The steps to unlink a bank account from Chime
To unlink a bank account from Chime, open the Chime app, go to Settings, select Linked Accounts, find the bank account you want to remove, and tap the delete or remove option. The account will be unlinked when ready. If you are using the web version, the path is the same: Settings > Linked Accounts, then select the account and choose remove.
You do not need to contact Chime support to unlink an account—the process is entirely self-service and takes less than a minute. The bank account itself is not affected; unlinking only stops Chime from being able to move money to or from that account.
If you cannot find the Linked Accounts section, make sure you are logged into the correct Chime account. Some users have multiple Chime accounts (a personal account and a business account, for example), and linked accounts appear only under the account they were added to.
Key Takeaways
- Unlinking a bank account through Settings > Linked Accounts removes Chime's access to that account but does not close or change the bank account itself.
- The process is when ready and requires no confirmation from your bank or Chime support.
- You can relink the same account later by going through the linking process again, which requires the account number and routing number.
- If you are unlinking because of a security concern, change your Chime password and review your recent transaction history for unauthorized activity.
Why you might unlink a bank account
The most common reason to unlink an account is that you no longer use it or have closed it. If you keep an old checking account open but no longer transfer money through it, unlinking prevents accidental transfers to the wrong place.
You might also unlink an account if you are selling or giving away a device, or if you suspect unauthorized access to your Chime account. Unlinking removes the connection but does not find your Chime account itself—if you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password and enable two-factor authentication in the Security settings.
Some users unlink accounts when switching banks. If your primary bank account is linked to Chime and you are moving to a different bank, unlink the old account and link the new one so transfers go to the correct place.
What happens to pending transfers when you unlink
If you unlink an account while a transfer is in progress, the transfer will still complete. Chime processes transfers through the ACH network, which can take one to three business days depending on the direction and the banks involved. Unlinking does not stop a transfer that has already been submitted.
After you unlink the account, any new transfer requests will fail if you try to send money to that account number. The error message will tell you the account is no longer linked. If you need to cancel a pending transfer before it settles, contact Chime support through the app—they can reverse it if it has not yet left the Chime system.
Relinking the same account later
You can link the same bank account to Chime again at any time. Go to Settings > Linked Accounts > Add Account and enter the account number and routing number. Chime will verify the account using micro-deposits (two small deposits under one dollar that appear in your bank account within one to two business days) or when ready verification if your bank supports it.
If you have already verified the account once, the second verification may be faster because Chime has a record of the account. However, you will still need to confirm the micro-deposits or use when ready verification again.
Unlinking when you have scheduled transfers
If you have set up recurring or scheduled transfers to the account you are unlinking, those transfers will fail once the account is unlinked. Chime does not automatically cancel scheduled transfers when you unlink an account—you need to cancel them manually.
Before unlinking, go to the Transfers section of the app and look for any scheduled transfers to that account. Tap each one and select cancel. After you unlink the account, check your transfer history to confirm the cancellations went through. If a scheduled transfer attempts to process after you have unlinked the account, it will bounce back to Chime and you will see a failed transfer notification.
Unlinking a linked card or payment method
If what you want to remove is a debit card or credit card (not a bank account), the process is different. Go to Settings > Cards, find the card you want to remove, and select delete. This removes the card from your Chime account but does not close the card itself if it is a physical card you own.
Unlinking a card stops Chime from using it for transfers or bill payments, but the card remains valid for use elsewhere. If you want to physically destroy the card, you can do that separately—Chime does not require you to return it.
Troubleshooting: account won't unlink
If the unlink button is greyed out or does not respond, try closing the Chime app completely and reopening it. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show the correct state of your accounts. If that does not work, log out of your Chime account, wait a few seconds, and log back in.
If you still cannot unlink the account after refreshing, the account may be involved in a pending transfer or dispute. Contact Chime support through the app and describe what happens when you try to unlink. They can see whether the account is locked for a reason and help you resolve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unlinking a bank account close the account at my bank?
No. Unlinking only removes Chime's connection to the account. The account remains open at your bank and you can still use it normally. If you want to close the account, you will need to contact your bank directly.
Can I unlink an account if I have money pending in it?
Yes. Pending transfers will still complete even after you unlink the account. Unlinking does not stop transfers that have already been submitted to the ACH network.
What if I unlink my account by mistake?
You can relink it when ready by going to Settings > Linked Accounts > Add Account and entering the account number and routing number again. If your bank supports when ready verification, the relink may be faster than the original link.
Will unlinking affect my Chime card or direct deposits?
Unlinking a bank account does not affect your Chime debit card or your ability to receive direct deposits. Direct deposits go to your Chime account itself, not to a linked bank account. If you want to stop receiving deposits to Chime, you would need to change the deposit instructions with your employer or the organization sending the deposit.
Can someone else unlink my accounts?
Only someone with access to your Chime account can unlink accounts. If you share a device with someone else, they could unlink accounts if they know your password. To prevent this, use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication so that unlinking requires a code sent to your phone.