You cannot send money directly through Chime to someone who doesn't have a Chime account
Chime's built-in transfer features—Send Money and Chime Pay—only work between Chime users. If the person you want to pay doesn't have a Chime account, you'll need to use a different method entirely. Your options depend on what information you have about them and how quickly the money needs to arrive.
The most practical routes are a standard bank transfer (if you know their account and routing number), a third-party money transfer service like PayPal or Venmo, or a cash pickup service like Western Union or MoneyGram. Each has different requirements, costs, and timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Chime's Send Money and Chime Pay features only work between Chime account holders, so you cannot use them to pay someone without a Chime account.
- A standard ACH bank transfer from your Chime account works if you have the recipient's account number, routing number, and the name on their account.
- PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and similar services let you send money to someone's email or phone number, but they must have an account with that service to receive it.
- Western Union and MoneyGram let you send cash for pickup without the recipient needing any account, but fees are higher and you'll need their location.
- Mailing a check or paying them in person are free options if neither of you is in a hurry.
Bank-to-bank transfers using your Chime account
If you know the recipient's bank account number, routing number, and the exact name on their account, you can send money directly from Chime using an ACH transfer. This is the cheapest option—there's no fee—and it works whether they bank at a large national bank, a credit union, or a smaller regional bank.
Log into your Chime app or website, go to the Send Money section, and select "Send to Bank Account" or "Transfer to External Account" (the exact wording varies). Enter their bank's routing number, their account number, the account holder's name, and the amount. The transfer typically takes one to three business days to land in their account. Weekends and holidays extend the timeline.
The catch: you need accurate information. If the account number or routing number is wrong, the money may bounce back to you, or it may sit in a holding account at the recipient's bank while they sort it out. Ask the recipient to confirm their details before you send, or ask them to provide a voided check—the routing and account numbers are printed on it.
Third-party money transfer apps when the recipient has an account
Services like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Google Pay let you send money to someone's email address or phone number. The catch is that the recipient must already have an account with that same service, or they must be willing to create one to receive the money.
If you both use the same service, the process is straightforward: open the app, find the send or pay option, enter their email or phone number, and confirm the amount. Money usually arrives when ready or within a few minutes. There's typically no fee for peer-to-peer transfers between individuals, though some services charge a small percentage if you use a credit card instead of a bank account.
The problem is that you can't force someone to open an account just to receive money from you. If they don't already use PayPal or Venmo, you'll need to ask them to sign up first—which adds a step and time. Some people are unwilling to do this, especially if they don't plan to use the service again.
Cash pickup services for recipients without bank accounts
Western Union and MoneyGram are designed for situations where the recipient doesn't have a bank account or doesn't want to use one. You send money from your Chime account, and they pick it up in cash at a physical location—a Western Union or MoneyGram agent, which includes many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing shops.
To send through Western Union or MoneyGram, you'll need to know the recipient's full name and their location (city and state, or the specific agent location). You initiate the transfer online or in person at an agent, pay the fee (which varies but typically ranges from $5 to $20 depending on the amount and destination), and receive a reference number. You give that number to the recipient, and they take it to any Western Union or MoneyGram location with a valid ID to collect the cash.
The money is usually available for pickup within minutes to a few hours. The downside is the fee—it's significantly higher than a bank transfer—and the recipient has to physically go somewhere to get it. Some locations have limited hours, and rural areas may have fewer pickup points.
What happens if you send money to the wrong person
If you send an ACH transfer to an incorrect account number, the receiving bank will usually reject it and send it back to your Chime account within one to three business days. Check your Chime account after a week to confirm the money returned.
If you send through PayPal, Venmo, or a similar app to the wrong email or phone number, the money goes to that person's account. If they don't have an account yet, it sits pending until they create one or the hold expires (usually 30 days). Contact the service's support team when ready if you sent to the wrong address—they can sometimes cancel the transfer before the recipient claims it, but there's no may provide.
With Western Union or MoneyGram, if you gave the wrong recipient name or location, the person you intended to pay won't be able to pick it up. Contact the service right away with your reference number. They can cancel the transfer and refund your money, though the fee is usually not returned.
Comparing costs and speed across methods
| Method | Cost | Speed | Recipient needs account? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACH bank transfer | Free | 1–3 business days | No (just a bank account) |
| PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash | Free (bank transfer) or 2–3% (credit card) | when ready to minutes | Yes (with that service) |
| Western Union, MoneyGram | $5–$20+ depending on amount | Minutes to hours | No (cash pickup) |
| Check by mail | Cost of stamp | 3–7 business days | No |
| In-person cash payment | Free | when ready | No |
When to use each method
Use an ACH bank transfer if you know the recipient's full banking details and neither of you is in a rush. It's free and reliable, though it takes a few days.
Use PayPal, Venmo, or a similar app if you both already have accounts with the same service and you want the money to arrive in minutes. If the recipient doesn't have an account, ask them to create one first.
Use Western Union or MoneyGram if the recipient doesn't have a bank account, doesn't want to open one, or you need them to have cash in hand quickly. Be prepared to pay a fee.
Mail a check if you have time and want to avoid fees. It's free but slow, and the recipient has to deposit it themselves.
Pay in person if you're in the same location and can meet. It's when ready and free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send money from Chime to someone's PayPal account?
Not directly through Chime. You would need to transfer money from your Chime account to your own PayPal account first, then send it from PayPal to the recipient. This adds an extra step and may take longer than sending directly from your bank account to theirs.
What if the person I'm sending to doesn't have a bank account or PayPal?
Western Union or MoneyGram are your best options. They can pick up cash at a physical location using just a reference number and ID. You'll pay a fee, but there's no requirement for them to have any account.
How long does an ACH transfer from Chime actually take?
One to three business days is standard. If you send on a Friday evening, it may not process until Monday, and the receiving bank may take an additional day to post it. Holidays extend the timeline further.
Is there a limit on how much I can send from Chime?
Chime sets daily and monthly limits on transfers, and the limits vary based on your account type and history. Check your Chime app or contact Chime support to confirm your specific limits before attempting a large transfer.
What if my transfer gets rejected or lost?
For ACH transfers, contact Chime support with the recipient's account details and the date you sent it. They can trace it and help recover it if it was rejected. For PayPal or Venmo, contact that service's support team. For Western Union or MoneyGram, use your reference number to cancel and request a refund.