You can close a Chime savings account through the app, by phone, or by visiting a branch — the fastest route is the app, which takes about five minutes

Closing a Chime savings account is straightforward because Chime operates entirely through mobile banking. You do not need to visit a physical location or mail anything in. The process works the same whether you have a checking account, savings account, or both with Chime.

Before you close the account, withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. Chime will not charge you a fee to close, but any money left in the account after closure becomes harder to recover. Once the account is closed, you lose access to it through the app.

The account closure itself is permanent — you cannot reopen the same account number. If you change your mind later, you would need to open a new account, which takes a few minutes but generates a new account number and routing number.

Key Takeaways

  • Withdraw or transfer your full balance before closing, because money left behind after closure is difficult to recover.
  • Close your account through the Chime app by going to Settings, selecting your account, and choosing the close account option.
  • Closing takes effect when ready, but it may take one to two business days for the closure to fully process on Chime's end.
  • You can also close by calling Chime customer service at the number on the back of your card, though the app is faster.
  • Once closed, the account number is gone permanently — reopening means a new account with a new number.

Closing through the Chime app

Open the Chime app and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the screen, then select Settings. Scroll down and find the account you want to close — if you have both checking and savings, they will be listed separately.

Tap on the account name, then look for an option labeled Close Account or Account Settings. Tap it. Chime will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why. You do not have to answer the reason question, but Chime uses the feedback to improve. Confirm the closure, and the account closes when ready in the app.

Check your account balance one more time before confirming. If there is money in the account, Chime will warn you that closing will not transfer it automatically. You must withdraw or transfer that money first, or it will remain in a closed account that you can no longer access through normal means.

Withdrawing your balance before closing

If your Chime savings account has money in it, move that money before you close. The fastest way is to transfer it to your Chime checking account (if you have one) or to an external bank account you own.

To transfer to another account within Chime, go to the account you want to close, tap Transfer, and select the destination account. Enter the amount and confirm. The transfer completes within minutes.

To transfer to an external bank account, tap Transfer, select External Account, and enter the receiving bank's routing number and your account number there. Chime may require you to verify the external account first, which involves Chime depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) that you then confirm. This verification can take one to two business days. Once verified, transfers to that account are usually when ready or next-business-day.

If you prefer to withdraw cash, use any ATM that Chime partners with — Chime offers fee-free ATM access at most major networks. Withdraw the full balance, then close the account.

Closing by phone

Call the number on the back of your Chime card. You will reach customer service, and they can close the account for you over the phone. Have your account number ready, though the representative can look it up using your phone number or email.

The representative will confirm your identity, ask if you want to close checking, savings, or both, and verify that you have withdrawn your balance. They will then close the account. The closure takes effect when ready, though it may take one to two business days to fully process on the backend.

Phone closure takes longer than the app — usually 10 to 15 minutes — because the representative must verify your identity and document the request. Use this route only if you cannot access the app or prefer speaking to a person.

What happens after you close

Once closed, the account number is deactivated and cannot be used. Any direct deposits, automatic payments, or transfers set to that account will fail. If you have recurring bills or paychecks going to that account, update them before you close or when ready after.

If money was left in the account at closure, contact Chime customer service to ask about recovery options. Chime may be able to retrieve it, but the process is slower and less certain than withdrawing before closure. Have your former account number ready.

Your Chime card will stop working once the account is closed, even if you still have the physical card. You do not need to destroy it, but you cannot use it for purchases or ATM withdrawals.

Reopening or switching to a different account

If you close your account and later want to bank with Chime again, you can open a new account. The new account will have a different account number and routing number. The signup process is the same as the first time — you provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and address, and Chime verifies your identity.

There is no waiting period or penalty for reopening. However, if you closed because of a dispute or problem with Chime, reopening will not restore the old account or its history — you start fresh with a new account.

If you are switching to a different bank, make sure that bank is set up to receive transfers before you close Chime. Add the new bank as an external account in Chime, verify it (which takes one to two business days), and then transfer your balance. Only after the transfer clears should you close Chime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my direct deposit if I close my Chime account?

Direct deposits sent to a closed account will be rejected and returned to your employer. Update your direct deposit information with your employer before you close, or do it when ready after. Your employer will need your new account number and routing number if you are moving to a different bank.

Can I close just my savings account and keep my checking account?

Yes. When you go to close the account in the app or call customer service, you can specify which account to close. If you have both checking and savings, you can close one and keep the other. The process is the same — just select the savings account when prompted.

Will Chime charge me a fee to close my account?

No. Chime does not charge a closure fee. The only cost is if you have money left in the account after closure and need customer service to help recover it, which may take additional time and effort.

How long does it take for my account to fully close?

The account closes when ready in the app or over the phone, but it may take one to two business days for Chime's systems to fully process the closure. During that time, you will not be able to access the account, and any transactions sent to it will fail.

What if I forgot to withdraw my money before closing?

Contact Chime customer service as soon as possible with your former account number. Chime may be able to recover the funds, but the process is slower than withdrawing before closure. The longer you wait, the harder recovery becomes, so reach out when ready if this happens.