Yes, but not directly through the app or ATM
Chime does not let you deposit cash directly into your account through their mobile app, website, or at an ATM. You cannot walk into a bank branch and hand a teller cash for your Chime account the way you would with a traditional bank account. Instead, Chime offers a few specific routes to get cash into your account, each with different limits and timing.
The most straightforward method is to use cash deposits at participating retail locations. Chime partners with MoneyLion and other networks to let you deposit cash at certain stores. You can also transfer money from another bank account you own, or have someone else send you money through a peer-to-peer app that links to your Chime card.
Key Takeaways
- Chime lets you deposit cash at participating retail partners like certain grocery stores and pharmacies, though availability varies by location.
- You can transfer money from another bank account you own into Chime, which usually takes one to three business days.
- Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App can send money to your Chime account if you link them, often within minutes.
- Direct deposit from an employer or government agency is the fastest and most reliable way to get money into Chime without fees.
- Cash deposits at retail locations may carry fees ranging from $1 to $5 depending on the amount and the retailer.
Depositing cash at retail partners
Chime works with a network of retail locations where you can hand over cash and have it added to your account. The specific stores available depend on where you live. Common partners include certain Walmart locations, CVS pharmacies, and other grocery and convenience stores, though not every location participates.
To find a participating store near you, open the Chime app, go to the Money section, and look for the cash deposit option. The app will show you nearby locations that accept cash deposits. When you arrive at the store, tell the cashier you want to deposit cash to your Chime account. You will need your Chime debit card or your account information. The deposit usually posts to your account within one to two business days.
Retail cash deposits often come with a fee. The amount varies—some locations charge $1.50 for deposits under $100, while others charge $3 to $5 for larger amounts. Check the app before you go to the store so you know what fee applies at that specific location.
Transferring money from another bank account
If you have a checking or savings account at another bank, you can transfer money from that account into your Chime account. This is free and does not require a retail visit. Log into your other bank's app or website, find the transfer or send money option, and enter your Chime account and routing number. Chime's routing number is 084106001.
Transfers from another bank typically take one to three business days to appear in your Chime account. Some banks offer faster transfers—occasionally same-day or next-day—but this depends on your bank's policies, not Chime's. If you need money faster, use a peer-to-peer app instead.
You can also set up a recurring transfer if you want to move money on a regular schedule, such as weekly or monthly. This is useful if you receive cash from a side job and want to move it into Chime automatically.
Using peer-to-peer payment apps
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle can send money to your Chime account if you link them. The process is straightforward: open the app, add your Chime debit card as your payment method, and have someone send you money or send money to yourself from another account. Money from peer-to-peer apps usually arrives within minutes to a few hours.
This method works best if someone else is sending you cash—they can use their own bank account or card to send it through the app, and it lands in your Chime account without you ever touching physical cash. If you have cash in hand, you would need to deposit it into another bank account first, then transfer it through the peer-to-peer app, which adds an extra step.
Most peer-to-peer transfers between personal accounts are free. Some apps charge a small fee if you use a credit card instead of a bank account or debit card, so check the app's fee schedule before you send.
Direct deposit from employers or government agencies
Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to get money into Chime. If your employer or a government agency (such as Social Security or unemployment benefits) sends you money, you can have it deposited straight into your Chime account. Money from direct deposit usually arrives on the scheduled date with no fees.
To set up direct deposit, you will need to provide your employer or the government agency with your Chime account number and routing number (084106001). You can find both in the Chime app under account settings or on your debit card statement. Once set up, the deposit happens automatically on payday or the scheduled payment date.
What does not work for cash deposits
Chime does not accept cash deposits at ATMs, even ATMs that display the Chime logo. You cannot deposit cash through the Chime app or website. You also cannot go to a bank branch and deposit cash into a Chime account the way you would with a traditional bank account, because Chime is an online bank without physical branches.
If you see an ATM with the Chime logo, you can withdraw cash from it, but you cannot deposit cash. This is a common source of confusion for new Chime users. The ATM network is for withdrawals only.
Comparing your deposit options
| Method | Time to arrive | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail cash deposit | 1–2 business days | $1–$5 per deposit | When you have cash and need it in your account soon |
| Bank transfer | 1–3 business days | Free | Moving money from another account you own |
| Peer-to-peer app | Minutes to hours | Free (usually) | Receiving money from someone else or moving money between your own accounts |
| Direct deposit | On scheduled date | Free | Regular paychecks or government benefits |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at a Chime ATM?
No. Chime ATMs only allow withdrawals. If you need to deposit cash, use a participating retail location, transfer from another bank account, or use a peer-to-peer app. The Chime app will show you which retail partners near you accept cash deposits.
How much can I deposit at one time?
Retail cash deposits usually have a limit per transaction, often $500 to $1,000 depending on the location. If you need to deposit more, you can make multiple deposits or transfer from another bank account, which has higher limits. Check the Chime app for the specific limit at your chosen location.
Do I need my Chime card to deposit cash at a store?
You will need either your physical Chime debit card or your account number and routing number. Having your card is easiest. If you do not have it with you, ask the cashier if they can look up your account by your phone number or account number.
Why does Chime charge fees for cash deposits?
Chime does not charge the fee—the retail partner does. Stores that accept cash deposits charge a small fee to cover the cost of processing and verifying the cash. The fee varies by location and deposit amount. You can see the fee before you complete the deposit in the Chime app.
Is direct deposit faster than other methods?
Yes. Direct deposit arrives on the scheduled date with no delay and no fee. If you have a job or receive government benefits, setting up direct deposit is the most reliable way to get money into Chime. It also means you do not have to think about deposits—they happen automatically.