Chime's bank partner is The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank

Chime itself is not a bank — it is a financial technology company that partners with real banks to hold your money. Depending on which Chime account you opened and when, your deposits are held at either The Bancorp Bank (based in Delaware) or Stride Bank (based in Oklahoma). Both are federally chartered banks, which means your account is insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.

When you open a Chime checking account, you will see one of these bank names on your statements and tax forms. Chime handles the app, the customer service, and the user experience you see on your phone — but the actual bank holding your money is one of these two institutions. This matters because it determines which bank's routing number you use for direct deposits and transfers, and which bank's FDIC insurance protects your account.

You do not get to choose which partner bank holds your account. Chime assigns you to one based on when you opened your account and which product you signed up for. If you need to know which one is yours, you can find it by logging into the Chime app, going to your account settings, and looking at your account details — the bank name will be listed there.

Key Takeaways

  • Chime is a technology company, not a bank, so your money is held at either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank depending on your account.
  • Both partner banks are federally insured, so your deposits are protected up to $250,000 by the FDIC.
  • You can find which bank holds your account by checking your account details in the Chime app or on your bank statements.
  • The bank name matters for direct deposits, wire transfers, and tax forms, because you will need the correct routing number.

Why Chime uses partner banks instead of being a bank itself

Chime chose to partner with established banks rather than become one because getting a banking charter is expensive, time-consuming, and heavily regulated. By partnering with The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, Chime can offer checking accounts, debit cards, and other banking services without holding a banking license itself. This model lets Chime focus on building the app and customer experience while the partner banks handle the regulatory requirements and deposit insurance.

This arrangement is common in fintech. Many apps and financial services you use work the same way — they are not banks, but they partner with banks to hold customer money. The advantage for you is that your account still gets full FDIC protection because it is held at a real, federally insured bank.

How to find your routing number and bank details

Your routing number depends on which partner bank holds your account. If you have The Bancorp Bank, your routing number is different from someone with Stride Bank. You will need the correct routing number to set up direct deposit from your employer or to transfer money from another bank.

To find your routing number and confirm which bank holds your account, open the Chime app and go to your account settings. Look for a section labeled "Account Details" or "Bank Information" — it will show your account number, routing number, and the name of your partner bank. You can also find this information on any check Chime sends you or on your monthly statements.

If you are setting up a direct deposit and the system asks which bank you use, you would enter The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank — whichever one is listed in your account details — not "Chime."

FDIC insurance and what it means for your money

Both The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. This means if the bank fails, the federal government guarantees your deposits up to $250,000. This protection applies to your Chime account the same way it applies to any other checking account at a traditional bank.

The FDIC insurance is automatic — you do not have to do anything to get it. As long as your account is at an FDIC-insured bank (which both Chime's partners are), your money is protected. If you have more than $250,000 in your Chime account, only the first $250,000 is insured, but most people's accounts fall well below that limit.

What happens if your partner bank changes

Chime has changed which banks it partners with over time. Some older accounts that were originally at one bank may have been moved to another. If this happens, Chime will notify you, and your account will move automatically — you will not lose access to your money or have to do anything yourself.

When a bank change occurs, your account number may stay the same or change depending on the transition. Chime will tell you if you need to update your direct deposit information with your employer. Your debit card will continue to work, and your account balance will transfer completely.

Using your Chime account for direct deposit and transfers

When your employer or another organization asks for your bank information to set up direct deposit, you will give them the routing number and account number from your Chime account. Make sure you use the routing number that matches your partner bank — The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank — not a Chime routing number, because Chime does not have one.

The same applies if you are transferring money from another bank into your Chime account. You will use your Chime account number and the routing number of your partner bank. Getting the routing number wrong will cause the transfer to fail or go to the wrong account, so double-check it in your Chime app before you submit the information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my money safe in a Chime account if Chime is not a bank?

Yes. Your money is held at a real, federally insured bank — either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank — so it is protected by FDIC insurance up to $250,000. Chime's role is to provide the app and customer service, not to hold the money itself.

Can I switch from one partner bank to the other?

No, you cannot choose which partner bank holds your account. Chime assigns you based on when you opened your account. If you want to move to a different bank entirely, you would need to close your Chime account and open one elsewhere.

Do I need to know which bank holds my account?

You need to know it for direct deposits and transfers, because you will need the correct routing number. You do not need to know it for everyday use — your Chime app works the same way regardless of which partner bank is behind it.

What if I see a different bank name on my statement?

If you see The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank on your statement, that is correct — that is your actual bank. If you see a name you do not recognize, check your account details in the Chime app to confirm, or contact Chime support to verify.