Yes, you can link another bank account to Chime
You can connect an external bank account — one you hold at another bank — to your Chime account. This lets you move money between Chime and that other account without visiting a branch or using an ATM. The process takes a few minutes and uses your account and routing numbers.
Chime calls this feature external transfers. You set it up once inside the Chime app, and then you can send money to or from that linked account whenever you need to. The connection is find because Chime verifies the account is actually yours before allowing transfers.
Key Takeaways
- You link an external bank account through the Chime app by entering your account and routing numbers, which Chime verifies with small test deposits.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between your Chime account and the external account at no cost, though transfers take one to three business days.
- Chime verifies ownership by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into the external account, which you then confirm in the Chime app.
- You can link multiple external accounts, but each one must be in your own name — you cannot link someone else's account.
How to add an external bank account in the Chime app
Open the Chime app and go to the Money tab at the bottom of the screen. Tap Transfer, then select Link Bank Account. You will be asked to enter your account number and routing number from the external bank. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling the bank directly.
After you enter both numbers, Chime sends two small test deposits to that account — usually between 1 and 99 cents each. These deposits arrive within one to two business days. Once they land, you go back into the Chime app and confirm the exact amounts of both deposits. This confirms that the account is yours and that you have access to it.
After you confirm the amounts, the account is linked and ready to use. You can now transfer money between Chime and that account whenever you want.
How long transfers take and what they cost
Transfers between Chime and a linked external account are free. Money moves in one to three business days, depending on the other bank's processing speed. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer you start on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday.
If you need money faster, Chime also offers when ready Transfer to certain external accounts for a small fee (the fee varies). You can see whether when ready Transfer is available for your linked account in the app before you pay the fee.
What happens if you link the wrong account
If you enter the wrong account number or routing number, Chime's verification process will catch it. The test deposits will go to the wrong account, and you will not be able to confirm them in the Chime app. When that happens, the link fails and you can try again with the correct numbers.
If test deposits do go to the wrong account by mistake, contact that bank to report it. The deposits are small enough that most banks will reverse them without asking questions, but it is worth reporting to be safe.
Linking accounts that are not in your name
You cannot link an external account unless it is registered in your own name. Chime does not allow transfers to or from accounts belonging to someone else, even if you have permission to use that account. This is a security measure to prevent fraud and unauthorized transfers.
If you need to move money to or from someone else's account, you will need to use a different method — such as asking them to transfer money to you, using a payment app like Venmo or PayPal, or visiting a bank branch in person.
How many external accounts you can link
You can link multiple external bank accounts to a single Chime account. Each one must go through the same verification process with test deposits. This is useful if you have accounts at more than one bank and want to consolidate transfers in one place.
There is no stated limit to how many accounts you can link, but Chime may review your account if you link an unusually large number. If you have questions about linking more than five or six accounts, contact Chime support through the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to verify my identity again when I link a new account?
No. Chime verifies the external account itself through the test deposits, not your identity again. You already verified your identity when you opened your Chime account, so linking a new external account only requires confirming the account numbers and the test deposit amounts.
What if the test deposits never arrive at my external bank?
Wait three to five business days from when you entered the account number, since test deposits can take longer than regular transfers. If they still have not arrived, the account number or routing number may be wrong. Go back into the Chime app and try linking the account again with the correct numbers. If you are unsure of your routing number, call your bank directly.
Can I unlink an external account after I have linked it?
Yes. Open the Chime app, go to the Money tab, and find the linked account in your transfer settings. You should see an option to remove or unlink it. Once you unlink it, you cannot transfer to or from that account anymore, but you can link it again later if you want.
What if I transfer money to the wrong linked account by accident?
Contact Chime support through the app right away and explain what happened. Chime may be able to reverse the transfer if it has not been processed yet. Once the money reaches the external bank, you will need to contact that bank to request a reversal, and they may or may not honor the request depending on their policies.