Yes, you can transfer money from Chime to another bank account
Chime lets you move money out to an external bank account through a few different routes. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to arrive and whether you want to set up a standing transfer or move money once. Most transfers take one to three business days, though some options are faster.
The most common path is to link your external bank account inside the Chime app, then initiate a transfer from there. You can also use your Chime debit card to withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it yourself, or use a peer-to-peer payment app if your other bank is on the same network. Each method has different timing and different limits on how much you can move at once.
Key Takeaways
- Link your external bank account in the Chime app under settings, then transfer money directly from your Chime balance to that account.
- Standard transfers take one to three business days and have no stated limit, though Chime may review transfers above certain amounts.
- when ready transfers to linked accounts cost $0.25 per transfer if you have Chime Cash or Chime Premium, or are free if you have Chime Cash+ or Chime Premium+.
- You can also withdraw cash at any ATM using your Chime debit card and deposit it at your other bank, which gives you the money when ready but requires a trip to a branch or ATM.
- Some banks and payment apps let you send money directly to a Chime account using your routing and account number, which is the reverse of linking but works when you need money coming in.
How to link your external bank account in Chime
Open the Chime app and go to Settings, then select Transfers. Tap "Add External Account" and enter your bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check, or call your bank's customer service line to ask. Chime will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account over one to two business days.
Once those deposits arrive at your other bank, go back into the Chime app and confirm the amounts. This verification step proves you own the account and prevents someone else from linking a random bank account to your Chime profile. After verification, you can transfer money to that account when ready.
Standard transfers versus when ready transfers
A standard transfer from Chime to your linked bank account takes one to three business days and costs nothing. The money leaves your Chime account right away, but your other bank may not show it for a day or two depending on when you initiate the transfer and how that bank processes incoming ACH transfers.
An when ready transfer arrives within minutes and costs $0.25 per transfer if you have Chime Cash or Chime Premium. If you have Chime Cash+ or Chime Premium+, when ready transfers are free. Check your Chime plan in the app under Account to see which tier you have. The cost is deducted from your Chime balance at the time of transfer.
Both types of transfer work the same way: open the app, go to Transfers, select your linked external account, enter the amount, and confirm. The difference is only in speed and cost.
Limits on how much you can transfer at once
Chime does not publish a single stated limit for transfers to external accounts. However, transfers of $5,000 or more may trigger a review, and Chime's fraud team may contact you to confirm the transfer is legitimate. This review can add time to when the money actually leaves your account.
If you need to move a large amount, contact Chime support through the app before you transfer. They can tell you whether your specific transfer will be reviewed and how long it might take. For amounts under $5,000, transfers typically process without delay.
Withdrawing cash and depositing it yourself
You can use your Chime debit card to withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts Visa, then walk into your other bank and deposit it. This method gives you the money in your other account when ready (or by the next business day if you deposit after hours), but it requires a physical trip and you have to handle the cash yourself.
Chime does not charge a fee for ATM withdrawals at most networks, though some ATMs may charge their own fee. Your other bank may also charge a fee for deposits made by non-customers, so check their policy first. This route works best if you need the money urgently and your bank branch is nearby.
Using peer-to-peer apps to move money faster
If your other bank uses a peer-to-peer payment network like Zelle, you may be able to send money from Chime to that app, then from the app to your bank account. This works only if both Chime and your bank are on the same network, and it typically takes the same one to three business days as a standard transfer.
Check whether your bank offers Zelle, PayPal, or another payment app. If it does, and if Chime is connected to that app, you can link your Chime account inside the payment app and send money that way. This is not faster than a direct Chime transfer, but it can be useful if you prefer to manage all your transfers through one app.
What happens if your external account is not verified yet
If you have not completed the verification step, you cannot transfer money out. You must wait for the two small deposits to arrive at your external bank, then confirm the amounts in the Chime app. This usually takes one to two business days from when you first link the account.
If the deposits do not arrive within three business days, check that you entered the routing and account number correctly. A single digit wrong will send the deposits to the wrong account. Go back into Chime, delete the account, and try again with the correct information. If you are still having trouble, contact Chime support through the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a transfer from Chime to my bank account take?
Standard transfers take one to three business days. when ready transfers arrive within minutes and cost $0.25 each unless you have Chime Cash+ or Chime Premium+. Weekends and holidays may add time to standard transfers.
Can I transfer money from Chime to a bank account that is not in my name?
No. Chime requires that the external account be in your name. Transfers to accounts owned by someone else will be rejected during verification or when you attempt the transfer.
What if I do not know my bank's routing number?
Call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. You can also find the routing number on a check if you have one, or on your bank's website in the account settings or help section.
Is there a limit to how many transfers I can make in one day?
Chime does not state a daily transfer limit. However, multiple large transfers in a short time may trigger fraud review. If you need to move a large amount, contact Chime support first to avoid delays.
Can I set up automatic transfers from Chime to my other bank?
Chime does not offer automatic recurring transfers to external accounts. You must initiate each transfer manually through the app. Some banks let you set up automatic transfers from their side by linking your Chime account as a source.