You cannot send money using only your checking account number through Chime

Your Chime checking account number alone is not enough to send money to another person. Chime does not have a built-in feature that lets you transfer funds by sharing your account number the way some other banks do. If you want to send money from your Chime account, you need to use one of Chime's actual payment methods instead.

This is different from receiving money. Someone can deposit funds into your Chime account if they have your account number and routing number — but sending money out requires you to initiate the transfer yourself through Chime's app or website, using a method Chime actually supports.

Key Takeaways

  • Chime's SpotMe feature lets you send money to another Chime user when ready using their username or phone number, not their account number.
  • You can transfer money to an external bank account through Chime's standard ACH transfer, which takes one to three business days.
  • Chime does not support Zelle, so you cannot use that service to send money from your Chime account.
  • If someone wants to pay you using your account number, they can deposit funds directly, but this only works for incoming transfers, not outgoing ones.

Sending money to another Chime user with SpotMe

The fastest way to send money from Chime is through SpotMe, Chime's peer-to-peer payment feature. You do not need the recipient's account number. Instead, you search for them by their Chime username or the phone number they registered with Chime, and the transfer happens when ready with no fees.

Open the Chime app, tap the send money icon, enter the amount, and search for the person by username or phone number. Once you confirm the recipient, the money moves when ready. The recipient sees it in their Chime account right away, and they can use it or transfer it elsewhere without waiting.

SpotMe transfers only work between Chime users. If the person you want to pay does not have a Chime account, you will need to use a different method.

Transferring money to an external bank account

If you need to send money to someone with a bank account at another institution, use Chime's ACH transfer feature. You will need the recipient's account number and routing number, but you initiate the transfer from your Chime app — the recipient does not send you their information through Chime.

Go to the transfer section in your Chime app, select "Transfer to another bank," and enter the recipient's routing number and account number. You can save frequent recipients so you do not have to enter their details every time. The transfer typically takes one to three business days to complete.

ACH transfers are free within Chime's standard limits. There are no fees for sending money this way, though your recipient's bank may charge them a fee on their end (most do not).

Why Chime does not accept Zelle

Chime does not participate in Zelle, the peer-to-peer payment network that many traditional banks use. This means you cannot send money through Zelle from your Chime account, even if the person you are paying uses Zelle at their bank.

Chime chose to build SpotMe instead as its primary peer-to-peer tool. If you need to pay someone who only accepts Zelle, you would need to use a different payment method — either ask them to accept a Chime SpotMe transfer if they have a Chime account, or use an external bank account if you have one.

Receiving money using your Chime account number

While you cannot send money using your account number, other people can deposit money into your Chime account if they have your account number and routing number. This works for direct deposits from employers, government benefits, or transfers from other banks.

Your Chime routing number is 221180379 (this is the same for all Chime accounts). Your account number is unique to you and appears in the Chime app under account details. If someone wants to send you money through their bank's transfer system, you can give them both numbers and they can initiate the transfer from their side.

Incoming transfers typically take one to three business days, depending on the sending bank. Some employers and government agencies can deposit funds faster if they use Chime's expedited routing.

Other ways to move money from Chime

Beyond SpotMe and ACH transfers, you can withdraw cash from your Chime debit card at any ATM in the Chime network (over 60,000 ATMs nationwide), or use your card to pay directly at stores and online. You can also request a paper check through the Chime app, though this takes longer than electronic transfers.

If you need to move a large amount of money or have a specific situation, check the Chime app's transfer options — Chime occasionally adds features or partnerships that expand how you can move funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give someone my Chime account number to pay me?

Yes. If they have your account number and Chime's routing number (221180379), they can initiate a transfer from their bank to your Chime account. This works for direct deposits and bank-to-bank transfers, but it takes one to three business days.

What if the person I want to pay does not have Chime?

Use an ACH transfer if they have a bank account elsewhere. You will need their routing number and account number. If they only accept Zelle or another payment app Chime does not support, you may need to use a different payment method or ask them to set up a Chime account.

Is SpotMe the same as sending money to a bank account?

No. SpotMe only works between Chime users and transfers happen when ready. ACH transfers go to external bank accounts and take one to three business days. SpotMe is faster but only works if the recipient uses Chime.

Are there fees for sending money from Chime?

SpotMe transfers and ACH transfers to external banks are both free. Chime does not charge fees for these services, though the receiving bank may charge the recipient a fee on their end.