Yes, you can transfer money from Chime to another bank account

Chime lets you send money to a bank account at a different bank through a process called an external transfer. The money moves from your Chime account to the other bank's account, and it usually arrives within one to three business days. You set this up once in the Chime app, and then you can use it again whenever you need to.

The most common reason to do this is to move money to a savings account at another bank, or to send funds to someone else's bank account. Chime does not charge a fee for outgoing transfers, though the receiving bank might have its own rules about how it handles incoming transfers.

Key Takeaways

  • External transfers from Chime to another bank take one to three business days and do not cost you anything.
  • You need the receiving bank's routing number and the account number of the account you are sending to.
  • The first time you set up a transfer to a new account, Chime may verify it with two small test deposits before you can move larger amounts.
  • You can also use a debit card, ATM withdrawal, or peer-to-peer payment apps as alternatives if you need the money faster.

How to set up an external transfer in the Chime app

Open the Chime app and go to the "Money" or "Transfers" section — the exact name varies depending on which version of the app you have. Look for an option that says "Transfer to Bank" or "External Transfer." Chime will ask you for the name of the bank you are sending to, the routing number, and the account number.

The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank itself. The account number identifies your specific account at that bank. You can find both on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling the bank's customer service line. Once you enter this information, Chime stores it so you do not have to type it in again the next time.

For a brand-new account you have never transferred to before, Chime may send two small test deposits (usually under one dollar each) to verify the account is real and belongs to you. The receiving bank will show these deposits in your account there. You then enter the amounts of these deposits back into the Chime app to confirm. This verification step can take a few days, but it only happens once per account.

How long transfers take and what to expect

Once you have set up the transfer and confirmed the account, you can move money whenever you want. Enter the amount you want to send and confirm it. Chime will show you the expected arrival date, which is usually one to three business days away. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer you start on Friday might not arrive until Tuesday.

The money leaves your Chime account right away, but it does not show up in the other bank's account until the receiving bank processes it. If you need the money sooner, you have other options: you can withdraw cash from an ATM, use your Chime debit card to pay directly, or use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal if you are sending to another person.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details before you open the Chime app. You will need the name of the bank you are sending to, the routing number for that bank, and the account number for the specific account. If you are sending to someone else's account, make sure you have the correct spelling of the account holder's name and the correct account number — transfers to the wrong account are hard to reverse.

If you do not have this information handy, you can find it on a blank check from that bank, on the bank's website under account details, or by calling the bank's customer service number. Having it ready before you start makes the process faster.

Limits on how much you can transfer

Chime sets daily and monthly limits on how much you can transfer out of your account. These limits vary depending on your account type and how long you have been a customer. You can see your current limits in the Chime app under settings or account information.

If you need to move more money than your limit allows, you can split the transfer across multiple days, or you can contact Chime support to ask about raising your limit. Some customers find it faster to withdraw cash from an ATM and deposit it at the receiving bank if they are moving a large amount.

Alternatives if you need the money faster

If one to three days is too long, you have other ways to move money. You can use your Chime debit card to pay a bill or make a purchase directly, which is when ready. You can withdraw cash from an ATM using your Chime card and deposit it at the other bank in person, which takes as long as it takes you to get there. You can also use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Square Cash if you are sending to another person who uses the same app.

Some of these alternatives have their own fees or limits, so check before you use them. But if you are in a hurry, they can get money where it needs to go faster than a bank transfer.

What to do if a transfer fails or does not arrive

If you set up a transfer and it does not arrive after three business days, or if you get an error message when you try to send, contact Chime support through the app. They can tell you whether the transfer is still processing, whether it was rejected, or whether there is a problem with the receiving account information.

If the transfer was rejected, the most common reasons are a wrong routing number, a wrong account number, or a mismatch between the account holder's name and the account number. Chime will help you figure out which one it is and let you try again with corrected information. Money that is rejected comes back to your Chime account within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from Chime to a savings account at the same bank?

Yes. If you have another account at the same bank as your Chime account, you can still use the external transfer process. You will need the routing number and account number for that account, just as you would for a different bank.

Does Chime charge a fee to transfer money out?

No, Chime does not charge you to send money to another bank. The receiving bank might have its own policies, but Chime's side is free. Some banks charge a fee to receive transfers, so you may want to check with the receiving bank first.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

The money will go to whatever account matches that routing number and account number. If the account number belongs to someone else, that person's bank will receive the money, and getting it back is difficult. Always double-check the account number before you confirm a transfer, especially if you are sending to someone else.

Can I cancel a transfer after I have sent it?

If you cancel it before the receiving bank processes it, the money comes back to your Chime account. Once the receiving bank has accepted it, you cannot cancel it through Chime — you would have to contact the receiving bank and ask them to send it back. This is why it is important to get the account details right the first time.

Why is Chime asking for test deposits?

Test deposits are Chime's way of confirming that the account number and routing number you entered are correct and that the account actually exists. This protects you from accidentally sending money to the wrong place. You only have to do this once per account, and it takes a few days.