Yes, you can link an external checking account to Chime, but the process and what you can do with it depends on which direction the money flows
Chime lets you connect a bank account you hold elsewhere — at Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or any other bank — to your Chime account. The connection works in both directions: you can move money from your external account into Chime, or from Chime back out to that account. The steps are straightforward, but the rules about timing and daily limits matter depending on whether you're moving money in or out.
You'll need your external account's routing number and account number to start. These appear on the bottom left of any check from that account, or you can log into that bank's website or app and find them in the account details section. Chime will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into it within one to two business days, then ask you to confirm those amounts to prove you own the account.
Key Takeaways
- You can link any U.S. checking or savings account to Chime by providing the routing and account numbers, and Chime will verify ownership with two small test deposits.
- Transfers from your external account into Chime typically take one to three business days using ACH, the standard electronic transfer method.
- Transfers from Chime to an external account also use ACH and take one to three business days, with no daily limit on how much you can send out.
- If you need money faster, Chime's instant transfer feature (available on some accounts) can move funds to linked external accounts within minutes, though a small fee applies.
- Linking an external account does not give Chime access to that account — you control when and how much money moves between them.
How to add an external account in the Chime app
Open the Chime app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Select "Transfer Money" or "Transfers," then choose "Link Bank Account" or "Add Account." You'll be asked whether you want to link a checking or savings account. Enter the routing number and account number from your external bank, then confirm the account holder's name and the bank name.
Chime will then send two small deposits to that account — usually within one business day, but sometimes up to two. Check your external bank's app or website for these deposits (they may appear as "CHIME" or "CHIME TRANSFER" in the transaction description). Once you see them, return to the Chime app, select the account you're verifying, and enter the two amounts. Chime will confirm the link within minutes.
If you don't see the test deposits after two business days, the routing or account number may be incorrect. Delete the account from Chime and try again, double-checking the numbers against a recent check or your bank's website.
Moving money from your external account into Chime
Once the account is linked, you can transfer money from your external bank into Chime. Tap "Transfer Money," select the external account as the source, enter the amount, and confirm. The money will leave your external account within one business day and arrive in your Chime account within one to three business days total. This uses the ACH system, which is the standard electronic transfer method between U.S. banks.
There is no daily limit on how much you can transfer in, but your external bank may have its own limits on outgoing ACH transfers — typically $10,000 to $25,000 per day, though this varies by bank. If you're moving a large amount, check your external bank's transfer limits first or call their customer service line.
Moving money from Chime to your external account
Transfers out of Chime to your linked external account also use ACH and take one to three business days. Tap "Transfer Money," select your external account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. Chime does not set a daily limit on outgoing transfers, so you can move out as much as your Chime balance allows.
If you need the money faster, Chime offers an instant transfer feature on some account types. This moves money to your linked external account within minutes instead of days, but Chime charges a small fee — typically $0.25 to $2.00 per transfer, depending on your account type and the amount. Check your Chime account settings to see whether instant transfers are available to you.
What happens if a transfer fails or takes longer than expected
If a transfer doesn't arrive within three business days, log into both your Chime account and your external bank account to confirm the money left Chime. If it shows as "pending" in Chime, wait another business day — ACH transfers sometimes take longer during weekends or holidays. If it shows as "completed" in Chime but hasn't arrived at your external bank after three business days, contact Chime's support team through the app or website and provide the transfer date and amount.
If the transfer failed and the money returned to your Chime account, Chime will usually notify you in the app. Common reasons for failure include an incorrect account number, a closed account at the external bank, or a mismatch between the account holder's name and the name on the Chime account. Fix the account details and try again, or contact your external bank to confirm the account is active.
Unlinking an external account
You can remove a linked account from Chime at any time. Open the app, go to "Transfer Money" or "Transfers," find the account you want to remove, and select "Delete" or "Remove." The account will be unlinked immediately, and you won't be able to transfer to or from it anymore. Any pending transfers will still complete, but new transfers cannot be initiated.
Unlinking an account from Chime does not close or affect the external account itself — it only removes the connection between the two. Your money at the external bank remains untouched.
Security and what Chime can and cannot do with a linked account
Linking an external account to Chime does not give Chime direct access to that account. You control every transfer — Chime cannot withdraw money without your explicit instruction in the app. The connection uses encryption and the same security standards as any bank-to-bank transfer.
If your Chime account is compromised, an unauthorized person could potentially initiate transfers out of Chime to a linked external account. To protect yourself, enable Chime's security features: set up a strong PIN, turn on biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition), and review your transfer history regularly. If you see an unauthorized transfer, report it to Chime immediately through the app or by calling their support line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to verify a linked account?
Chime sends two test deposits within one business day, usually. Once you see them in your external bank account and enter the amounts into Chime, the link is confirmed within minutes. The entire process typically takes one to two business days.
Can I link a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. Chime accepts both checking and savings accounts. The process is identical — you provide the routing and account number, verify with the test deposits, and transfer money the same way.
What if my external bank doesn't show the test deposits?
Wait up to two business days, as deposits can take time to appear. If they still don't show, the routing or account number may be wrong. Delete the account from Chime and re-enter the numbers carefully, checking against a recent check or your bank's website. If the problem persists, contact your external bank to confirm the account is active and can receive ACH transfers.
Can I link multiple external accounts to one Chime account?
Yes. You can link as many external accounts as you need. Each one will appear separately in the "Transfer Money" section, and you can choose which one to transfer to or from for each transaction.
Is there a fee to link or transfer between accounts?
Linking an account is free. Standard ACH transfers (one to three business days) are also free. Instant transfers, if available on your account, charge a small fee per transfer, typically $0.25 to $2.00.