The fastest way to send money from Chime to another bank

You can move money from Chime to another bank account using Chime's transfer feature, which takes one to three business days. The process is straightforward: you link your external bank account to Chime once, then initiate transfers whenever you need them. Chime does not charge a fee for this transfer.

The transfer happens through the Chime mobile app or website. You will need your external bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on a check or in your other bank's app. Once you have linked the account, you can transfer up to the daily limit Chime sets for your account, which typically starts at $5,000 per day but may increase over time as you use the service.

Key Takeaways

  • Link your external bank account to Chime once by providing your routing number and account number, then you can transfer money anytime without re-entering those details.
  • Transfers from Chime to another bank take one to three business days and cost nothing.
  • You can transfer up to your daily limit, which Chime sets based on your account history and usually starts around $5,000 per day.
  • If you need the money faster, you can withdraw cash from an ATM or use Chime's debit card to pay directly instead of transferring.

How to link your external bank account in the Chime app

Open the Chime app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Transfers" or "Move Money," then choose "Link a Bank Account" or "Add External Account." Chime will ask for your bank's name, your account type (checking or savings), your routing number, and your account number.

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is unique to you and appears on your checks or in your bank's mobile app. If you cannot find these numbers, log into your other bank's website or app — both numbers are usually visible on the account overview page or in the settings menu.

After you enter this information, Chime will verify the account by making two small deposits (usually under $1 each) into your external bank account. This takes one to two business days. Once the deposits appear, Chime will ask you to confirm the amounts. After you confirm, the account is linked and ready to use.

Starting a transfer from Chime

Once your external account is linked, go to the Transfers section in the Chime app. Select the linked account you want to send money to, enter the amount, and confirm. Chime will show you the expected arrival date — usually one to three business days from the date you initiate the transfer.

The transfer processes on the next business day. If you send money on a Friday evening, for example, it will not process until Monday, and your external bank may not receive it until Tuesday or Wednesday. Weekends and bank holidays add time, so plan accordingly if you need the money by a specific date.

What to do if you need money faster

If one to three days is too long, you have two when ready options. First, you can withdraw cash from any ATM that Chime partners with — Chime offers fee-free withdrawals at over 60,000 ATMs nationwide, including most CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart locations. You can then deposit that cash into your other bank account in person.

Second, you can use your Chime debit card to pay for things directly instead of transferring the money. This does not move money between accounts, but it lets you access your Chime balance without waiting. If you need to pay a specific person or business, you could also use Chime's peer-to-peer transfer feature (if available in your area) to send money to another Chime user when ready.

Daily transfer limits and how they work

Chime sets a daily transfer limit on your account, which typically starts at $5,000 per day. This means you can transfer up to $5,000 to your external bank account in a single day. If you need to move more than that, you can make multiple transfers on different days.

Your limit may increase over time as you use Chime responsibly — making regular deposits, keeping your account in good standing, and completing transfers without issues. Chime does not publish the exact formula for increasing limits, but the longer you maintain an active account, the higher your limit is likely to become. If you reach your limit and need to transfer more when ready, contact Chime's support team to ask whether your limit can be raised.

Troubleshooting transfers that do not arrive

If your transfer does not arrive within three business days, first check the Chime app to confirm the transfer was actually sent. Look in the Transfers or Activity section and verify the amount, the receiving account, and the status. If Chime shows the transfer as "completed" or "sent," the delay is likely on your external bank's end.

Contact your external bank's customer service and provide them with the transfer date and amount. They can trace the transfer using Chime's routing number and your account number. If Chime shows the transfer as "pending" or "failed," contact Chime support through the app. Common reasons for failure include an incorrect routing number, a closed account, or a mismatch between the account type you selected and your actual account type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer money from Chime to a savings account at another bank?

Yes. When you link your external account, you will select whether it is a checking or savings account. Chime transfers work with both types. Make sure you select the correct account type when linking, or the transfer may fail.

What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?

The transfer will likely fail or go to the wrong bank. Chime will show the transfer as failed in your activity, and the money will return to your Chime account within a few business days. Double-check your routing number before confirming any transfer.

Do I have to pay a fee to transfer money out of Chime?

No. Chime does not charge a fee for transfers to external bank accounts. Your external bank may charge a fee to receive transfers, but that is rare for standard ACH transfers.

Can I transfer money from Chime to someone else's bank account?

No. You can only transfer money to a bank account in your own name. To send money to someone else, use Chime's peer-to-peer transfer feature if they also have Chime, or use a separate money transfer service.

How do I unlink a bank account from Chime?

Open the Transfers section in the Chime app, find the linked account, and look for a settings or delete option. Tap it and confirm. You can re-link the same account later if needed.