Yes, you can use Chime to receive your tax refund directly

The IRS will deposit your federal tax refund into any bank account you list on your return, including a Chime checking account. You provide your Chime account and routing numbers on Form 1040 or through tax software, and the IRS deposits the refund there instead of mailing a paper check. The deposit typically arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though it can be faster.

Chime works the same way as any other bank for this purpose. The IRS does not care which institution holds your account — it only needs valid routing and account numbers. As long as your Chime account is open and in good standing when the deposit arrives, the money will land there.

State tax refunds work the same way. If your state offers direct deposit, you can use the same Chime account for both federal and state refunds, or split them between accounts if you prefer.

Key Takeaways

  • You provide your Chime routing and account numbers on your tax return, and the IRS deposits your refund directly into that account.
  • Federal refunds typically arrive within 21 days of acceptance, though some arrive faster.
  • State tax refunds can also go to Chime using the same process.
  • Your Chime account must be open and active on the day the deposit arrives, or the IRS may reject it and mail a check instead.
  • If your return is rejected or delayed, the refund timeline extends — the IRS publishes a "Where's My Refund" tracker you can check with your Social Security number and filing status.

Finding your Chime routing and account numbers

Log into your Chime app or visit chime.com and go to your account settings. Your routing number is 221180379 for all Chime accounts. Your account number is the 10-digit number shown in the app under your account details or on statements.

Write both numbers down before you start your tax return. Tax software will ask for them in a specific order, and entering them wrong means the IRS sends your refund to the wrong account — which creates a delay while the receiving bank returns it.

If you cannot find your account number in the app, contact Chime support through the app or call 1-844-244-6363. They can confirm both numbers in under five minutes.

What happens if Chime closes your account before the refund arrives

If the IRS attempts to deposit your refund into a Chime account that no longer exists, the deposit will be rejected. Chime will return the money to the IRS, which then mails a paper check to the address on your return. This adds 4 to 6 weeks to your timeline.

If you closed your Chime account after filing but before the refund arrived, contact the IRS when ready through their website or by calling 1-800-829-1040. You can request that they reissue the refund to a different account or address. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of your refund ready.

To avoid this: do not close your Chime account between the time you file and the time your refund arrives. If you are switching banks, wait until the refund has posted to your Chime account, then transfer the money to your new bank.

Timing: when the refund actually lands in your account

The IRS publishes a standard timeline: refunds arrive within 21 days of acceptance for most returns. In practice, many arrive faster — some within 5 to 10 days. The speed depends on when you file, whether the IRS needs to verify information on your return, and how busy the IRS is that week.

You can track your refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool at irs.gov. You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If it shows "pending," your refund has not yet been processed. If it shows a date, that is when the IRS will send it to your bank.

Once the IRS sends the money, Chime usually receives it within one business day. Chime then deposits it into your account when ready — you will see it in your app and on your debit card the same day or the next morning.

What to do if your refund does not arrive on time

Check "Where's My Refund" first. If it shows your refund was sent but has not appeared in Chime after two business days, contact Chime support. Give them the date the IRS says it sent the money and ask them to trace the deposit. Chime can see incoming transfers and will tell you if the money arrived at their end.

If Chime confirms the money arrived but is not showing in your account, the issue is on Chime's side — a processing error or a problem with your account. Chime support can investigate and move the money manually if needed.

If "Where's My Refund" shows the refund is still being processed after 21 days, the IRS is reviewing your return. This happens when information does not match IRS records, you claimed certain credits, or the return was flagged for any reason. The IRS will contact you by mail if they need more information. Do not call — they will reach out to you.

Using Chime for state tax refunds

Most states offer direct deposit for state income tax refunds. You use the same process: provide your Chime routing and account numbers on your state return. State refunds typically arrive 2 to 4 weeks after the state accepts your return, though some states are faster.

You can send your federal and state refunds to the same Chime account, or split them between accounts if you have multiple Chime accounts or other banks. The choice is yours — just make sure you enter the correct routing and account numbers for each one.

Track your state refund through your state's tax agency website. Most states have a refund tracker similar to the IRS tool. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Chime if I just opened the account?

Yes. The IRS does not care how old your account is. As long as the account is open and active when the refund arrives, the deposit will go through. Open your Chime account as soon as you know you will be filing — there is no waiting period.

What if I have a Chime savings account instead of checking?

The IRS only deposits to checking accounts. If you only have a Chime savings account, open a Chime checking account first. You can transfer money between them once the refund arrives, but the IRS deposit itself must go to checking.

Can I split my refund between Chime and another bank?

Yes. Most tax software and the IRS Form 1040 allow you to split a refund into up to three accounts. You can send part to Chime and part to another bank. Enter the routing and account numbers for each account, along with the dollar amount or percentage you want to go to each one.

What if I entered the wrong account number on my return?

If you filed electronically and realize the mistake before the IRS accepts your return, file an amended return when ready with the correct numbers. If the IRS has already accepted your return, contact them at 1-800-829-1040 and request a refund to the correct account. Have your Social Security number and the correct Chime account number ready.

Does Chime charge a fee to receive a tax refund?

No. Chime does not charge fees for incoming deposits, including tax refunds. The money goes directly into your account with no deductions.