Yes, you can use Chime to receive your tax refund directly

Chime works as a receiving account for your federal tax refund. When you file your tax return, you provide your Chime account and routing number as your direct deposit information, and the IRS deposits your refund there instead of mailing a check. The refund arrives in your Chime account on the same timeline as any other bank account—typically within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though it can be faster.

The main difference between Chime and a traditional bank is speed and fees. Chime often deposits refunds one or two business days earlier than larger banks because of how their processing works. There are no fees to receive the deposit. The catch is that Chime is a fintech company, not a bank, so some tax software may flag it differently or ask you to confirm the account type when you enter your routing number.

Key Takeaways

  • You enter your Chime account and routing number on your tax return just like you would for any bank account, and the IRS deposits your refund directly there.
  • Chime refunds typically arrive within 21 days of IRS acceptance, sometimes faster than traditional banks because of how Chime processes deposits.
  • There are no fees to receive a tax refund on Chime, and you do not need to do anything special to set up direct deposit.
  • If tax software does not recognize Chime as a bank, you can still enter the routing number manually or contact Chime support for the correct account type designation.
  • Chime's routing number is 065400137, though you should verify this in your Chime app or on their website before filing.

How to set up your Chime account for tax refund direct deposit

Open your Chime app and navigate to the account details section. You will find your account number and routing number there. Write both down or take a screenshot—you will need them when you file your return. Chime's routing number is 065400137, but verify this in your app before you use it, since routing numbers can change.

When you file your tax return through tax software or a tax preparer, you will reach a section asking for direct deposit information. Select "checking account" as your account type, then enter your Chime account number and routing number. Double-check both numbers before you submit—a single digit wrong will send your refund to the wrong place, and recovering it takes weeks.

If the tax software does not recognize Chime or asks what type of institution it is, select "other financial institution" or "fintech" if that option exists. Some older tax software may not have Chime in its dropdown list. If that happens, you can still enter the routing number manually, or contact Chime support to confirm the correct designation for your software.

What happens after you file with your Chime account

Once the IRS accepts your return, you can track your refund status through the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. This tool shows you whether the IRS has received your return, whether it is being processed, and when it has been approved for payment. The status updates once per day, usually overnight.

When the IRS approves your refund, it sends the deposit instruction to the Federal Reserve, which then routes the money to Chime. This is where Chime's speed advantage often shows up. Chime typically receives and deposits funds one or two business days before traditional banks, so your refund may appear in your account before the IRS's estimated date.

You will see the deposit hit your Chime account as a pending transaction first, then it will clear within one business day. Once it clears, you can spend the money when ready. Chime does not hold refunds or place any restrictions on them.

What to do if your refund does not arrive on time

If your refund has not arrived 21 days after the IRS accepted your return, check the "Where's My Refund?" tool first. This tool is the source of truth for refund status. If it shows your refund was approved and sent, but it has not appeared in your Chime account, contact Chime support with your refund tracking number from the IRS tool.

Chime can see when a deposit was sent to them and whether it was received. If Chime received it but it is not in your account, the issue is usually a typo in your account or routing number—the deposit may have gone to a different account at Chime or been rejected. Chime can help trace where it went and request a reissue from the IRS if needed.

If the IRS tool shows your refund is still being processed after 21 days, the delay is on the IRS side, not Chime's. Contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or through their website. Do not contact Chime again until the IRS confirms your refund has been sent.

Chime versus other ways to receive your refund

Direct deposit to Chime is faster and safer than a paper check. A check can be lost in the mail, stolen, or take weeks to arrive. Direct deposit is also faster than using a tax refund advance or loan, which charges fees and gives you less money. If you need your refund money quickly, direct deposit to Chime is the straightforward choice.

Some tax software offers to deposit your refund to a temporary account or prepaid card as part of their service. These options usually charge fees and are slower than depositing directly to your own Chime account. Stick with your Chime account number and routing number instead.

If you do not have a Chime account yet and want to open one before filing, you can do so through the Chime app or website. Opening an account takes a few minutes. However, if you have already filed your return with a different account, you cannot change the direct deposit information after filing—you would have to wait for the refund to arrive at the original account, then transfer it to Chime yourself.

Common mistakes when using Chime for tax refunds

The most common mistake is entering the wrong account or routing number. If even one digit is wrong, the IRS will send your refund somewhere else. The second most common mistake is confusing your Chime savings account number with your checking account number. Make sure you are using the checking account number, since that is the account type you select on your tax return.

Another mistake is filing before you have confirmed your Chime account is active and working. If you open a Chime account and when ready file your return, there is a small chance the account will not be fully set up in the IRS system by the time your refund arrives. Wait at least a few days after opening your Chime account before filing, or use a different account if you are filing right away.

Do not assume your refund will arrive on the IRS's estimated date. The IRS estimates are conservative. Your refund may arrive earlier, especially with Chime. Check your account regularly rather than waiting for the estimated date to pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chime's routing number for tax refunds?

Chime's routing number is 065400137. Verify this number in your Chime app before you file your return, since routing numbers can change. Do not rely on a number you find elsewhere online without confirming it in your app first.

Can I change my direct deposit information after I file my tax return?

No. Once you file your return, the IRS will not change the direct deposit account. If you filed with the wrong account number, you will have to wait for the refund to arrive at that account, then transfer it to Chime yourself. This is why it is important to double-check your account and routing number before you submit your return.

How long does it take for a tax refund to show up in Chime?

The IRS typically processes refunds within 21 days of accepting your return. Chime usually receives and deposits the money one or two business days faster than traditional banks. Once the deposit hits your Chime account, it clears within one business day and you can spend it when ready.

What if my Chime account is closed when my refund arrives?

If your account is closed, the IRS will attempt to deposit the refund and it will be rejected. The IRS will then mail you a paper check to the address on your return. This takes several additional weeks. Keep your Chime account open until you have confirmed your refund arrived.

Can I use Chime Savings instead of Chime Checking for my tax refund?

You can, but you should use your Chime Checking account instead. Tax software asks you to specify the account type, and Checking is the standard option. If you use your Savings account number by mistake, the deposit may be rejected or delayed. Stick with Checking unless Chime support tells you otherwise.