The fastest way to transfer money out of Chime

You can move money from Chime to another bank account in minutes using a feature called Chime Transfer, or in one to three business days using a standard bank transfer. The when ready option works only if both accounts are linked through Chime's system — if you're sending to a bank that isn't part of that network, you'll use the slower method instead.

The real speed difference comes down to which bank you're sending to. If that bank participates in Chime's transfer network, the money lands in minutes. If it doesn't, Chime processes the request the same day but the receiving bank takes one to three business days to post it to your account. You won't know which category your bank falls into until you try to link it.

Key Takeaways

  • Chime Transfer moves money in minutes to banks in its network, but you need to link the receiving account first through the Chime app.
  • Standard bank transfers take one to three business days and work with any U.S. bank, even if it's not in Chime's network.
  • You'll need the receiving bank's routing number and your account number to set up either type of transfer.
  • Chime does not charge a fee for transfers out, but your receiving bank may charge a deposit fee if you're moving a large amount.
  • Transfers initiated after 5 p.m. Eastern time or on weekends may not process until the next business day.

Setting up an when ready transfer through Chime Transfer

Open the Chime app and tap the Money tab at the bottom of the screen. Select Transfer Money, then choose Send to Bank. You'll be asked to enter the routing number and account number of the bank you want to send to — you can find these on a check, in your other bank's app, or by calling that bank's customer service line.

After you enter those details, Chime will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under a dollar each) into that account. The receiving bank will show you those deposits in your statement or online banking. You'll then return to the Chime app and confirm the two amounts to prove you own that account. Once verified, future transfers to that account will process when ready.

The first transfer after verification may take a few minutes longer while Chime confirms the link is working. After that, money moves in seconds to minutes. You can transfer up to $10,000 per transaction, though Chime may lower this limit if you're a new customer.

Using a standard bank transfer for any account

If the bank you're sending to isn't in Chime's network, or if you prefer not to verify a new account, you can use a standard bank transfer instead. In the Chime app, go to Money and select Transfer Money, then Send to Bank. Enter the routing and account number as before, but this time Chime will process it as an ACH transfer — the standard method banks use to move money between institutions.

ACH transfers take one to three business days because the money passes through a clearing house that settles transactions in batches. Chime sends your transfer the same day you request it (if you request before 5 p.m. Eastern time on a business day), but the receiving bank controls when it appears in your account. Some banks post ACH deposits the next morning; others wait the full three days.

You don't need to verify the account first with an ACH transfer, so you can send money to a new account right away. However, Chime limits ACH transfers to $5,000 per transaction for security reasons.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details from the bank account you're sending money to before you open the Chime app. You'll need the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank) and the account number (usually 10 to 12 digits that identify your specific account at that bank).

The easiest place to find both is on a check from that account — the routing number is the first set of digits on the bottom left, and the account number is the second set. If you don't have a check, log into that bank's website or app and look for account details or settings. You can also call the bank's customer service number (usually on the back of a debit card) and ask for both numbers.

Double-check the numbers before you submit them. A single wrong digit will send the money to the wrong account, and recovering it can take weeks.

Timing and when transfers don't go through when ready

Transfers initiated between 5 p.m. Eastern time and 9 a.m. Eastern time the next day won't process until 9 a.m. Transfers requested on weekends or federal holidays won't process until the next business day. This means a transfer you request on Friday evening won't leave Chime until Monday morning at the earliest.

If your transfer doesn't arrive as expected, check the Chime app under Activity to see the status. when ready transfers show as Sent within minutes. ACH transfers show as Pending for one to three days, then change to Sent once they leave Chime. If a transfer is stuck on Pending after three business days, contact Chime support through the app.

Fees and limits to know

Chime does not charge you to transfer money out to another bank. However, the bank you're sending to may charge a deposit fee if you're moving a large amount, though this is uncommon for personal transfers under $10,000.

Chime's limits are $10,000 per when ready transfer and $5,000 per ACH transfer. If you need to move more than that, you can make multiple transfers, but space them out by at least a few hours to avoid triggering Chime's fraud detection system. If you regularly transfer large amounts, contact Chime support to ask about raising your limits.

What to do if a transfer fails or goes to the wrong account

If you entered the wrong account number and the money went to someone else's account, contact Chime support when ready through the app. Chime can sometimes recall the transfer if it hasn't been claimed yet, but success depends on how quickly you report it and whether the receiving bank cooperates.

If a transfer shows as Failed in your activity, the money stays in your Chime account and you can try again. Common reasons for failure include a wrong routing number, a closed account at the receiving bank, or an account number that doesn't match the routing number you provided. Fix the information and try once more.

If a transfer is stuck on Pending for more than three business days, open the Chime app, go to Help, and select Contact Us. Describe what happened and include the date and amount of the transfer. Chime support can investigate and either complete the transfer or return the money to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from Chime to my bank account on the same day?

Yes, if your bank is in Chime's network, the money arrives in minutes. If it's not, Chime processes the request the same day, but your bank takes one to three business days to post it. You won't know which applies until you try to link the account.

What's the difference between Chime Transfer and ACH transfer?

Chime Transfer is when ready for banks in Chime's network. ACH is the standard method that takes one to three business days and works with any U.S. bank. Chime uses ACH automatically if your bank isn't in its network.

Do I need a routing number and account number to transfer?

Yes. You can find both on a check, in your other bank's app, or by calling that bank. The routing number is nine digits; the account number is usually 10 to 12 digits. Enter them carefully — one wrong digit sends money to the wrong account.

What happens if I transfer money to the wrong account?

Contact Chime support when ready through the app. Chime can sometimes recall the transfer if it hasn't been claimed, but success depends on how quickly you report it. If the money was already claimed, recovery is difficult and may require legal action.

Why is my transfer still pending after three days?

Check the Chime app under Activity to confirm the transfer status. If it's still showing Pending after three business days, contact Chime support through the app with the transfer date and amount. Chime can investigate whether the receiving bank is holding it up.