The basic process: what you're actually doing
Linking a bank account to Chime means giving Chime permission to move money between your Chime account and another bank account you own. You'll do this through the Chime mobile app or website by entering your other bank's routing number and your account number, then confirming small test deposits that your bank sends back. The whole process usually takes one to three business days.
Chime doesn't move money on its own — you initiate every transfer. Once linked, you can send money out of Chime to that account, or receive money into Chime from it. You can link multiple accounts if you need to, though Chime limits how many transfers you can make per day.
Key Takeaways
- You link a bank account through the Chime app or website by entering the routing number and account number, then confirming two small test deposits your bank sends back.
- The account you're linking must be in your own name at a U.S. bank; you cannot link accounts at other people's banks or at credit unions in some cases.
- Transfers between Chime and a linked bank account usually take one to three business days, not when ready.
- Chime limits the number of transfers you can make per day and per month, so check your account settings to see the current limits.
Step-by-step: linking through the Chime app
Open the Chime app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Transfers" or "Move Money" — the exact label depends on your app version. Tap "Link Bank Account" or the plus icon next to "External Accounts."
Enter the routing number and account number from the bank account you want to link. You can find both on a check, or by logging into that bank's website and looking at account details. Make sure you enter them correctly — a single digit wrong will cause the link to fail. Tap "Continue" and enter your name as it appears at that bank.
Chime will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your linked bank account within one to two business days. Log into that bank's website or app, find the deposits, and note the exact amounts. Go back to the Chime app, tap "Verify Deposits," and enter those two amounts. Once Chime confirms them, the account is linked and ready to use.
Linking through the Chime website
Log into your Chime account at chime.com. Click your name or profile icon in the top right, then select "Settings" or "Account Settings." Look for "Transfers," "Move Money," or "External Accounts" — the menu structure varies slightly depending on when your account was created.
Click "Link Bank Account" or the plus icon. Enter the routing number and account number exactly as they appear on a check or in your other bank's system. Chime will ask you to confirm your name and the account holder's name — they must match.
The verification process is the same as the app: Chime sends two test deposits, you confirm the amounts, and the account is live. You can then use the website to move money between accounts, though most people do transfers through the app.
What happens if the link fails
If Chime rejects your routing or account number, the most common reason is a typo. Double-check both numbers against a check or your bank's website. Some banks print routing numbers in different places on a check — the first set of numbers on the left is usually correct, but verify it matches what your bank shows online.
If you enter the wrong amounts when verifying the test deposits, Chime will ask you to try again. You get multiple attempts, so don't worry if you misread the first time. If you genuinely cannot find the deposits in your other bank's account after three business days, contact Chime support through the app — they can resend them or troubleshoot why they didn't arrive.
Some banks and credit unions do not work with Chime's linking system. If you see an error saying the bank is not supported, you may need to use a different account, or contact Chime support to ask whether that specific institution can be linked manually.
Accounts you can and cannot link
You can link any U.S. bank account that is in your own name. This includes checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts at traditional banks, online banks, and most credit unions. The account does not have to be at a major bank — smaller regional banks and online-only banks work fine as long as they have a routing number.
You cannot link an account that belongs to someone else, even if you have permission to use it. You cannot link a business account if your Chime account is personal, or vice versa. Some credit unions do not participate in the ACH network that Chime uses, so linking may not be possible — Chime will tell you during the process if your credit union is not supported.
Transfer limits and how long transfers take
Transfers from Chime to a linked bank account take one to three business days. Transfers into Chime from a linked account also take one to three business days. Neither direction is when ready, so plan accordingly if you need money by a specific date. Weekends and bank holidays add extra time — a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
Chime limits how many transfers you can make per day and per rolling 30-day period. These limits change occasionally, so check your account settings in the app to see the current numbers. If you hit the limit, you'll have to wait until the next day or until the 30-day window resets before you can transfer again.
Removing a linked account
If you no longer want to use a linked account, you can remove it from Chime at any time. Open the app, go to "Transfers" or "Move Money," find the account in your list of external accounts, and tap the menu icon or "Remove." Chime will ask you to confirm — once you do, the link is deleted and you cannot transfer to or from that account anymore.
Removing a linked account does not affect the bank account itself. Your money stays where it is, and the account at that bank remains open and active. You can link the same account again later if you change your mind, though you'll have to go through the verification process again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link a joint bank account?
Only if your name is on the account. Chime requires the account holder's name to match the name on your Chime account. If you're a joint owner, your name must appear on the account registration at that bank.
What if I don't see the test deposits from Chime?
Wait three full business days — deposits sometimes take longer than expected. Check your bank's pending transactions or "posted" transactions separately. If they still don't appear after three days, contact Chime support through the app and ask them to resend the deposits or verify the account manually.
Can I link the same account to multiple Chime accounts?
No. Each bank account can be linked to only one Chime account. If you try to link an account that's already connected to a different Chime profile, the system will reject it.
Do I pay a fee to link a bank account?
No. Linking itself is free. Some transfers may have fees depending on your Chime account type and the direction of the transfer — check your account settings or Chime's fee schedule to see what applies to you.
What if my bank account information changes?
If you close the linked account or change account numbers at the same bank, you'll need to remove the old link and add the new account. Chime treats each account number as a separate link, so a new number means a new verification process.