Yes, you can send money from Chime to someone else's bank account
Chime lets you move money out to another person's bank account in two main ways: through a transfer you set up yourself, or by giving someone else temporary access to pull the money. The method you choose depends on whether you know the other person's bank details and how quickly you need the money to arrive.
The most common route is Chime-to-bank transfers, where you initiate the send from your Chime app. This works with accounts at most U.S. banks and credit unions. The money typically arrives within one to three business days, though Chime's when ready transfer feature can move it the same day for a small fee in some cases.
The second option is Chime SpotMe Boosts or peer-to-peer payment apps linked to your Chime account — services like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App that let you send money to someone's phone number or username instead of their bank account number. These are faster but work differently than a direct bank transfer.
Key Takeaways
- You can send money from Chime to another bank account by entering the recipient's routing number, account number, and account type in the Chime app.
- Standard transfers take one to three business days; Chime's when ready transfer option costs a fee but can deliver money the same day.
- You need the other person's bank account details (routing and account number) to send a direct transfer, which you can find on a check or by asking them.
- Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or PayPal linked to your Chime account offer faster sends but move money between app accounts first, not directly to a bank.
- Chime does not charge a fee for standard transfers to other banks, but when ready transfers and some third-party apps may charge.
Setting up a direct transfer from Chime to another bank
Open your Chime app and look for the "Send Money" or "Transfer" option — the exact wording varies depending on your phone and app version. Tap it and select "Transfer to Bank" or the option for sending to an external account.
You will need the recipient's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies their bank) and account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). The person receiving the money can find both on the bottom left of any check they have, or they can log into their own bank and find it in their account settings. Ask them to double-check the numbers before you enter them — a mistake here means the money goes to the wrong place.
Enter the account type (checking or savings), the amount, and a note if you want one. Review everything, then confirm. Chime will show you a confirmation number. The money leaves your Chime account right away, but it may take one to three business days to show up in the other person's bank account, depending on how their bank processes incoming transfers.
When to use when ready transfer instead of standard transfer
Chime offers an when ready transfer option that moves money the same day or next business day, depending on the time you send it. This costs a fee — the amount varies, so check your app for the current price. It is worth using if the other person needs the money urgently and you are willing to pay for speed.
Standard transfers are free and work fine if you have a few days. Most people use the standard option unless there is a specific reason to rush.
Keep in mind that even with when ready transfer, the receiving bank may take a few hours to post the money to the recipient's account. when ready transfer means Chime sends it faster, not that it appears when ready in their bank.
Using peer-to-peer apps instead of a direct bank transfer
If you do not have the other person's bank account number, or if you both use the same payment app, you can send money through Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, or similar services. Link your Chime account to the app you choose, then send money using the recipient's phone number, email, or username.
These apps are often faster than bank transfers — sometimes when ready — but the money goes into the app account first, not directly to their bank. The other person then has to transfer it from the app to their own bank account if they want it in their checking or savings, which can add another day or two.
Some of these apps charge fees for when ready transfers or for sending to a bank account. Check the app's fee schedule before you send, especially if it is a large amount.
What information you need from the other person
For a direct Chime-to-bank transfer, ask for their routing number and account number. If they have a check, they can read both numbers off the bottom. If they do not have a check, they can log into their bank's website or app and find the numbers in their account information or settings.
Make sure they give you the account number for the specific account where they want the money — some people have multiple accounts at the same bank, and using the wrong number sends the money to the wrong place.
For peer-to-peer apps, you only need their phone number, email, or username in that app. This is simpler if you both already use the same service.
Fees and limits on Chime transfers
Chime does not charge a fee for standard transfers to other banks. when ready transfers cost a fee that varies by amount and timing — check your app for the exact price before you confirm.
Chime may have daily or monthly limits on how much you can transfer out. These limits vary by account type and how long you have had your account. If you try to send more than your limit, the app will tell you and suggest waiting until the next day or month.
Peer-to-peer apps set their own fees. Some charge nothing for standard transfers between users but charge for when ready transfer or for moving money to a bank account. Read the fee disclosure in the app before you send.
What to do if the transfer goes to the wrong account
If you entered the wrong routing or account number, contact Chime support right away through the app. Chime can sometimes stop a transfer that has not cleared yet, but once the money reaches the other bank, Chime cannot retrieve it. You will have to contact that bank and ask them to reverse the transfer — which they may or may not do depending on their policy.
This is why it is worth taking 30 seconds to double-check the routing and account numbers before you hit send. Ask the other person to confirm the numbers are correct, or have them read them to you from a check or their bank app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to send money from Chime to another bank?
Standard transfers take one to three business days. when ready transfer can deliver the same day or next business day depending on when you send it, but costs a fee. The exact timing also depends on the receiving bank's processing speed.
Can I send money to someone at a credit union?
Yes. Credit unions have routing numbers just like banks. Ask the person for their credit union's routing number and their account number, then send the transfer the same way you would to a bank account.
What if I do not know the other person's routing number?
Ask them to check a check, or log into their bank or credit union and find it in their account settings. You can also use a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or PayPal if you both have accounts there — you will only need their phone number or username.
Does Chime charge a fee to send money to another bank?
No fee for standard transfers. when ready transfers cost a fee that varies by amount. Peer-to-peer apps may charge their own fees depending on the service and how you send the money.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
If you contact Chime support when ready, they may be able to stop it before it clears. Once the money reaches the other bank, Chime cannot retrieve it. You would have to ask the receiving bank to reverse it, which is not may provide.