Yes, you can have your federal tax refund sent directly to your Chime account
The IRS will deposit your federal tax refund to any bank account you list on your tax return, including a Chime checking or savings account. You do not need Chime's permission or a special setup—just provide your Chime account and routing number when you file, and the IRS treats it like any other bank deposit.
State tax refunds work the same way. Most states allow direct deposit to any account, though a few states have restrictions on which account types they accept. Chime accounts are standard checking and savings accounts, so they work with every state system.
The timing depends on how you file and whether the IRS has questions about your return. Direct deposit is faster than a paper check, but not instant.
Key Takeaways
- Provide your Chime account and routing number on your tax return, and the IRS will deposit your federal refund directly to that account.
- Direct deposit to Chime typically arrives within 1 to 5 business days after the IRS processes your return, which is faster than waiting for a paper check.
- You can find your Chime routing number in the app under Settings, or call Chime customer service to confirm the correct number before you file.
- If you file electronically and have no issues on your return, the IRS usually processes it within 21 days; paper returns take longer.
- State refunds follow the same direct deposit process and timeline as federal refunds.
How to provide your Chime account information to the IRS
When you file your tax return—whether through a tax software, a tax preparer, or by paper—you will reach a section asking for direct deposit details. You need two pieces of information: your account number and your routing number.
Your Chime account number appears in the app. Open Chime, go to Settings, then Account Details. The account number is listed there. Your routing number for Chime is 211391825 for most Chime accounts, but confirm this before you file. Call Chime customer service at the number on the back of your card, or check the app under Settings to verify the routing number matches what you are about to enter on your return.
Enter these details exactly as they appear. A typo in either number can send your refund to the wrong account or cause a delay while the IRS sorts it out.
Timeline for your refund to arrive at Chime
The IRS publishes a refund timeline based on when you file and how you file. If you file electronically with no errors or missing information, the IRS typically processes your return within 21 days. Once the IRS approves your return, the actual deposit to your Chime account usually arrives within 1 to 5 business days.
If you file on paper, the IRS takes longer to process—often 4 to 6 weeks or more—because someone has to open and scan your return. After that, the deposit timeline is the same: 1 to 5 business days once approved.
The IRS does not deposit refunds on weekends or federal holidays. If your refund is scheduled to arrive on a Saturday, it will land on Monday instead. Chime deposits on the same day the IRS sends them, so there is no additional delay on Chime's end.
Tracking your refund status
The IRS offers a tool called Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov. You can check it starting 24 hours after you file electronically, or 4 weeks after you mail a paper return. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.
Where's My Refund? shows three pieces of information: whether the IRS has received your return, whether it has been approved, and the deposit date. Once the IRS shows a deposit date, your money should arrive at Chime within 1 to 5 business days. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.
You can also check your Chime account directly. Once the deposit hits your account, you will see it in your transaction history. Chime does not hold deposits—money appears in your available balance immediately.
What to do if your refund does not arrive on time
If the IRS shows a deposit date that has passed and the money has not appeared in your Chime account, first verify that you provided the correct account and routing number on your return. Log into your tax filing account or check a copy of your return to confirm what you entered.
If the information is correct, contact Chime customer service. Provide them with the refund amount and the date the IRS said it was deposited. Chime can check whether the deposit arrived at their system and where it went. This is rare, but it does happen—sometimes a typo in the account number causes the IRS to send the money somewhere else, and Chime can help trace it.
If Chime confirms the deposit never arrived, contact the IRS directly. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or use the IRS website to request a trace on your refund. The IRS can investigate where the money went and reissue it if needed. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready.
State tax refunds and Chime
State tax refunds work the same way as federal refunds. When you file your state return, provide your Chime account and routing number for direct deposit. The state will send the refund to your Chime account on the same timeline as the IRS—usually 1 to 5 business days after the state approves your return.
Most states process returns faster than the IRS. Some states approve returns within 2 to 3 weeks if you file electronically. A few states have their own refund tracking tools; check your state's tax authority website for a link. If your state does not have a tracking tool, you can call the state tax office directly with your Social Security number and filing status to ask about your refund status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my refund to go to Chime if I already filed?
No, you cannot change the account after you file. The account information on your return is locked once submitted. If you filed to the wrong account, you will need to wait for that refund to arrive, then transfer it to Chime yourself. For next year, file with your Chime details from the start.
What if I close my Chime account before my refund arrives?
If your account is closed when the IRS tries to deposit, the money will be rejected and returned to the IRS. The IRS will then issue a paper check to your address on file, which takes several weeks. Avoid closing your account until your refund has arrived and cleared.
Does Chime charge a fee for receiving a tax refund?
No. Chime does not charge fees for incoming deposits, including tax refunds. The money appears in your account at no cost.
Can I split my refund between Chime and another account?
Yes, if you file electronically. Most tax software and the IRS form 1040 allow you to split your refund into up to three accounts. You can send part to Chime and part to another bank account. Provide the account and routing number for each account you want to use.
How do I know if my Chime routing number is correct?
The routing number for Chime is 211391825 for most accounts. Confirm this in the Chime app under Settings or by calling Chime customer service before you file. Using the wrong routing number will send your refund elsewhere.