Yes, you can pay bills directly from your Chime checking account
Chime's checking account works like any other bank account for paying bills. You can set up automatic payments to companies you owe money to, send money to people manually, or write checks if you need them. The main difference is that Chime does most of this through its mobile app rather than a website or in-person at a branch — because Chime has no physical locations.
The method you use depends on what you're paying for and how you prefer to send the money. Some bills work best with automatic payments set up once and then forgotten. Others you might pay one time only. A few situations require a different approach altogether.
Key Takeaways
- Chime's debit card works at any store or online retailer, so you can pay bills that accept card payments directly.
- You can set up automatic bill payments through Chime's app to most utility companies, credit card issuers, and loan servicers.
- Chime gives you a routing number and account number, which you can use to set up payments through a biller's own website or phone system.
- For bills that don't accept bank transfers or card payments, you can write a check from your Chime account or use a third-party payment service.
- Money sent from Chime to another person or business usually arrives within one to three business days, depending on the receiving bank.
Paying bills with your Chime debit card
The simplest way to pay many bills is to use your Chime debit card the same way you'd use any other card. If a company accepts Visa debit cards — and most do — you can give them your card number online, over the phone, or in person. This works for utilities, insurance, phone bills, streaming services, and most other recurring charges.
When you use your card, the money comes directly out of your Chime checking account. There's no separate credit line or loan involved. The payment usually goes through within one business day. You can see it in your Chime app right away as a pending transaction, then it settles a day or two later.
One thing to watch: if you set up a bill to charge your card automatically each month, make sure you have enough money in your account on the day it's due. Chime does not charge overdraft fees, but the payment may be declined if your balance is too low.
Setting up automatic payments through Chime's app
Chime's mobile app has a built-in bill pay feature that lets you schedule recurring payments without giving your card number to each company. You set it up once, and the payment goes out on the same day each month (or week, or however often you choose).
To use this feature, open the Chime app, find the bill pay or transfers section, and enter the company's name and your account number with them. Chime will ask for the payment amount and the date you want it to go out. Once you confirm, Chime sends the money from your checking account to that company. Most payments arrive within one to three business days.
This method works well for bills that don't change much month to month — rent, insurance, loan payments, or utilities with a fixed charge. If your bill amount changes (like a credit card balance), you'll need to adjust the payment amount each month or set it up manually instead.
Paying bills using your account and routing number
Many companies let you pay directly from your bank account if you give them your routing number and account number. Chime provides both of these. You can find them in your app under account settings or by requesting a statement.
When you give a company these numbers, they can pull money directly from your Chime account. This is called an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House). It's safe — the company can only take money, not see your balance or access anything else. The payment usually takes one to three business days to clear.
This method is useful when a company doesn't accept card payments or when you want to avoid giving your card number out. Many utilities, mortgage servicers, and government agencies prefer this method because it's cheaper for them to process than card payments.
Writing checks from your Chime account
Chime allows you to order checks that draw directly from your checking account. You can request them through the app, and they arrive by mail within a week or two. Once you have them, you write a check the way you would with any bank account — fill in the payee, the amount, the date, and your signature.
Checks are useful for bills that don't accept electronic payments, like some landlords or local government offices. They're also helpful if you need to send money to someone who doesn't have a bank account. The person or company you send the check to deposits it in their own bank, and the money clears from your Chime account a few days later.
Ordering checks does cost money — Chime charges a small fee per box. Because of this cost, most people use checks only when they have no other option.
Sending money to people for bills you share
If you need to split a bill with someone else — a roommate's share of utilities, for example — you can send them money directly from Chime using Chime's transfer feature or an external service like Venmo or PayPal.
Chime's own transfer feature lets you send money to another Chime user when ready and for free. If you're sending to someone with a different bank, you can use their routing and account number, and the money arrives in one to three business days. Alternatively, you can use a payment app like Venmo, which many people find easier because you only need their username.
The person receiving the money can then use it to pay their portion of the shared bill however they choose.
What to do if a biller won't accept your payment
Occasionally you'll run into a company that doesn't accept card payments, ACH transfers, or checks. This is rare, but it happens with some very small landlords, local contractors, or government offices that only accept cash or money orders.
In these cases, you have a few options. You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your Chime debit card and pay in person or by mail. You can buy a money order at a grocery store or post office using cash or your card, then mail it. Some third-party payment services like Plastiq let you pay almost anyone by card, though they charge a fee.
Before you resort to these methods, call the company and ask directly what payment methods they accept. You might find they do take cards or transfers but don't advertise it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chime charge me to pay bills?
Chime does not charge a fee for bill payments made through the app, by debit card, or by ACH transfer. Ordering checks costs a small fee per box. Third-party payment services may charge their own fees.
How long does it take for a bill payment to go through?
Card payments usually process within one business day. ACH transfers and automatic payments typically take one to three business days. Checks take three to seven business days from when the recipient deposits them. when ready transfers between Chime users arrive when ready.
What happens if I don't have enough money when a bill is due?
Chime does not charge overdraft fees, but the payment may be declined if your balance is too low. Contact the company right away to let them know and ask about a late payment or extension. Then transfer money into your account if you can and try the payment again.
Can I set up a payment to someone who doesn't have a bank account?
Not directly through Chime's bill pay feature. You would need to withdraw cash, buy a money order, or use a third-party payment service. If the person opens a bank account, you can then send them money directly.
Is it safe to give a company my Chime routing and account number?
Yes. Your routing and account number alone cannot be used to access your account or see your balance. A company can only pull money out, not push money in or view your information. Only share these numbers with companies you trust and recognize.