The fastest way is through Chime's mobile app, which lets you transfer from any linked bank account in minutes
You can move money into your Chime account from another bank account using Chime's mobile app, the Chime website, or by setting up an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer through your other bank. The app method is quickest—transfers typically land within one business day, though some arrive the same day. If you use your other bank's website or app to initiate the transfer, it may take two to three business days because the money has to route through the banking system rather than through Chime's direct connection.
You'll need your Chime account number and routing number to complete any transfer, whether you're doing it through Chime or through your other bank. Both numbers appear in the Chime app under account settings or on statements. Your other bank may also ask for your account type (checking or savings) and the name on your Chime account.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers through the Chime app usually arrive within one business day, while transfers initiated through your other bank's website take two to three business days.
- You need your Chime routing number and account number, which you can find in the Chime app under account settings.
- ACH transfers have no fee on Chime's side, though your other bank may charge a fee for outgoing transfers depending on your account type.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to Chime and transfer from any of them, but each account must be verified before the first transfer.
How to transfer money through the Chime app
Open the Chime app and tap the "Move Money" or "Transfer" option (the exact label depends on your app version). Select "Add Money" or "Transfer In." You'll see a list of any bank accounts you've already linked; if this is your first transfer, you'll need to add a new account.
Enter your other bank's routing number and your account number at that bank, then confirm the account type (checking or savings). Chime will ask you to verify the account by depositing two small amounts—usually under $1 each—into that account. Check your other bank's app or statement within one to two business days for these deposits, then return to Chime and enter the exact amounts. Once verified, you can transfer money when ready.
After verification, enter the amount you want to transfer and confirm. The money will move to your Chime account, typically within one business day. Chime does not charge a fee for incoming transfers, but your other bank may charge an outgoing transfer fee depending on your account type—check your bank's fee schedule or contact them directly.
Transferring through your other bank's website or app
You can also initiate a transfer from your other bank's side by treating your Chime account as an external account. Log into your other bank's website or app, find the "Transfer Money" or "Send Money" section, and select the option to transfer to an external account or another bank.
Enter your Chime routing number (021000021 for most Chime accounts, though verify this in your Chime app) and your Chime account number. Your other bank will ask for the account holder's name and may ask for the account type. Complete the transfer request and confirm the amount.
Transfers initiated this way take two to three business days because they move through the ACH network rather than Chime's direct system. Your other bank may charge an outgoing transfer fee; Chime will not charge you to receive the money. This method is useful if you prefer to manage all your transfers from one banking app, but it is slower than using Chime's app.
What to do if verification deposits don't arrive
If you don't see the two small verification deposits in your other bank account within two business days, the account link may have failed. Return to the Chime app, delete the account you tried to link, and try again. Make sure you entered the routing number and account number exactly as they appear in your other bank's records—even a single digit wrong will cause the link to fail.
If the deposits arrive but you can't remember the exact amounts, check your other bank's transaction history or recent statements. The amounts are usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. If you enter the wrong amounts three times, you'll need to start the verification process over with a new account link.
Linking multiple bank accounts to Chime
You can link more than one bank account to your Chime card and transfer from any of them. Each account must go through the verification process separately the first time you link it. After verification, you can transfer from that account anytime without additional steps.
To add another account, open the Chime app, go to "Move Money" or "Transfer," and select "Add a New Account." Follow the same verification process. This is useful if you receive paychecks from multiple employers or want to transfer from a savings account at one bank and a checking account at another.
Transfer limits and timing
Chime does not publish a single daily transfer limit—the limit depends on your account history and how long you've been with Chime. New accounts may have lower limits that increase over time. Check your Chime app for your current limit before attempting a large transfer.
Transfers initiated through the Chime app typically arrive within one business day, though Chime states they may take up to three business days in some cases. Transfers initiated through your other bank take two to three business days. Neither type of transfer processes on weekends or federal holidays, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
Fees and costs
Chime does not charge a fee to receive money from another bank account. However, your other bank may charge an outgoing transfer fee if you're not a premium account holder or if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month. Check your bank's fee schedule or contact them to confirm whether outgoing ACH transfers cost money.
Some banks charge different fees for transfers to external accounts versus transfers between your own accounts at the same bank. If you want to avoid fees, ask your bank whether you can transfer to your own account at that bank first, then transfer from there to Chime—though this adds an extra step and delays the money reaching Chime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money to Chime from a credit card?
No. Chime only accepts transfers from bank accounts (checking or savings). Credit card companies treat transfers to other financial accounts as cash advances, which carry high fees and interest rates. If you need to move money from a credit card, you'll need to pay the credit card bill from your bank account first, then transfer from that bank account to Chime.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
The transfer will fail or go to the wrong account. Before confirming any transfer, double-check both numbers against your bank statement or your bank's app. If money goes to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready—they can sometimes reverse the transfer, but the process takes time and is not may provide.
Do I need to verify my account every time I transfer money?
No. You only verify once per bank account. After the two small deposits are confirmed, you can transfer from that account as many times as you want without additional verification steps.
Why is my transfer taking longer than one business day?
Transfers through the Chime app usually arrive within one business day, but delays happen if you initiated the transfer late in the day, on a weekend, or on a federal holiday. Transfers initiated through your other bank's app take two to three business days by design. If it's been three business days and the money hasn't arrived, contact Chime support with your transfer confirmation number.
Can I set up automatic recurring transfers to Chime?
Chime's app does not have a built-in recurring transfer feature. However, you can set up automatic transfers through your other bank's website or app if it offers that option. This way, the same amount transfers on a schedule you choose without you having to initiate each transfer manually.