Chime does not accept cash deposits directly, but you have several ways to get cash into your account
Chime is a mobile-first bank without physical branches, so you cannot walk into a location and deposit cash at a teller window. However, you can move cash into your Chime checking account through third-party networks, retail partners, and transfers from other accounts. The method you choose depends on what you have available and how quickly you need the money in your account.
The most straightforward routes are MoneyLion, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens — all of which let you hand over cash and have it credited to your Chime account within minutes. You can also deposit cash into another bank account you own and transfer it to Chime, though that takes longer. Direct deposit from an employer or government agency is the fastest and most reliable method if you receive regular payments.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens accept cash deposits to Chime accounts at their registers, usually for a small fee or no fee at all.
- MoneyLion is a third-party service that accepts cash deposits and credits them to your Chime account, typically within minutes.
- You can deposit cash into another bank account you control and then transfer the money to Chime, though this takes one to three business days.
- Direct deposit from your employer or a government agency is the fastest and cheapest way to move money into Chime, with no fees.
Deposit cash at Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens
The easiest in-person option is to walk into any Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens location and ask the cashier to deposit cash into your Chime account. You will need your Chime debit card or your Chime account number. The cashier will process the deposit at the register, and the money appears in your account within minutes — usually before you leave the store.
Walmart charges no fee for cash deposits to Chime. CVS and Walgreens may charge a small fee (typically $1 to $3 depending on the amount), though some locations waive the fee. Call ahead or ask the cashier about the fee before you hand over your cash. These deposits are when ready, so if you need cash in your account the same day, this is your fastest option.
Use MoneyLion to deposit cash without leaving home
MoneyLion is a third-party service that accepts cash deposits at thousands of retail locations nationwide — including 7-Eleven, Family Dollar, and other convenience stores. You set up a deposit through the MoneyLion app or website, receive a barcode, and take that barcode to a participating store. Hand the cash and barcode to the cashier, and the money is credited to your Chime account within minutes.
MoneyLion charges a fee for this service, typically between $2 and $5 depending on the amount you deposit. The fee is deducted from the deposit, so if you deposit $100 and the fee is $3, your Chime account receives $97. Check the MoneyLion app to see the exact fee before you confirm the deposit. This method works well if you do not have a Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens nearby, or if you prefer not to use your debit card in person.
Transfer cash from another bank account you own
If you have a checking or savings account at another bank, you can deposit cash there and then transfer the money to your Chime account. This method is free but slower — the transfer typically takes one to three business days. Deposit the cash at your other bank's branch or ATM, then log into your Chime app and initiate an external transfer to move the money over.
To set up an external transfer, you will need your other bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. Chime will ask you to verify the account by depositing small amounts (usually under $1 each) and confirming those amounts — this verification step can take a few days. Once verified, transfers between the accounts are usually when ready or next-business-day, though some banks take longer. This route is best if you are not in a hurry and want to avoid fees.
Set up direct deposit from your employer or government agency
Direct deposit is the most reliable and cheapest way to move money into Chime. Your employer or a government agency (such as Social Security or unemployment) deposits your paycheck or benefit payment directly into your Chime account. There are no fees, and the money arrives on the scheduled date — usually within one business day of being sent.
To set up direct deposit, you will need to provide your employer or agency with your Chime account number and Chime's routing number. You can find both in the Chime app under account settings or by contacting Chime support. Once direct deposit is set up, you do not have to do anything — the money arrives automatically on payday or the benefit payment date. If you receive regular paychecks or benefits, this is the method that requires the least effort and costs you nothing.
What to do if you need cash deposited urgently
If you need cash in your account within hours, Walmart is your fastest option — deposits there are when ready and free. CVS and Walgreens are equally fast but may charge a small fee. MoneyLion is also when ready but charges a higher fee. Avoid the bank transfer method if you are in a hurry, because it takes at least one business day and sometimes longer.
If it is after business hours or you cannot reach a Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens, you may have to wait until the next day. Some 24-hour convenience stores accept MoneyLion deposits, so check the MoneyLion app to see what is open near you. If the deposit is truly urgent and none of these options work, contact Chime support to ask whether they have other methods available in your area.
Fees and limits for cash deposits
Walmart charges no fee for cash deposits to Chime. CVS and Walgreens charge $1 to $3 per deposit, though some locations may waive the fee. MoneyLion charges $2 to $5 depending on the deposit amount. Bank transfers and direct deposits are free. There are no daily or monthly limits on how much you can deposit through Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens, though individual stores may have their own policies — ask the cashier if you are depositing a large amount.
Chime itself does not limit how much you can deposit into your account, but your account may have a daily spending limit or a daily transfer limit. Check your Chime app to see your current limits. If you are depositing a very large amount of cash, you may want to split it across multiple deposits or multiple days to stay within any limits your account has.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at an ATM with my Chime card?
No. Chime ATMs do not accept cash deposits — they only dispense cash. You must use one of the methods described above: Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, MoneyLion, a transfer from another bank account, or direct deposit.
What if I do not have my Chime debit card with me?
You can still deposit cash at Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens by providing your Chime account number instead of your card. You can find your account number in the Chime app under account settings. MoneyLion does not require your card — you just need the barcode from the app.
How long does it take for a cash deposit to show up in my account?
Deposits at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and MoneyLion are when ready — the money appears in your account within minutes, usually before you leave the store. Bank transfers take one to three business days. Direct deposits arrive on the scheduled date, typically within one business day of being sent.
Can I deposit someone else's cash into my Chime account?
Yes. You can deposit cash from anyone at Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, or MoneyLion using your own account number or card. There is no restriction on whose cash you deposit, though very large or frequent deposits may trigger fraud checks.
What happens if the deposit fails or does not show up?
If you received a receipt from Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, or MoneyLion, keep it. Contact Chime support with the receipt and the date and time of the deposit. Chime can trace the deposit and credit your account if there was an error. If you did not receive a receipt, contact the store where you made the deposit — they can confirm whether the transaction went through.