Yes, you can link your Chime card to another bank account, but the direction matters
You can connect your Chime card to an external bank account in two ways: you can transfer money from another bank into Chime, or you can move money from Chime to another bank. The process is different depending on which direction you want the money to go, and the timing and limits vary by method.
If you want to receive money into Chime from another bank, you provide your Chime routing number and account number to the other bank or to whoever is sending you money. If you want to send money out of Chime to another bank, you add that bank account to your Chime app and initiate the transfer yourself. The second route is what most people mean when they ask about linking accounts.
Key Takeaways
- You can add an external bank account to your Chime app and transfer money out to it, but Chime does not let you pull money directly from another bank account into Chime.
- Transfers from Chime to an external bank account take one to three business days and have no fee, but daily limits explore depending on your account type.
- To receive money into Chime from another bank, give that bank your Chime routing number (221180379) and your Chime account number, which you find in the app under Account Details.
- If you want to move money between Chime and another bank regularly, set up recurring transfers in the Chime app rather than doing it manually each time.
How to add an external bank account to Chime
Open the Chime app and go to the Money section, then select Transfer Money. Choose "To My Bank" or "External Account" (the exact wording depends on your app version). Tap Add Bank Account and enter your routing number and account number from the other bank. Chime will ask you to verify the account by making two small test deposits to that account, usually within one to two business days.
Once the test deposits arrive at the external bank, go back into the Chime app and enter the two amounts to confirm you own that account. After verification, you can transfer money from Chime to that account when ready. You do not need to repeat this process for the same account — once it is verified, it stays linked.
Keep your routing number and account number handy. If you do not have them, log into your external bank's website or app, or call the bank's customer service line. The routing number is usually nine digits and is specific to the bank and sometimes the branch.
Transfer timing and daily limits
Money you transfer from Chime to an external bank account takes one to three business days to arrive. Chime does not charge a fee for outgoing transfers. The daily transfer limit depends on your account type: standard Chime checking accounts typically allow up to $10,000 per day, though this can vary. If you need to move more than that, you can make multiple transfers on different days.
Transfers initiated on a weekend or holiday are processed the next business day. If you initiate a transfer on Friday afternoon, it may not begin processing until Monday, which means it could take until Wednesday or Thursday to reach the external account. Plan ahead if you need the money by a specific date.
Receiving money into Chime from another bank
To have someone send you money from their bank into your Chime account, give them your Chime routing number and your Chime account number. Your routing number is always 221180379. Your account number is unique to you and appears in the Chime app under Account Details or Settings.
The sender's bank will process the transfer as an ACH transfer, which is the standard electronic method for moving money between banks. This usually takes one to three business days. You do not need to do anything on your end except provide the correct numbers — the money arrives automatically once the sending bank processes it.
If you are receiving regular payments (paycheck, benefits, regular transfers from family), you can set up direct deposit using the same routing and account numbers. Direct deposit typically arrives faster than a one-time ACH transfer, often within one business day.
What happens if you enter the wrong account number
If you add an external bank account to Chime but enter the wrong routing or account number, the verification deposits will fail or go to the wrong account. Chime will not let you complete the verification, so you cannot transfer money to that account. Delete the account from your Chime app and add it again with the correct numbers.
If you have already transferred money to a wrong account at another bank, contact that bank when ready. The money went to someone else's account, and you will need to work with both banks to recover it. This is why Chime uses the two test deposits to verify — it catches mistakes before you move a large amount.
Linking Chime to PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App
You can use your Chime card number as a debit card in PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and similar services. This is not the same as linking your Chime bank account — you are just using the card for transactions. If you want to transfer money from Chime to PayPal or Cash App, add your Chime card as a payment method in that app, or add your Chime routing and account number if the app offers a bank transfer option.
Some of these services also let you link your Chime account directly so money can move between them. Check the app's settings under Payment Methods or Linked Accounts to see what options are available. The process varies by app, but generally you enter your Chime routing and account number, and the app handles the verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pull money from another bank into Chime automatically?
No. Chime does not let you authorize another bank to pull money from that account into Chime. You can only push money out of Chime to another bank, or receive money that someone else sends to you. If you need to move money from another bank into Chime regularly, you have to initiate the transfer from that bank's side.
What if my external bank account is at a credit union?
The process is the same. Credit unions use routing numbers just like banks do. You can find your credit union's routing number on your checks, in your online banking portal, or by calling the credit union. Once you have the routing and account number, add it to Chime the same way you would for any other bank.
Do I need to verify the account every time I transfer?
No. You verify the account once by confirming the two test deposits. After that, you can transfer to that account as many times as you want without repeating the verification. If you remove the account from Chime and add it again later, you will need to verify it again.
What if the transfer is taking longer than three business days?
Contact Chime support through the app and provide the transfer date and amount. Delays can happen if the receiving bank is processing slowly or if there is a problem with the account number. Chime can check the status and help you track down where the money is. Keep the transfer confirmation number from the Chime app when you contact them.
Can I transfer money from Chime to multiple external accounts?
Yes. You can add as many external bank accounts as you need to Chime. Each one goes through the verification process once, and then you can transfer to any of them whenever you want. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks or want to split transfers between accounts.