Deleting your Chime account means closing the checking or savings account itself, not just the app

When you delete a Chime account, you are closing the actual bank account that Chime holds for you. This is different from uninstalling the app. Once the account is closed, you cannot use the debit card, make transfers, or receive direct deposits to that account number. Chime does not charge a fee to close an account, but you need to follow their process in order — moving your money first, then requesting the closure through the app or by phone.

The process takes a few days to complete. Chime will freeze the account once you request closure, meaning no new transactions can go through. Any pending transfers or direct deposits will bounce. That is why the first step is always to move your remaining balance somewhere else.

Key Takeaways

  • Move all your money out of the Chime account before requesting closure, because pending transactions will fail once the account is frozen.
  • You can request account closure through the Chime app under Account Settings, or by calling Chime customer service at the number on the back of your card.
  • Chime will send you a confirmation once the closure is complete, which usually takes three to five business days after you request it.
  • If you have a pending direct deposit, contact your employer or the organization sending the payment to update your account number before closing.
  • Closing the account does not affect your credit score, because Chime is a checking account, not a credit product.

Move your money before you request closure

Open your Chime app and check your balance. If you have money in the account, you need to move it somewhere else first. You can transfer it to another bank account you own, or withdraw it as cash at an ATM or in-store at a retailer that offers cash back.

If you have a pending direct deposit scheduled to arrive after you close the account, contact the source — your employer, government agency, or whoever sends the payment — and give them your new account number. Chime will not hold the deposit, and it will be returned to the sender. This can take weeks to sort out, so update your account information before you close.

Check for any recurring payments or subscriptions tied to your Chime card. These will fail once the account closes. Update those services with a new payment method before you proceed.

Request closure through the Chime app

Open the Chime app and go to Account Settings. Look for the option that says "Close Account" or "Account Closure" — the exact wording varies depending on your app version. Tap it and follow the prompts. Chime will ask you to confirm that you want to close the account and may ask why you are closing it. Answer honestly, but your reason does not affect whether they will close it.

Once you confirm, Chime will freeze the account when ready. You will see a message saying the account is closed or pending closure. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Close your account by phone if the app option is not available

If you cannot find the closure option in the app, or if the app is not working, call Chime customer service. The phone number is on the back of your Chime debit card. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your account ready.

Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will confirm your identity, check that your balance is zero or that you have moved your money, and process the closure. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

What happens after you request closure

Chime will send you an email confirming that your account closure request was received. The account will be frozen, meaning no transactions can go through. Any checks you have written, pending transfers, or scheduled payments will fail.

The actual closure takes three to five business days. During this time, Chime is processing the closure on their end and notifying the payment networks. Once it is complete, you will receive another email saying the account is closed. At that point, your debit card will no longer work.

Keep the closure confirmation email. If you ever need proof that the account was closed on a certain date — for tax purposes, to show a creditor, or for any other reason — you can reference this email.

What to do with your Chime debit card after closure

Once the account is closed, your Chime debit card is no longer active. You can throw it away, or you can cut it up to be safe. There is no need to return it to Chime.

If you have multiple Chime accounts (for example, a checking account and a savings account), closing one does not close the others. You will need to request closure for each account separately if you want to close them all.

Reopening a Chime account later

If you close your account and later decide you want to use Chime again, you can open a new account. Chime will treat it as a brand new account. Your old account number will not be reactivated. There is no waiting period — you can open a new account the same day you close the old one if you want to.

Your old transaction history will still be available in your email or through Chime's customer service if you need to reference it for records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Chime account hurt my credit score?

No. Chime is a checking account, not a credit product. Closing it does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score in any way.

What if I have a pending direct deposit when I close my account?

The deposit will be returned to the sender. Contact your employer or the organization sending the payment and give them your new account number before you close the Chime account. This prevents the payment from bouncing.

Can I close my account if I still owe Chime money?

Chime does not charge monthly fees or overdraft fees in the traditional sense, but if you have an outstanding balance or debt to Chime, you should contact customer service before closing. They will tell you what you owe and how to settle it.

How long does it take for my account to be completely closed?

Three to five business days after you request closure. During this time, the account is frozen and no transactions can go through. You will receive an email confirmation once the closure is final.

What if I change my mind after requesting closure?

Contact Chime customer service when ready. If the account has not been fully closed yet, they may be able to reactivate it. Once the closure is complete, you cannot reactivate the old account — you would need to open a new one.