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 have permission to use. 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 the Chime app or website, name the receiving bank and account, and the money arrives within one to three business days—usually by the next business day if you send it before 5 p.m. ET on a weekday.
There is no fee to transfer money out of Chime. The receiving bank may have its own rules about incoming transfers, but Chime itself does not charge you to send the money.
Key Takeaways
- Transfer money from Chime to any U.S. bank account by adding the account in the app, entering the routing and account numbers, and confirming the transfer amount.
- ACH transfers take one to three business days; money sent before 5 p.m. ET on a weekday usually lands the next business day.
- Chime does not charge a fee to transfer money out, but confirm with your receiving bank that it accepts incoming ACH transfers.
- You can set up recurring transfers or send a one-time transfer; both use the same ACH process and timeline.
- If a transfer fails, Chime will notify you and the money returns to your Chime account within one to three business days.
How to add a bank account and send a transfer
Open the Chime app or go to chime.com and sign in. Tap or click the menu icon, then look for "Transfers" or "Move Money." Select "Add Bank Account" or "New Transfer." You will need the routing number and account number of the bank you want to send money to. Both numbers appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can call the receiving bank to ask.
Enter the account holder's name (usually your own name), the routing number, the account number, and the account type (checking or savings). Chime will ask you to confirm the account with two small test deposits—usually $0.01 and $0.02. The receiving bank will show these deposits in one to two business days. Once you see them, return to Chime and enter the amounts to verify the account. After verification, you can transfer money to that account anytime.
To send the transfer, select the account you want to send to, enter the amount, and confirm. The money leaves your Chime account immediately, but it does not reach the other bank until one to three business days later. Chime will send you a notification when the transfer is sent and another when it arrives at the receiving bank.
Timing: when the money actually arrives
ACH transfers are not instant. Chime processes your transfer request right away, but the money travels through the Federal Reserve's ACH network, which batches transfers and processes them on a schedule. If you send a transfer before 5 p.m. ET on a weekday, it usually arrives the next business day. If you send it after 5 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, it enters the queue for the next business day and may take two to three days total.
The receiving bank also controls when the money shows up in the account. Most banks post ACH transfers the same day they receive them, but some hold them for a day. Check with your receiving bank if you need to know their exact timeline.
Do not count on an ACH transfer arriving on the same day, even if Chime processes it quickly. If you need money to reach another account for a bill payment or urgent expense, send it at least two business days early.
What happens if the transfer fails or is rejected
A transfer can fail for a few reasons: the account number or routing number is wrong, the account is closed, the receiving bank rejects ACH transfers for that account type, or there is not enough money in your Chime account. Chime will notify you by push notification, email, or text (depending on your settings) and tell you why the transfer did not go through.
When a transfer fails, the money stays in your Chime account or returns within one to three business days if it was already sent. You can then correct the account information and try again. If the account number is wrong, double-check it against a recent statement or call the receiving bank to confirm before you resend.
Some banks do not accept ACH transfers to certain account types, such as money market accounts or investment accounts. If the receiving bank rejects the transfer, contact that bank to ask which account types can receive ACH deposits, then try transferring to a different account at the same bank.
Recurring transfers and setting up automatic payments
Once you have verified a bank account in Chime, you can set up a recurring transfer to send money on a schedule—weekly, biweekly, monthly, or on a date you choose. This is useful if you want to move a set amount to a savings account at another bank or pay a family member regularly.
To create a recurring transfer, select the account, choose "Recurring" or "Scheduled," enter the amount and frequency, and confirm. Chime will process each transfer on the day you specify, and the money will arrive one to three business days later. You can pause, change the amount, or cancel a recurring transfer anytime from the app.
Limits on how much you can transfer
Chime does not publish a single transfer limit that applies to all accounts. Limits depend on your account type, how long you have had the account, and your account history. New accounts may have lower limits than established ones. If you try to send more than your limit allows, Chime will decline the transfer and tell you the maximum amount you can send.
If you need to transfer a large amount, try sending it in multiple transfers over a few days, or contact Chime support to ask whether your limit can be raised. Some accounts have daily limits, weekly limits, or monthly limits—Chime will show you which applies to your account in the app.
Transferring money to accounts you do not own
You can transfer money to a bank account in someone else's name, but Chime requires you to verify that account first using the same two-deposit method. This protects you and the receiving bank by confirming the account exists and is active.
When you add an account in someone else's name, Chime asks for the account holder's name, routing number, and account number. After the test deposits arrive and you confirm them, the account is verified and you can send money to it. This is common for paying family members, splitting bills, or sending money to a business account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer money from Chime to another bank?
One to three business days. If you send the transfer before 5 p.m. ET on a weekday, it usually arrives the next business day. Transfers sent after 5 p.m. or on weekends enter the queue for the next business day and may take two to three days total.
Is there a fee to transfer money out of Chime?
No. Chime does not charge a fee to transfer money to another bank. The receiving bank may have its own policies, but Chime's side is free.
Can I transfer money from Chime to a credit card?
No. ACH transfers only work between bank accounts (checking and savings). You cannot use Chime's transfer feature to pay a credit card directly. You would need to use the credit card company's payment system or a bill pay service.
What do I do if I enter the wrong account number?
If the transfer has not been sent yet, cancel it and create a new one with the correct account number. If the transfer was already sent and failed, Chime will notify you and the money returns to your account. Verify the correct account number with the receiving bank or a recent statement, then send a new transfer.
Can I cancel a transfer after I send it?
It depends on timing. If you cancel before Chime processes the transfer (usually within minutes), the transfer will not go through. Once Chime has sent it to the ACH network, you cannot cancel it. Contact Chime support immediately if you need to stop a transfer; they may be able to recall it if it has not yet been delivered to the receiving bank.