Linking your bank account to Chime takes about five minutes and requires your routing and account numbers
To link an external bank account to your Chime account, you open the Chime app, go to the "Money" or "Transfers" section, select "Link Bank Account," and enter your routing number and account number from the bank you want to connect. Chime will then verify the account by making two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account within one to two business days. You return to the app, confirm the deposit amounts, and the account is linked.
This process lets you move money between your Chime account and another bank account you own. You might do this to transfer your paycheck into Chime, move savings to another bank, or pull money out when you need cash from a different institution.
Key Takeaways
- You need your routing number and account number from the external bank before you start, which you can find on a check, your bank's website, or by calling the bank.
- Chime verifies the account by sending two small test deposits, which takes one to two business days, and you must confirm the amounts in the app to complete the link.
- Once linked, you can transfer money between Chime and that account using the app, and transfers usually arrive within one to three business days.
- You can link multiple external accounts to a single Chime account, but each one must go through the verification process separately.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of any check from your bank. The routing number is the first set of nine digits, and your account number follows it. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section.
You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account holder name and account number ready when you call, and they will give you both numbers over the phone. Write them down carefully, because entering them wrong will cause the verification to fail.
The verification process and what to expect
After you enter your routing and account numbers in the Chime app, Chime sends two small deposits to that account. These deposits are usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each and arrive within one to two business days. You will see them show up in the external bank account, and the deposit amounts will appear in the Chime app as well.
Once you see both deposits in your external bank account, return to the Chime app and enter the two amounts in the verification screen. Chime checks that the amounts match, and if they do, your account is linked. If you enter the amounts wrong, you can try again, but if you do not verify within a certain time frame (usually 30 days), you will need to start the linking process over.
How to transfer money once your account is linked
Once your external bank account is verified, you can transfer money between Chime and that account using the Chime app. Open the app, go to the "Money" or "Transfers" section, select the account you want to transfer from and the account you want to transfer to, enter the amount, and confirm. The transfer will be scheduled, and you will see a confirmation number.
Transfers between Chime and an external bank usually take one to three business days, depending on the other bank's processing speed. Weekends and holidays can add time. Chime does not charge a fee for these transfers, but your external bank might charge a fee if you are transferring out of that account — check your bank's fee schedule if you are unsure.
Linking multiple external accounts
You can link more than one external bank account to your Chime account. Each account must go through the same verification process with the two test deposits. This is useful if you have accounts at multiple banks and want to move money between them and Chime without having to unlink and relink accounts.
To add another account, go back to the "Link Bank Account" section in the Chime app and repeat the process. You will see all your linked accounts listed in the transfer section, and you can choose which one to transfer from or to each time you move money.
What to do if verification fails
If the two test deposits do not show up in your external account after two business days, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. Log into your external bank account and look for deposits from Chime or from your bank's processing system. If you still do not see them, the routing or account number may be wrong.
Return to the Chime app and try linking the account again, double-checking each digit. If you continue to have trouble, contact Chime's support team through the app or website — they can help you troubleshoot. If the account belongs to someone else or is closed, the deposits will not go through, and you will need to link a different account that is in your name and currently active.
Security and what information Chime needs
Chime only needs your routing number and account number to link an external account — it does not ask for your password, PIN, or login credentials for the external bank. This is the safest way to link accounts because you are not giving Chime access to your other bank's login information.
The two test deposits are Chime's way of confirming that the account is real and that you have access to it. Once you verify the deposits, Chime knows the account belongs to you. If someone else tries to link your account to their Chime account, they would not be able to confirm the test deposits because they would not see them in your bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link an account at a different bank than the one I use for my main checking?
Yes. You can link any bank account in your name to Chime, whether it is a checking account, savings account, or money market account. The account must be active and in your name for the verification deposits to go through.
How long does it take to transfer money after I link an account?
Transfers usually take one to three business days. The exact time depends on both Chime and your external bank's processing speed. Transfers sent on weekends or holidays may take longer because banks do not process transfers on those days.
What happens if I enter the wrong deposit amounts during verification?
You can try entering the amounts again. If you make too many incorrect attempts or do not verify within 30 days, you will need to start the linking process over by entering your routing and account numbers again.
Can I unlink an account after it is verified?
Yes. You can remove a linked account from the Chime app at any time by going to your linked accounts list and selecting the option to unlink or remove it. Once you unlink it, you will not be able to transfer money to or from that account until you link it again.
Is there a limit to how much money I can transfer?
Chime and your external bank may both have transfer limits. Check your Chime account settings and your external bank's terms to see what limits explore to you. Limits vary by account type and how long you have had the account.