Closing a Chime account takes about five minutes and requires one phone call or a message through the app

To close your Chime checking account, contact Chime customer service by phone at 1-844-244-6363, through the in-app chat feature, or by email. Tell them you want to close the account. Chime will confirm your identity, check for any remaining balance, and process the closure. If you have money in the account, Chime will either transfer it to a linked bank account or issue a check. The account closes when ready, though it may take a few business days for the card to stop working at merchants.

Before you call, make sure you have settled any outstanding transactions, transferred any remaining funds to another account, and updated any automatic payments or direct deposits that use the Chime account number. Once the account is closed, you cannot reopen it — you would need to open a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Chime by phone, app chat, or email to request closure; the process takes minutes but confirmation may take a few business days.
  • Any remaining balance in your account will be transferred to a linked bank account or sent as a check, so you will not lose the money.
  • Stop any automatic payments, subscriptions, or direct deposits that use your Chime account number before closing, or they will fail.
  • A closed Chime account cannot be reopened; if you want to use Chime again, you must open a completely new account.

What happens to your money when you close

Chime does not keep any remaining balance. When you request closure, Chime will ask how you want the funds handled. If you have a linked external bank account on file, Chime can transfer the balance there within one to three business days. If you do not have a linked account or prefer not to use it, Chime will mail you a check to the address on file.

The check typically arrives within seven to ten business days. Make sure the mailing address in your Chime account is current before you request closure. If the address is wrong, the check may be delayed or lost, and you will need to contact Chime to request a replacement.

Stopping automatic payments and direct deposits before you close

Any recurring charges or direct deposits tied to your Chime account will fail once the account closes. This includes subscription services, gym memberships, insurance payments, loan payments, and payroll deposits. Review your account for the past few months to identify what is set to recur, then update each one with a new payment method or account number.

For payroll, contact your employer's HR or payroll department and provide them with your new bank account details. For subscriptions and bills, log into each service's website or app and update the payment method. Do this at least one week before you close the account to avoid missed payments or service interruptions. If you miss updating something and a charge fails, the merchant may charge you a fee or suspend your service.

How to contact Chime to close your account

By phone: Call 1-844-244-6363. This is the main customer service line. Wait times vary, but you will reach a representative who can process the closure on the call. Have your account number or the phone number associated with your Chime account ready.

Through the app: Open the Chime app, go to the menu (usually three horizontal lines), find "Help" or "Contact Us," and select the chat option. Explain that you want to close your account. A representative will respond within a few hours during business hours. This method works well if you prefer not to call, but it is slower than a phone call.

By email: Send a message to Chime's support email address (available on the Chime website under Contact Us). Include your full name, account number, and a clear statement that you want to close the account. Email is the slowest method and may take several business days for a response.

What to do with your Chime card after closure

Once your account is closed, your Chime debit card will no longer work. You do not need to do anything special with the physical card — it will straightforward decline at checkout. For security, you can cut it up and throw it away, or you can leave it as is. Chime does not require you to return it.

If you have a Chime credit builder card or any other Chime product linked to the same account, closing your checking account may affect those products. Ask Chime whether those accounts will also close or whether they will remain active. Some products are separate and will not be affected.

Reopening a Chime account after closure

If you close your Chime account and later want to use Chime again, you will need to open a new account from scratch. Chime does not restore or reactivate closed accounts. You will go through the full sign-up process again: provide your Social Security number, verify your identity, link an external bank account, and wait for the new debit card to arrive.

This process takes about five to seven business days from the time you complete the sign-up. There is no penalty or waiting period for opening a new account after closing one, so you can do this whenever you want.

Reasons people close Chime accounts

Some people close Chime because they are switching to a different bank that offers features Chime does not have, such as in-person branches, higher savings rates, or business accounts. Others close because they no longer need the early direct deposit feature or the overdraft protection that Chime provides. Some close because of customer service issues or because they prefer to consolidate their banking with one institution.

Whatever your reason, the closure process is straightforward and does not penalize you. There are no early closure fees, no minimum balance requirements to keep the account open, and no waiting period before you can open a new account elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Chime account hurt my credit score?

No. Closing a Chime checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit history only includes credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. If you also have a Chime credit builder card, closing that product may have a small impact on your credit, but closing the checking account itself will not.

What if I have pending transactions when I close my account?

Pending transactions may still process after you close the account. If a charge is already pending when you request closure, it could go through and overdraft your account or be rejected. Contact Chime before closing to ask about any pending transactions, and wait for them to clear if possible. Once they clear, your balance will be what Chime transfers or sends to you.

Can I close my account online without calling?

Chime does not offer a self-service account closure option in the app or website. You must contact customer service by phone, chat, or email. The phone method is fastest because a representative can process it when ready. Chat and email take longer but work if you prefer not to call.

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

The closure request is processed when ready when you contact Chime, but it may take a few business days for the card to stop working and for your balance to be transferred or mailed. If you are transferring funds to a linked bank account, expect one to three business days. If you are receiving a check, expect seven to ten business days.

What happens to my Chime routing and account number after closure?

Once your account closes, your routing and account number are deactivated and cannot be used. Any direct deposits or automatic payments sent to that number will fail. This is why you must update your account information with your employer and billers before closing. The numbers are not reissued to other customers, so there is no security risk from the old numbers being reused.