
If you need the money faster, you can use a third-party service like PayPal, Square Cash, or Venmo to move funds to another person's account, though these services have their own limits and fees. For same-day movement to your own account at another bank, Chime does not offer this option — ACH is the standard route.
Key Takeaways
- Add the receiving bank account in the Chime app under "Transfer" or "Move Money," then wait for Chime to verify it (usually one business day).
- Once verified, initiate the transfer in the app and select the amount; the money arrives in one to two business days.
- Chime charges no fee, but your receiving bank may charge an incoming ACH fee.
- Daily and monthly transfer limits vary by account type; check your Chime account settings to see your current limits.
- If you need same-day movement, peer-to-peer apps like PayPal or Venmo are an alternative, though they have their own limits and fees.
Step-by-step: adding and verifying an external bank account
Open the Chime app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select "Transfer Money" or "Move Money" — the exact label depends on your app version. Tap "Add External Account" or "Link Bank Account."
Enter the receiving bank's routing number and the account number. You can find both on a check, or call the bank directly. Chime will ask you to confirm the account holder's name and the account type (checking or savings). Double-check all details before submitting.
Chime will then verify the account. In most cases, this takes one business day. Some accounts verify instantly. During verification, Chime may make two small test deposits (typically under $1 each) to the receiving account; you may need to confirm the amounts in your receiving bank's app or online portal. Once verified, the account stays linked and you can transfer to it repeatedly.
How to initiate a transfer once the account is verified
Open the Chime app and go to "Transfer Money" or "Move Money." Select the verified external account from your list of linked accounts. Enter the amount you want to send.
Review the transfer details: the receiving account, the amount, and the expected arrival date (usually one to two business days from the date you initiate). Confirm the transfer. Chime will send you a notification when the transfer is sent and again when it arrives at the receiving bank.
The money leaves your Chime account immediately, but it does not arrive at the receiving bank until the ACH network processes it. If you need to cancel, do so within a few hours of initiating the transfer — after that, the transaction is in the ACH system and cannot be stopped.
Understanding transfer limits and timing
Chime sets daily and monthly limits on outgoing ACH transfers. These limits vary by account type and account age. A new account may have a lower daily limit than an established one. Check your account settings in the app to see your current limits.
The ACH network itself processes transfers in batches. A transfer initiated early in the business day may arrive the next day; one initiated late in the day or on a weekend may take two business days. Weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
If you hit your daily limit, you can initiate another transfer the next calendar day. If you hit your monthly limit, you must wait until the next month to transfer more. Some Chime account types allow you to request a temporary limit increase through the app.
What to do if a transfer fails or gets stuck
A transfer can fail if the receiving account number or routing number is incorrect, if the receiving account is closed, or if the receiving bank rejects it for other reasons. Chime will notify you if a transfer fails and usually returns the money to your Chime account within one to two business days.
If a transfer is delayed beyond two business days, contact Chime support through the app. Tap the menu, select "Help," and choose "Contact Us." Chime support can check the status of the transfer with the receiving bank and the ACH network. Have your transfer confirmation number ready.
If the receiving bank reports that it never received the transfer, Chime can file a trace with the ACH network. This investigation typically takes 10 business days. If the money is found, it will be returned to your Chime account or sent to the receiving account, depending on where it was located.
Alternatives if you need faster movement or have other constraints
If the receiving account is at the same bank as Chime's partner bank, you may be able to move money instantly using a real-time payment system. Chime supports RTP (Real-Time Payments) on some transfers, though this is not yet available for all banks. Ask your receiving bank whether they accept RTP transfers.
Peer-to-peer payment apps like PayPal, Square Cash, Venmo, and Google Pay let you send money to another person's account, though the receiving person must have an account with the same app. These services typically take one to three business days to move money to a bank account, and they charge fees for instant transfers. They also have lower daily and monthly limits than ACH transfers.
If you need to move a large amount or have a recurring transfer need, consider setting up a direct deposit or automatic ACH transfer from your employer or another source directly to your external account, bypassing Chime entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Chime to a savings account at another bank?
Yes. When you add the external account, select "Savings" as the account type. The transfer process is the same as for a checking account. The receiving bank may charge an incoming transfer fee for savings accounts, so check with them first.
What happens if I enter the wrong account number?
Chime validates the account number format, but it may not catch all errors. If the number is wrong, the receiving bank will reject the transfer and return the money to your Chime account within one to two business days. Always double-check the account number before confirming.
How long does verification of an external account take?
Verification usually takes one business day. Some accounts verify instantly. If verification takes longer than three business days, contact Chime support — there may be an issue with the account information you provided.
Can I transfer money from Chime to a joint account?
Yes, as long as you have the correct routing number and account number for the joint account. The account holder name you enter should match the name on the account at the receiving bank.
What is the maximum amount I can transfer from Chime?
Chime sets daily and monthly limits that vary by account type. Check your account settings in the app to see your current limits. If you need to transfer more than your limit allows, you can split the transfer across multiple days or request a temporary limit increase through the app.