How to Transfer Money From Chime to Your Bank Account
You can move money from Chime to another bank account in a few minutes using the Chime app or website
Chime is a financial technology company that offers a checking account and debit card, but it is not a traditional bank. Many people use Chime alongside a bank account at another institution — perhaps to keep savings separate, or because they already have a relationship with a larger bank. Moving money from Chime to another account is straightforward and usually takes one to three business days.
The most common way is to link your external bank account to Chime and then transfer money through the app. Chime also offers a few other routes if that one does not work for you. This guide walks you through each method, what to expect at each step, and how long the money takes to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You can transfer money from Chime to another bank account by linking that account in the Chime app under Settings, then selecting Transfer Money and choosing your destination account.
- Transfers typically take one to three business days to show up in your external bank account, depending on the receiving bank's processing speed.
- Chime does not charge a fee for outgoing transfers, but your receiving bank may charge a fee for incoming transfers from a non-bank source.
- If you do not want to link your external account permanently, you can request a check or use an ATM withdrawal to move smaller amounts.
- The amount you can transfer in a single transaction may be limited by Chime's fraud controls, which typically allow larger transfers after your account has been open for a while.
Linking your external bank account to Chime
Before you can transfer money out, you need to tell Chime where the money should go. Open the Chime app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select Settings, then Transfers, then Link Bank Account. Chime will ask for your routing number and account number — both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them in your bank's app or website.
Chime will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into your external bank account over the next one to two business days. Once those deposits appear, you return to the Chime app and confirm the amounts. This verification step protects both you and your bank by confirming you actually own the account you are linking.
After verification is complete, your external account will appear as an option whenever you initiate a transfer. You can link multiple accounts if you have checking and savings at different banks, or accounts at different institutions.
Transferring money out of Chime
Once your external account is linked and verified, transferring money takes about two minutes. In the Chime app, tap the menu icon and select Transfers. Tap Transfer Money, then select your linked external account from the list. Enter the amount you want to move and confirm.
Chime will show you the expected arrival date — usually one to three business days from the date you initiate the transfer. The exact timing depends on when your receiving bank processes incoming transfers. Some banks post transfers the same business day; others take the full three days. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
You will receive a confirmation number in the Chime app. Keep this for your records in case you need to contact Chime about the transfer later. The money leaves your Chime account when ready, even though it takes a few days to arrive at your external bank.
What to do if your transfer is delayed or does not arrive
If the money does not show up by the expected date, first check your external bank's app or website to see if it has posted there. Sometimes the transfer arrives but takes longer to display in your account view. If three business days have passed and the money is still not there, contact Chime's customer service through the app by tapping the menu icon and selecting Help.
Chime's support team can trace the transfer using your confirmation number and tell you whether the money left Chime's system. If it did, the delay is on your receiving bank's end, and you may need to contact them. If the transfer never left Chime, Chime can investigate and reissue it. In rare cases, a transfer can fail if your external account information changed or if your receiving bank rejected it for security reasons.
Transfer limits and how they work
Chime does not publish a single fixed transfer limit. Instead, limits depend on how long your account has been open, your account history, and Chime's fraud detection systems. New accounts typically have lower limits — sometimes $500 to $1,000 per transaction — and these limits increase over time as Chime gains confidence in your account.
If you try to transfer more than your current limit allows, the app will reject the transfer and show you the maximum amount available. You can transfer that amount, wait a day or two, and then transfer the remainder. Chime does not charge a fee for these transfers, but your receiving bank might charge a fee for incoming transfers from a non-bank source — check with your bank to see their policy.
Other ways to move money out of Chime
If you prefer not to link your external account, or if you need to move money to an account that is not in your name, you have other options. You can withdraw cash from any ATM that accepts Visa cards (Chime's debit card is a Visa), then deposit that cash into your external bank account. This works for any amount but requires a trip to an ATM and then to your bank or an ATM at your bank.
You can also request a check from Chime. Contact Chime's customer service through the app and ask for a check to be mailed to you. This takes longer — usually five to ten business days — but works if you need to send money to someone else or if you prefer a paper record. Chime does not charge for checks, but the delay makes this option less practical for urgent transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Chime to a savings account at a different bank?
Yes. When you link your external account, Chime does not distinguish between checking and savings accounts. You provide your routing and account number, and Chime sends the money to whichever account you specify. Make sure you enter the correct account number for your savings account, since entering the wrong number will send the money to the wrong place.
Does Chime charge a fee to transfer money out?
Chime does not charge a fee for outgoing transfers. However, your receiving bank may charge a fee for incoming transfers from a non-bank source. Contact your bank to ask about their policy on transfers from fintech companies like Chime. Some banks charge a small fee; others do not.
How long does it take for money to arrive after I transfer it from Chime?
Most transfers take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your receiving bank's processing speed. Some banks post transfers the same business day; others take the full three days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so transfers initiated on Friday may not arrive until Tuesday.
What if I entered the wrong account number when I linked my external account?
If you realize the mistake before you transfer money, you can delete the linked account and add the correct one. In the Chime app, go to Settings, then Transfers, then select the account you want to remove and delete it. Then link the correct account. If you already transferred money to the wrong account, contact Chime's customer service when ready with your confirmation number so they can help trace the transfer.
Can I transfer money from Chime to someone else's bank account?
No. Chime only allows you to transfer money to accounts you have linked, and you can only link accounts in your own name. If you need to send money to someone else, you can withdraw cash and give it to them, or use a separate money transfer service like PayPal or Venmo.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.