You can transfer money from Chime to another bank account in minutes using Chime's built-in transfer tools

Chime offers two main ways to send money to an external bank account: ACH transfers (which take one to two business days) and when ready transfers (which arrive within minutes). ACH transfers are free. when ready transfers cost $0.50 to $2.00 depending on the amount and your account type. Both methods require you to add the receiving bank account to Chime first, which takes a few minutes and involves verifying two small deposits that the receiving bank makes to confirm you own that account.

The process is straightforward: add the account, verify it with test deposits, then choose your transfer speed. Most people use ACH transfers for routine moves and when ready transfers when they need money right away. Understanding the difference between the two helps you pick the right option for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • ACH transfers from Chime to another bank are free and take one to two business days, while when ready transfers cost $0.50 to $2.00 and arrive within minutes.
  • You must add the receiving bank account in Chime's app or website first, then verify it with two small test deposits before you can transfer money to it.
  • when ready transfers work only to U.S. bank accounts and may have daily or per-transfer limits depending on your Chime account type.
  • If a transfer fails or takes longer than expected, contact Chime support through the app or website to trace the transaction.

How to add an external bank account in Chime

Open the Chime app or go to chime.com and log in. Tap or click the menu icon, then look for "Transfer Money" or "Send Money" (the exact label varies by app version). Select "Add External Account" or "Link Bank Account." Enter the receiving bank's name, the account number, and the routing number. You can find the routing number on your bank's website or by calling the bank directly.

After you enter the account details, Chime will tell you that two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) will arrive at the receiving bank within one to two business days. Once those deposits land, you go back into Chime and confirm the exact amounts. This verification step proves you control the receiving account and prevents fraud. Only after verification is complete can you transfer money to that account. The entire process from adding the account to being ready to transfer typically takes two to four business days.

Sending an ACH transfer (free, slower)

Once your external account is verified, open Chime and go to "Transfer Money." Select the external account you want to send to. Choose "Standard Transfer" or "ACH Transfer" (the label depends on your app version). Enter the amount and confirm. The money will leave your Chime account when ready, but it typically takes one to two business days to appear in the receiving account. Weekends and bank holidays can add extra time, so a Friday transfer might not land until Tuesday.

ACH transfers are free and have no daily limit, though Chime may flag unusually large transfers for review. If you need the money to arrive faster, use an when ready transfer instead, but be aware of the fee. For routine transfers where timing is not urgent, ACH is the most economical choice.

Sending an when ready transfer (fast, costs a fee)

In the Chime app, go to "Transfer Money" and select your external account. Choose "when ready Transfer" or "Express Transfer." Enter the amount. Chime will show you the fee before you confirm—usually $0.50 for amounts under $100, $1.00 for $100 to $1,000, and $2.00 for amounts over $1,000. Confirm the transfer and the fee. The money arrives in the receiving account within minutes, usually within five to thirty minutes.

when ready transfers work only to U.S. bank accounts. Chime SpotMe members (those with direct deposit) may have higher daily limits or lower fees—check your account settings to see what applies to you. If an when ready transfer fails, Chime refunds the fee automatically, so you are not charged if something goes wrong.

What happens if a transfer fails or is delayed

If an ACH transfer doesn't arrive within two business days, or if an when ready transfer doesn't arrive within an hour, open the Chime app and go to your transaction history. Tap or click the transfer to see its status. If it shows "Pending" or "Failed," contact Chime support through the app (look for "Help" or "Support") or call the number on the back of your Chime card.

Common reasons transfers fail include a wrong routing number, a closed receiving account, or a mismatch between the account number and the account holder's name. Chime support can trace the transaction and, if the money left your account, work with the receiving bank to locate it. This process can take several business days. Keep your transaction confirmation number handy when you contact support—it speeds up the investigation.

Limits and restrictions on transfers

Chime does not publish a single daily transfer limit that applies to all accounts. Instead, limits depend on your account type, your history with Chime, and whether you receive direct deposit. New accounts or accounts without direct deposit may have lower limits. Chime may also restrict transfers if your account shows signs of fraud or unusual activity.

If a transfer is declined due to limits, Chime will tell you in the app. You can either wait until the next day to try again, or contact Chime support to ask about your specific limit. when ready transfers may have separate limits from ACH transfers—check your account settings to see both. Some users report limits in the range of $500 to $5,000 per day, but your limit may differ.

Transferring money to accounts outside the U.S.

Chime does not support transfers to bank accounts outside the United States through its standard transfer tools. If you need to send money internationally, you will need to use a separate service such as Wise, OFX, or your receiving bank's own international transfer service. Move the money from Chime to a U.S. bank account first (using the methods above), then use that account to send money abroad.

International transfers through third-party services typically take one to five business days and charge a fee based on the amount and destination country. Compare rates across services before you choose one, as fees and exchange rates vary significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to verify an external bank account?

The two test deposits arrive within one to two business days. Once they land, you verify the amounts in Chime when ready. The whole process usually takes two to four business days from the time you first add the account.

Can I transfer money to someone else's bank account?

No. Chime requires you to verify the external account, which means you must own it or have legal authority over it. You cannot transfer to a third party's account. If you need to send money to someone else, use a peer-to-peer service like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App instead.

What if I enter the wrong routing number?

Chime will not catch a wrong routing number during setup. The verification deposits may go to a different bank or fail to arrive. If the deposits don't show up after two business days, delete the account and add it again with the correct routing number. Check your bank's website or call them directly to confirm the routing number before you enter it.

Do I pay a fee for ACH transfers?

No. ACH transfers from Chime to an external bank account are free. You only pay a fee if you choose an when ready transfer.

Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?

For ACH transfers, you may be able to cancel within a few hours if the transfer is still pending. For when ready transfers, cancellation is usually not possible because the money arrives so quickly. Contact Chime support when ready if you need to stop a transfer.