Yes, you can transfer money from Chime to another bank account
Chime lets you move money out to an external bank account through a few different methods. The most common is an ACH transfer, which moves funds directly from your Chime account to a checking or savings account at another bank. This is free and takes one to three business days. You can also use a debit card withdrawal at an ATM if you need cash immediately, or request a check from Chime, though that takes longer and is less common for regular transfers.
The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the money and whether you want it to land in another account or as cash. ACH transfers are the standard route for moving money between accounts. Debit card withdrawals work if you need immediate access to cash. Checks are rarely the fastest option but exist if you need a paper record.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from Chime to another bank account are free and take one to three business days to complete.
- You will need the routing number and account number of the receiving bank to set up an ACH transfer.
- Chime does not charge fees for outgoing transfers, but your receiving bank may have its own policies.
- You can withdraw cash at any ATM using your Chime debit card if you need money immediately instead of transferring to another account.
How to set up an ACH transfer from Chime
Open the Chime mobile app or log into your online account. Navigate to the transfer or money movement section—this is usually labeled "Transfer Money" or "Send Money." Select the option to transfer to an external account. If this is your first time transferring to that bank, you will need to add it as a recipient.
Enter the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. Double-check both numbers before confirming, because a mistake will send the money to the wrong place or cause the transfer to fail. Enter the amount you want to transfer and confirm. Chime will show you the expected delivery date, which is typically one to three business days depending on when you initiate the transfer and your receiving bank's processing speed.
Once you confirm, the transfer is submitted. You will see it listed as pending in your Chime account. The receiving bank will show the deposit once it arrives on their end. If the transfer fails—usually because of an incorrect account or routing number—Chime will return the funds to your Chime account and notify you of the problem.
Finding your receiving bank's routing and account numbers
Your account number appears on checks from your receiving bank, or you can log into that bank's website or app to find it. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank's location. You can find it on a check (it is the first nine digits at the bottom left), or search for it on your bank's website by typing "[Bank Name] routing number" into a search engine.
Some banks display both numbers in their mobile app under account details or settings. If you cannot find either number, call your bank's customer service line—they can confirm both numbers over the phone to make sure you have them right before you initiate the transfer.
Timing and what to expect during the transfer
ACH transfers typically take one to three business days. This means weekends and federal holidays do not count toward the timeline. If you initiate a transfer on a Friday evening, it may not begin processing until Monday, and the receiving bank may not show the deposit until Wednesday or Thursday.
During the transfer, the money leaves your Chime account immediately and shows as pending. Your receiving bank will show it as pending on their end as well until the transfer fully clears. Once it clears, it becomes available in your account at the receiving bank. You can check the status in your Chime app at any time—it will show whether the transfer is pending, completed, or failed.
What happens if a transfer fails or goes to the wrong account
If you enter an incorrect routing or account number, the transfer may be rejected by the receiving bank or sent to the wrong account. If it is rejected, Chime will return the funds to your Chime account within a few business days and send you a notification. If the money goes to the wrong account at the correct bank, you will need to contact that bank to request a reversal, and they will work with Chime to recover the funds.
To avoid this, verify both numbers carefully before confirming the transfer. If you are unsure, contact your receiving bank first to confirm the correct routing and account numbers. Once you have successfully transferred to a bank once, you can save it as a recipient in Chime, so you do not have to re-enter the numbers each time.
Fees and limits on Chime transfers
Chime does not charge a fee for ACH transfers to external bank accounts. However, your receiving bank may have its own policies—some banks charge a fee for incoming transfers, though this is uncommon. Check with your receiving bank if you are concerned about fees on their end.
Chime does not publicly state a maximum transfer amount per transaction, but most banks have daily or monthly limits on ACH transfers for security reasons. If you are transferring a large amount, contact Chime support to confirm whether there are limits that apply to your account. You can also split a large transfer into multiple transactions if needed.
Alternatives to ACH transfers
If you need cash immediately instead of a bank-to-bank transfer, use your Chime debit card to withdraw money at any ATM. Chime offers fee-free withdrawals at a large network of ATMs, so you can get cash without paying a surcharge. This is instant, unlike ACH transfers.
You can also request a check from Chime, though this is slower and less common. Checks typically take five to seven business days to arrive by mail, and the receiving bank will need another few days to process it. This method is rarely the fastest option but exists if you need a paper record of the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Chime to a savings account at another bank?
Yes. ACH transfers work to both checking and savings accounts. You will need the routing number and account number for the savings account, just as you would for a checking account. The transfer process is identical.
How long does it take for money to show up after I transfer it?
One to three business days is typical. The exact timing depends on when you initiate the transfer and how quickly your receiving bank processes incoming ACH transfers. Transfers initiated on weekends or holidays may take longer because processing does not happen on those days.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
If the receiving bank rejects the transfer because the account does not exist, Chime will return the money to your Chime account within a few business days. If the money goes to a different account at the correct bank, you will need to contact that bank to request a reversal. Always double-check both numbers before confirming.
Can I set up automatic recurring transfers from Chime to another bank?
Chime does not offer automatic recurring ACH transfers through its app. You can set up a one-time transfer each time you need to move money, or contact Chime support to ask about other options for your specific situation.
Is there a limit to how much I can transfer at once?
Chime does not publicly state a per-transaction maximum, but most banks have daily or monthly limits on ACH transfers for security. Contact Chime support if you are transferring a large amount to confirm whether limits apply to your account.