What to bring when you open a Chime account

You need a valid government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or email address. Chime will also ask for your date of birth. That's the core of it. You don't need a minimum deposit, and you don't need to visit a branch.

The process happens entirely on your phone or computer. You read the Chime app or go to their website, enter your information, take a photo of your ID, and answer a few security questions. Most people finish in under five minutes.

One thing to know: Chime uses a service called Plaid to verify your identity and check your banking history. Plaid connects to other banks you may already use. This is normal and happens behind the scenes — you won't see Plaid's name in the app, but the verification step uses it.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and a phone number or email to verify your identity.
  • There is no minimum deposit required to open a Chime checking account.
  • The entire process takes place in the Chime app or on their website and usually takes less than five minutes.
  • Chime will ask for your date of birth and may ask security questions to confirm your identity.
  • You do not need to visit a physical location or speak to anyone to open the account.

What counts as a valid ID

Chime accepts a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The ID must be current — not expired — and must have your photo on it. The photo must be clear enough that Chime's system can read the information and match it to your face.

If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, a U.S. passport works. If you have a passport card instead of a full passport book, that works too. Tribal IDs are also accepted in some cases, though Chime's system may ask for additional information.

Military IDs are not accepted on their own, but a military dependent ID paired with another form of ID may work. If you're unsure whether your specific ID will work, you can contact Chime's support team before you start the process.

Why Chime asks for a Social Security number

Banks are required by federal law to collect your Social Security number. This is part of a process called Know Your Customer (KYC), which helps the bank verify you are who you say you are and prevents fraud and money laundering. Chime is not unique in this — every bank that offers checking accounts asks for it.

Your Social Security number is also used to check your banking history. Chime looks at whether you've had problems with previous accounts — things like unpaid overdrafts or fraud — through a system called ChexSystems. This is a standard banking background check, and most banks use it.

If you don't have a Social Security number yet, you cannot open a Chime account. You would need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration first.

How to verify your phone number or email

During signup, Chime will send a code to the phone number or email you provide. You enter that code into the app to prove you own that number or address. This step takes a few seconds and happens right away.

Use a phone number or email you check regularly. If you use a number you no longer have access to, you won't be able to complete the verification step, and your account won't open. If this happens, you can contact Chime support and they can help you update it.

Chime will use this phone number or email to send you alerts about your account — things like low balance warnings or large transactions. You can change your contact information later in the app settings.

What happens after you submit your information

Chime's system checks your ID photo, verifies your identity through the security questions, and runs a ChexSystems check. If everything matches, your account opens when ready. You can start using your debit card number right away, even before the physical card arrives in the mail.

The physical debit card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can use your card number for online purchases or add it to your phone's digital wallet for in-person payments.

If Chime's system cannot verify your identity automatically — for example, if your ID photo is blurry or your answers don't match their records — they may ask you to submit additional information or contact you by phone. This can add a few days to the process, but it's still free.

If you don't have a Social Security number yet

You cannot open a Chime account without a Social Security number. If you're new to the United States and don't have one, you'll need to explore through the Social Security Administration first. This process takes several weeks.

Once you have your Social Security number, you can return and open your Chime account. In the meantime, some credit unions and community banks may offer accounts to people without a Social Security number if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though this is less common.

If your account is declined

Chime may decline your account if ChexSystems shows a history of unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other serious banking problems. You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you. You can request your report for free at www.chexsystems.com.

If there's an error in your ChexSystems report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If the decline is because of your banking history, some banks and credit unions are more willing to work with people who have had problems in the past — they're sometimes called "second chance" banking programs.

If Chime declines you, ask them specifically why. The reason matters, because it tells you whether the problem is fixable or whether you should look at a different bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have money in my account before I open it?

No. Chime has no minimum deposit. You can open the account with zero dollars and add money whenever you're ready. Many people open a Chime account and then transfer money from another bank, or set up direct deposit from their employer.

Can I open a Chime account if I'm under 18?

No, you must be at least 18 years old. Chime does not offer accounts for minors. If you're under 18, you would need to wait until your 18th birthday or look at banks that offer teen accounts with a parent or guardian.

What if I don't have a phone number to verify with?

You can use an email address instead. Chime will send a verification code to your email, and you enter it the same way. Make sure it's an email you check regularly and can access during signup.

Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You can open an account if you have a valid Social Security number and a government-issued photo ID. Citizenship is not required. Many people who are permanent residents or have work visas open Chime accounts this way.

What if my ID is expired?

Chime requires a current, non-expired ID. If your ID is expired, you'll need to renew it first through your state's DMV or the appropriate government agency. Once you have a valid ID, you can come back and open your account.