The main ways to send money to someone's Chime account
You can send money to a Chime account in four ways: through Chime's own app if you both use Chime, through the person's routing and account number using any bank's bill pay or wire service, through a third-party payment app like Venmo or PayPal that links to their Chime card, or by depositing cash or a check to their account if you have their permission and account details.
The fastest and cheapest route depends on whether you and the recipient both have Chime, whether you need the money to arrive today or can wait a day or two, and whether you have their bank details or only their name and phone number.
Key Takeaways
- Chime-to-Chime transfers through the Chime app are free and arrive within minutes.
- Sending money from another bank to a Chime account requires the recipient's routing number (101121528) and their Chime account number, which you can do through your own bank's bill pay or wire service.
- Third-party apps like Venmo and PayPal can send to a Chime debit card, but the money lands in the app account first and must be transferred to the card separately.
- Cash deposits and check deposits to a Chime account require the recipient's permission and account details, and processing time varies by deposit method.
Sending money between two Chime accounts
If both you and the recipient have Chime accounts, the Chime app itself is the fastest option. Open the Chime app, tap the send money icon (usually a paper airplane or arrow), enter the recipient's phone number or email address associated with their Chime account, and confirm the amount. The money arrives in their account within minutes, and there is no fee.
This method works only if the recipient has already set up their Chime account and linked it to the phone number or email you are using to send. If you do not know which phone number or email they registered with, ask them directly before you attempt the transfer.
Sending from another bank to a Chime account
If you bank elsewhere and want to send money to someone's Chime account, you will need their Chime routing number and account number. Chime's routing number is 101121528. The account number is unique to each Chime customer and appears on their Chime debit card or in their account settings.
Once you have both numbers, log into your own bank's website or app and use their bill pay or wire transfer service. Enter Chime as the receiving bank, the recipient's routing and account numbers, and the amount. Most banks process this as an ACH transfer, which takes one to two business days. Some banks charge a wire fee if you choose wire transfer instead of ACH; ACH is usually free.
The recipient should see the money in their Chime account by the next business day, though some banks process overnight. If you are sending on a Friday evening, expect the money to arrive Monday or Tuesday.
Using payment apps to send to a Chime card
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle can send money that lands on a Chime debit card, but the process is indirect. When you send money through one of these apps to someone's Chime card number, the money first arrives in their account within that app, not directly into their Chime bank account. The recipient then has to transfer the money from the app to their Chime card or bank account, which adds an extra step and sometimes a delay.
This method works if the recipient has linked their Chime card to the payment app and you both have accounts there. However, it is slower than a direct bank-to-bank transfer and introduces an extra account in the middle. Use this method only if you already have the app set up and the recipient prefers it.
Depositing cash or checks to a Chime account
You cannot deposit cash directly into someone else's Chime account at an ATM or bank branch, because Chime is an online bank without physical locations. However, if you have the recipient's permission and account details, you can deposit a check to their account using mobile check deposit through your own bank, or you can send them cash through a service like MoneyGram or Western Union and they can deposit it themselves.
If you want to send a check directly to their Chime account, you will need to write the check to their name and include their account number in the memo line, then mail it to them so they can deposit it using the Chime app's mobile deposit feature. This takes several days for the check to arrive and clear.
Timing and fees for each method
| Method | Speed | Cost | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chime app (both have Chime) | Minutes | Free | Recipient's phone or email on file with Chime |
| ACH from another bank | 1–2 business days | Free | Routing 101121528 and account number |
| Wire from another bank | Same day or next day | $15–$30 (your bank's fee) | Routing 101121528 and account number |
| Payment app (Venmo, PayPal) | Minutes to app, then 1–2 days to card | Free (app to app); may charge to move to card | Recipient's account in the app |
| Check deposit | 3–5 business days | Free | Recipient's name and account number |
What to do if the transfer fails or is delayed
If you sent money through your bank and it has not arrived after two business days, log into your bank's app and check the transaction status. Most banks show whether the transfer is pending, processed, or returned. If it shows as processed but the recipient has not received it, ask them to check their Chime app under recent deposits or contact Chime support with the transaction details.
If you sent money through the Chime app and it failed, the money stays in your account and you can try again. If you sent through a payment app like Venmo, the money may be pending in that app's system; check the app's transaction history and contact their support if it is stuck.
Common reasons transfers fail: the account number or routing number is wrong, the recipient's account is closed or frozen, or the amount exceeds daily limits set by your bank or Chime. Ask the recipient to confirm their account number before you retry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money to a Chime account if I do not have a Chime account?
Yes. Use your own bank's bill pay or wire service with Chime's routing number (101121528) and the recipient's account number. You do not need a Chime account yourself, only access to your own bank's transfer service.
How do I find someone's Chime account number?
Ask them directly. They can find it in the Chime app under account settings or on their Chime debit card. Do not assume you can look it up; account numbers are private and Chime does not publish them publicly.
Is there a limit to how much I can send to a Chime account?
Chime-to-Chime transfers through the app have daily limits that vary by account age and history, typically $500 to $2,000 per day. Bank-to-bank transfers are limited by your own bank's policies, not Chime's. Contact your bank or Chime support to confirm your specific limit.
What is the difference between ACH and wire transfer?
ACH is a batch system that processes transfers overnight and is free. Wire transfer is faster (same day or next day) but costs $15 to $30 and is processed individually. Use ACH unless you need the money urgently.
Can I send money to a Chime account internationally?
International wire transfers to a Chime account are possible but expensive and slow. You will need the recipient's routing number, account number, and SWIFT code. Contact your bank for the exact cost and timeline, as this varies by bank and country.