You can close your Chime account online through the app or by calling customer service
Closing a Chime checking account takes about five minutes if you do it through the mobile app, or you can call Chime's customer service line and have a representative close it for you over the phone. You do not need to visit a physical location — Chime is an online bank with no branches. Before you close the account, make sure you have moved any remaining money out, because Chime will not hold funds after the account is closed.
The process is straightforward, but there are a few things to do first to avoid problems. If you have direct deposits going to this account, you will want to update those with your employer or the organization sending the money. If you have automatic bill payments set up, those will stop working once the account closes, so you should cancel or redirect them beforehand.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your account through the Chime app by going to Settings, selecting Account, and choosing Close Account, or by calling Chime customer service at 1-844-244-6363.
- Remove all money from your account before closing it, because Chime will not transfer remaining funds after the account is shut down.
- Update any direct deposits with your employer or benefits provider so payments do not go to a closed account.
- Cancel or redirect automatic bill payments before closing, since they will fail once the account no longer exists.
Closing your account through the Chime app
Open the Chime app on your phone and log in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen. Select Settings, then tap Account. Scroll down until you see the option that says Close Account and tap it. Chime will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why you are closing it — this feedback is optional.
After you confirm, the account will close when ready. You will receive a confirmation email from Chime. If you have a Chime debit card, it will stop working right away, so destroy it or set it aside. Any pending transactions that have not yet cleared may still process, so check your account for a few days after closing to make sure nothing unexpected goes through.
Closing your account by phone
Call Chime customer service at 1-844-244-6363. You can reach them Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your Chime account ready when you call.
Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will confirm your identity, ask a few security questions, and then process the closure. The representative may ask why you are closing the account, but you do not have to provide a reason. Once the call ends, your account is closed.
What to do with your money before closing
Transfer any remaining balance to another bank account you own. You can do this by linking an external bank account in the Chime app and sending a transfer, or by withdrawing cash at an ATM if you have a small balance. Chime does not charge a fee to transfer money out, and most transfers take one to three business days.
If you have a very small balance — less than a dollar — you can leave it, but Chime will not send it to you after the account closes. It is better to withdraw or transfer everything, even if it is just a few cents.
Updating direct deposits and automatic payments
Before you close the account, contact your employer's payroll department or the organization sending you benefits and give them your new bank account number. This usually takes a few minutes on the phone or through an online portal. Do the same for any government benefits like Social Security, unemployment, or tax refunds that go directly to your account.
For automatic bill payments, log into each company's website or app and change the payment method to a different bank account or to a credit card. If you are not sure which companies have your Chime account on file, check your Chime transaction history for recurring charges. Call or email each one to update your payment information.
What happens to your debit card
Your Chime debit card will stop working the moment your account closes. You do not need to do anything special — just stop using it. If you want to be extra careful, cut the card in half or shred it so it cannot be used by someone else.
If you have a Chime SpotMe boost or other features tied to your card, those will also stop working. You will not be charged for these features after the account is closed.
After your account is closed
Once your account is closed, you cannot reopen it. If you change your mind later and want to use Chime again, you will have to open a new account from scratch. This means a new account number and a new debit card.
Keep your final account statement for your records. You can read it from the app before you close the account, or Chime will email it to you after closure. This is useful if you need proof of the account for tax purposes or if a payment is disputed later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have pending transactions when I close my account?
Pending transactions that have not cleared will still go through after your account closes. Check your account for a few days after closing to see what clears. If a transaction posts that you did not authorize, contact Chime right away to dispute it.
Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?
Chime will not close your account if you owe money. You must bring your balance to zero or positive before closing. If you have overdraft fees or other charges, pay those first.
Do I lose my transaction history after I close the account?
You can read your transaction history before closing, but Chime will not keep it available after the account is shut down. read a statement or take screenshots of your history if you need it for records.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
Your account closes when ready when you confirm the closure in the app or on the phone. However, it can take a few days for pending transactions to clear and for your debit card to stop working everywhere.
What if I forgot to update my direct deposit before closing?
Contact your employer or benefits provider right away with your new bank account information. If a payment goes to your closed Chime account, it will be returned to the sender, and you will need to resubmit your banking information to receive it again.