Yes, you can transfer money from Chime to another bank account in one to three business days
Chime lets you move money out to any U.S. bank account you own or control. The transfer goes through the ACH network, which is the same system banks use for direct deposit and bill payments. You initiate the transfer from your Chime app or online dashboard, name the receiving bank and account, and the money arrives within one to three business days—usually by the next business day if you transfer before 5 p.m. ET on a weekday.
The process is free. Chime does not charge a fee to send money out, and most receiving banks do not charge to receive an ACH transfer either. You can transfer as much as you want in a single transaction, though Chime may flag unusually large transfers for review.
Key Takeaways
- ACH transfers from Chime to another bank account take one to three business days and cost nothing.
- You need the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at that bank to set up the transfer.
- Transfers initiated before 5 p.m. ET on a weekday usually land by the next business day.
- If a transfer fails or takes longer than expected, check that the account number and routing number are correct, and contact Chime support with your transfer confirmation number.
How to set up an ACH transfer from Chime
Open your Chime app or log into chime.com on a computer. Look for the "Transfer Money" or "Send Money" option—the exact wording varies depending on which version of the app you have. Select "Transfer to Bank Account" or "External Transfer."
Enter the name of the bank you are sending money to, then provide your account number and the bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. You can find it on a check, by calling your bank, or by searching "[Bank Name] routing number" online. Double-check both numbers before you confirm, because a mistake will send the money to the wrong account.
Enter the amount you want to transfer and review the details one more time. Chime will show you an estimated arrival date. Confirm the transfer, and Chime will send it to the ACH network. You will receive a confirmation number—save this in case you need to contact Chime about the transfer later.
Why your transfer might be delayed or rejected
A transfer can fail or take longer than expected for several reasons. The most common is a typo in the account number or routing number. If the receiving bank cannot match the account number to the routing number, the transfer bounces back to Chime, which then returns it to your Chime account—this usually takes five to ten business days.
Transfers also pause if Chime's fraud detection system flags the transaction. This happens more often if you are sending money to a new bank for the first time, sending a much larger amount than usual, or transferring at an unusual time. Chime may ask you to verify the transfer through the app or by email. Respond quickly, because the transfer will not go through until you confirm.
Weekends and federal holidays add time. A transfer initiated on Friday evening will not leave Chime until Monday, and will not arrive at the receiving bank until Tuesday or Wednesday. If your receiving bank is small or regional, it may take an extra day to process the incoming ACH.
Alternatives if you need money faster
ACH transfers are free but slow. If you need money in your other account within hours, use a debit card withdrawal at an ATM that your receiving bank owns or partners with. Chime is part of the MoneyPass and Allpoint networks, so you can withdraw cash for free at thousands of ATMs nationwide. You can then deposit the cash at your other bank, though that requires a trip to a branch or an ATM that accepts deposits.
Some banks offer faster transfers through services like Zelle or FedNow, but Chime does not currently support these. Your only option for a bank-to-bank transfer remains ACH, which means one to three business days.
What happens if money goes to the wrong account
If you sent money to an incorrect account number, contact Chime support immediately with your transfer confirmation number. Chime can see where the money went and may be able to recall it, but only if the receiving bank has not already released it to the account holder. The sooner you report the error, the better your chances of recovery.
If the receiving bank has already released the funds, you will need to contact that bank and ask them to reverse the transfer. This requires the account holder's cooperation, and banks are not required to reverse a transfer that was sent to a valid account number, even if it was sent by mistake. Prevention is much easier than recovery, so always verify the account and routing numbers before you confirm.
Transferring money from another bank into Chime
The process works in reverse if you want to move money into Chime from another bank. Log into your other bank's website or app, select "Send Money" or "Pay Someone," and choose ACH transfer. Enter Chime's routing number (varies by Chime account type—check the app or call support) and your Chime account number. The money will arrive in one to three business days, usually by the next business day.
You can also set up direct deposit from your employer or a government benefit into Chime. This is faster and more reliable than ACH transfers because employers and government agencies send deposits on a fixed schedule. Ask your employer or benefit administrator for Chime's routing number and your account number, and they will handle the setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Chime to bank transfer actually take?
One to three business days is the standard window. Most transfers arrive by the next business day if you initiate them before 5 p.m. ET on a weekday. Transfers sent on Friday evening or over a weekend will not leave Chime until Monday and will not arrive until Tuesday or later.
What if I enter the wrong routing number?
The transfer will likely fail or bounce back to your Chime account within five to ten business days. If it somehow reaches a valid account at a different bank, you will need to contact that bank and ask for a reversal—they are not required to grant one. Always verify both the routing number and account number before confirming.
Does Chime charge a fee to transfer money out?
No. Chime does not charge to send ACH transfers to other banks. Your receiving bank may charge a fee to receive an ACH transfer, but most do not. Check with your bank if you are unsure.
Can I transfer money from Chime to a savings account at a different bank?
Yes. The transfer process is the same whether the receiving account is a checking account, savings account, or money market account. You just need the account number and routing number for that account.
What is the maximum amount I can transfer from Chime?
Chime does not publish a specific limit, but you can transfer large amounts. If you try to send an unusually large sum or make multiple large transfers in a short time, Chime may flag the transaction for review and ask you to verify it. This can delay the transfer by a few hours to a day.