You can close a Chime checking account through the mobile app in about two minutes, or by calling customer service if you need help

Closing a Chime account is straightforward. You do it entirely in the app, and the process takes less time than opening one. Chime does not charge a fee to close, does not require you to visit a branch (there are none), and does not lock your money. Once you close the account, any direct deposits or automatic payments tied to it will fail, so you need to update those elsewhere first.

The main thing to know: closing the account is permanent and when ready. Chime will not reopen it for you later. If you think you might use Chime again, you could instead just stop using the card and let the account sit dormant — but if you want it gone, the steps below will do it.

Key Takeaways

  • Close your Chime account through the mobile app by going to Settings, selecting Account, and choosing Close Account — no phone call needed unless you run into a problem.
  • Before you close, transfer any remaining balance to another bank account, because Chime will not send you a check or hold the money after closure.
  • Update any direct deposits, bill payments, or subscriptions that use your Chime account number, because they will fail once the account closes.
  • Closing is permanent and takes effect when ready; Chime will not reopen a closed account, so make sure you want to leave before you confirm.
  • If you have a pending dispute or fraud claim, close the account only after Chime has finished investigating, because you will lose access to case details once it closes.

Transfer your money before you close

Any balance in your Chime account will not automatically move anywhere. You need to move it yourself before you close the account. Chime will not mail you a check, will not hold the money, and will not transfer it to another account on your behalf.

The easiest way is to transfer the balance to another bank account you own. Open the Chime app, go to the Money tab, select Transfer, and choose the account you want to send it to. If that account is at another bank, Chime will ask for the routing number and account number. The transfer usually lands within one to three business days, though it can take longer depending on the other bank.

If you do not have another bank account yet, open one before you close Chime. You can do this at any bank or credit union, and most will let you open online. Once it is open and you have the account number, transfer your Chime balance over.

Update direct deposits and automatic payments

Any employer, government agency, or service that sends money to your Chime account will not know the account is closed until the deposit fails. This means you could miss a paycheck, a benefit payment, or a tax refund if you do not update these first.

Go through your records and find everywhere your Chime account number is on file. Common places include your employer's payroll system, the Social Security Administration (if you receive benefits), the IRS (for tax refunds), and any subscription services you pay monthly. For each one, log in and change the account number to your new bank account.

This step takes time but prevents money from bouncing back to the sender. If a direct deposit fails, the sender has to reissue it, which can add weeks to when you see the money.

Close the account through the Chime app

Open the Chime app and tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right corner). Select Settings, then Account. Scroll down and look for Close Account or a similar option. Tap it.

Chime will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and will remind you that this action is permanent. It will also ask whether you want to close just the checking account or any savings account linked to it. Choose what you want to close, confirm, and the account will close when ready.

You will no longer be able to use the Chime card, and the app will show the account as closed. If you had a physical card, you can cut it up or throw it away — it will not work.

If you cannot close through the app

Most people can close their account in the app without any trouble. But if you see an error message, if the Close Account option does not appear, or if you have an active dispute or fraud claim, you will need to call Chime customer service instead.

Call 1-844-244-6361. Have your account number ready. Explain that you want to close your account. The representative will confirm your identity, check for any holds or pending issues, and close it for you over the phone. This usually takes five to ten minutes.

If Chime tells you the account cannot be closed because of a pending dispute or fraud investigation, ask when that investigation will be finished. You can close the account after it is resolved, but closing before then means you will lose access to any evidence or updates related to the case.

What happens after you close

Once the account is closed, you cannot reopen it. Chime will not restore it, even if you change your mind a few days later. If you want to use Chime again in the future, you will have to open a brand new account from scratch.

Any pending transactions may still process for a few days after closure, depending on when they were submitted. If a charge goes through after you close, contact Chime to dispute it — you have the right to do so even though the account is closed.

Your transaction history will remain in the app for a limited time after closure, so take screenshots of anything you need to keep for tax or record-keeping purposes. After that window closes, Chime will delete the history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my money if I close without transferring it?

Chime keeps it. The company does not send checks, does not hold balances, and does not transfer unclaimed money to another account. If you close with a balance still in the account, that money is gone. Always transfer your balance before you close.

Can I close my Chime account if I have a pending direct deposit?

Yes, but the deposit will fail. The sender will see the account as closed and the money will bounce back to them. They will have to reissue it to a different account. Update your direct deposit information before you close to avoid this.

Will closing my Chime account hurt my credit score?

No. Chime is a checking account, not a credit account. Closing it will not show up on your credit report and will not affect your score. Credit scores only track credit products like credit cards and loans.

How long does it take to close a Chime account?

Closing through the app is when ready — the account closes as soon as you confirm. If you call customer service, it takes about five to ten minutes. Either way, the account is gone when ready and cannot be reopened.

Can I close my account if I have a negative balance?

No. If you owe Chime money (usually from overdraft fees or a returned transaction), you must pay that balance first. Once you pay it, you can close the account. Call customer service if you are not sure what you owe.