Chime's actual bank partner is The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank

Chime itself is not a bank — it is a financial technology company. When you open a Chime account, your money sits at one of two actual banks: The Bancorp Bank (based in Delaware) or Stride Bank (based in Oklahoma). Which one holds your account depends on when you opened it and which product you chose.

This matters because your deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) through whichever bank partner holds your account, not through Chime directly. The FDIC insures up to $250,000 per depositor per bank, so if you have accounts at both The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank through Chime, each account is covered separately up to $250,000.

When you look at your account statements, routing numbers, or wire transfer details, you will see one of these two bank names. Your debit card still says Chime on it, but the underlying account is held at The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Chime is a technology company, not a bank; your money is held at either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank depending on your account type.
  • Both partner banks are FDIC-insured, so your deposits up to $250,000 are protected by federal insurance.
  • Your routing number and account statements will show the name of your actual bank partner, not Chime.
  • If you have accounts at both The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank through Chime, each account is insured separately up to $250,000.

How to find out which bank holds your Chime account

Open the Chime app or log into your Chime account online. Go to your account settings or profile section and look for banking details, account information, or routing number information. The bank name will appear next to your routing number or in a section labeled "Bank Details" or "Account Information."

You can also call Chime customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. They will tell you immediately which bank partner holds your account. This information is also printed on any paper statements you receive, though Chime defaults to digital statements.

Why Chime uses bank partners instead of being a bank itself

Chime does not have a banking charter, which means it cannot hold deposits directly or lend money under its own name. Instead, it partners with chartered banks to offer checking and savings accounts. This is a common model in fintech — the technology company handles the app, customer service, and features, while the bank partner handles the actual deposit-taking and regulatory compliance.

This structure does not change how your account works day-to-day. You still get a debit card, direct deposit, mobile check deposit, and all the features Chime advertises. The bank partner operates in the background.

FDIC insurance and what it covers

Your Chime account is FDIC-insured because it is held at a bank that carries FDIC insurance. This means if The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank fails, the FDIC will reimburse you up to $250,000 for your deposits in that account.

FDIC insurance covers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. It does not cover investment products, cryptocurrency, or funds held outside the bank. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank partner through Chime (for example, a checking account and a savings account both at The Bancorp Bank), the $250,000 limit applies to your combined deposits at that bank, not per account.

If you have a Chime account at The Bancorp Bank and also hold a separate account at The Bancorp Bank through another service, those deposits count toward the same $250,000 limit because they are at the same bank.

What happens if your bank partner fails

If The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank were to fail, the FDIC would step in. You would not lose access to your money immediately, but the process would take time. The FDIC typically transfers deposits to another bank or reimburses depositors directly within a few business days to a few weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the failure.

During this time, you would not be able to use your Chime debit card or access your account through the app. Once the FDIC resolves the situation, your funds would be available again, either through a new bank or as a direct reimbursement.

Bank failures are rare in the United States. The last major bank failure was Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023. The FDIC has successfully protected depositors in every failure since the agency was created in 1933.

Routing numbers and wire transfers

When you need your routing number for direct deposit, wire transfers, or ACH payments, Chime will give you the routing number for your bank partner — either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank. This is the correct number to use; you do not need a separate Chime routing number.

If you are setting up direct deposit for payroll, use the routing number Chime provides. If you are sending a wire transfer to your Chime account from another bank, use the same routing number. The routing number ensures your money reaches the correct bank and account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my money safe at Chime if it is held at The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank?

Yes. Both banks are FDIC-insured, so your deposits up to $250,000 are protected by federal insurance. Chime does not hold your money itself, but the banks it partners with are regulated and insured the same way traditional banks are.

Can I choose which bank partner holds my Chime account?

No. Chime assigns you to either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank based on your account type and when you opened your account. You cannot switch between them.

Do I need to know my bank partner's name to use Chime?

For everyday use, no. Your Chime debit card and app work the same regardless of which bank partner is behind the scenes. You only need the bank name if you are setting up direct deposit, making a wire transfer, or checking FDIC insurance coverage.

What if I have accounts at both The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank through Chime?

Each account is insured separately up to $250,000 because they are at different banks. If you have $250,000 at The Bancorp Bank and $250,000 at Stride Bank, both amounts are fully covered by FDIC insurance.

Does Chime charge fees based on which bank partner I use?

No. Chime's fee structure is the same regardless of whether your account is at The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank. The bank partner does not affect your monthly fees or transaction costs.