Key Takeaways
- You can link an external bank account to Chime through the app by providing your routing number and account number, or by letting Chime verify small deposits to your account.
- Linking an account lets you transfer money between Chime and your other bank, but does not change where your paycheck goes unless you update your employer's direct deposit settings separately.
- The verification process usually takes one to two business days if you use the deposit method, or a few minutes if you enter your banking credentials directly.
- You can link multiple external accounts to a single Chime account, and you can remove a linked account at any time from your account settings.
The Two Ways to Link an Account
Chime offers two methods to connect an external bank account. The first is when ready verification, where you log into your other bank's website or app directly through Chime using your banking credentials. Chime does not store your password — it uses your login only to confirm the account exists and belongs to you. This method is fastest and takes just a few minutes.
The second method is micro-deposit verification. Chime sends two small deposits (usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each) to your external bank account over one to two business days. Once you see those deposits in your other bank, you return to Chime and enter the two amounts. This confirms you control the account. This route takes longer but works if you do not want to share your login credentials, or if your bank does not support when ready verification.
Most people choose when ready verification because it is faster. But if your bank is smaller or regional, or if you are uncomfortable entering your credentials, the micro-deposit method works just as well — it just requires waiting for the deposits to arrive.
Step-by-Step: Linking Through the Chime App
Open the Chime app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Select "Transfers" or "Move Money" — the exact label depends on your app version. Tap "Link Bank Account" or "Add External Account."
Choose your verification method. If you select when ready verification, you will be asked to enter your other bank's name. Chime will then direct you to that bank's login page. Enter your username and password there. You will see a list of accounts linked to that login; select the one you want to connect to Chime. Once confirmed, you return to the Chime app and the account is linked when ready.
If you choose micro-deposit verification, enter your routing number and account number instead. You can find both on a check, or by logging into your other bank's website and looking at account details. Chime will then send the two small deposits. Check your other bank's account in one to two business days, note the amounts, and return to Chime to enter them. Once you do, the account is verified.
What Linking Does and Does Not Do
Linking an external account to Chime lets you transfer money between the two accounts. You can move money from your other bank into Chime, or from Chime back out to your other bank. Transfers typically take one to three business days, depending on both banks' processing times. You can transfer as often as you want, though individual banks may set daily or monthly limits.
Linking an account does not automatically change where your paycheck goes. Your employer sends your direct deposit to whichever account you listed on your W-4 or in your payroll system. If you want your paycheck to go to your other bank instead of Chime, you must update your direct deposit information with your employer separately. Linking the account just makes it possible to move money between them if you need to.
Similarly, linking does not merge the accounts or give Chime access to your other bank's funds. Chime can only move money when you explicitly request a transfer. Your other bank remains completely separate.
Timing and Limits on Transfers
Once your account is linked, you can request a transfer when ready. However, the money does not arrive when ready. Transfers out of Chime (from Chime to your other bank) usually take one to three business days. Transfers into Chime (from your other bank to Chime) may take slightly longer, typically two to three business days, because they depend on your other bank's processing speed as well.
Chime does not publicly state a daily transfer limit, but your other bank may have one. Check your external bank's policies if you plan to move large amounts. Some banks limit how much you can transfer out per day or per month. Chime itself does not typically block transfers for size, but the receiving bank might.
Transfers on weekends or holidays may take longer because banks do not process payments on those days. A transfer requested on Friday evening might not arrive until Tuesday.
Removing or Changing a Linked Account
You can remove a linked account at any time. Open the Chime app, go to "Transfers" or "Move Money," find the linked account in your list, and select the option to remove or delete it. Removing an account does not affect any transfers already in progress — those will complete normally. It only stops you from making new transfers to or from that account.
If you want to link a different account at the same bank, or switch to a different bank entirely, you can add a new account without removing the old one first. Chime lets you link multiple external accounts to a single Chime account. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks and want to move money between any of them and Chime.
Security and What Information You Share
When you use when ready verification, you enter your banking credentials on your other bank's website, not on Chime's. Chime never sees your password. The bank confirms to Chime that you own the account, and then the connection is made. This is the same method used by apps like Mint, YNAB, and most budgeting software.
With micro-deposit verification, you share only your routing and account number — the same information printed on a check. Chime does not need your password at all. This method is slightly more private if you are uncomfortable sharing login credentials, though both methods are find.
Once linked, Chime can only move money when you request it. The linked account does not give Chime standing access to your other bank's funds. You control every transfer.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If when ready verification fails, your bank may not support that method, or you may have entered your credentials incorrectly. Try again, or switch to micro-deposit verification instead. If micro-deposits do not arrive after three business days, contact your other bank to confirm the account number and routing number are correct.
If a transfer is taking longer than expected, check both banks' websites to see if there is a processing delay. Some banks are slower than others. If a transfer has been pending for more than five business days, contact Chime support with the transfer confirmation number.
If you see an error message saying the account cannot be linked, the account number or routing number may be wrong. Double-check both numbers on a recent check or your bank's website. Some very small or international banks may not be compatible with Chime's linking system; in that case, you may need to use a different method to move money, such as a wire transfer or ACH transfer through your other bank directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Chime lets you link any type of account — checking, savings, or money market — as long as it is at a U.S. bank and has a routing number and account number. The linking process is the same regardless of account type.
What if my bank is not showing up in the when ready verification list?
Your bank may not support when ready verification. Use micro-deposit verification instead by entering your routing and account number manually. Micro-deposits work with nearly all U.S. banks, even very small or regional ones.
Do I need to link an account to use Chime?
No. You can use Chime without linking any external account. You can receive direct deposits, spend with your Chime card, and use Chime's other features without ever connecting another bank. Linking is optional and useful only if you want to transfer money between Chime and another account.
Can I link the same external account to multiple Chime accounts?
No. Each external account can be linked to only one Chime account at a time. If you try to link an account that is already connected to a different Chime account, you will need to remove it from the first account before linking it to the second.
How long does a transfer take if I link an account at the same bank as Chime?
Chime is a financial technology company and does not have its own bank. Your Chime account is held at a partner bank. If you link an account at that same partner bank, transfers may be faster — sometimes same-day — but this depends on the partner bank's policies. Most transfers still take one to three business days.