You can close your Chime account online through the app or by calling customer service, but you must settle any pending transactions and move your money first

Chime does not charge a fee to close your checking account. You can start the process through the Chime mobile app by going to Settings, selecting Account, and choosing Close Account. You can also call Chime customer service at 1-844-244-6363 to close over the phone. Either way, the account closes within a few business days once all pending transactions clear and your balance reaches zero.

Before you close, move any remaining money to another bank account or request a check. Any direct deposits scheduled to hit your Chime account after closure will bounce back to the sender. If you have pending transactions—debit card charges, ACH transfers, or automatic bill payments—those will still process against your account even after you request closure, so wait until they clear or cancel them first.

Key Takeaways

  • Close your account through the Chime app (Settings > Account > Close Account) or by calling 1-844-244-6363; there is no fee.
  • Your account balance must be zero before closure, so transfer or withdraw all remaining money first.
  • Cancel any recurring bill payments or automatic transfers linked to the account before you close it.
  • Pending transactions will still post to your account after you request closure, so allow time for them to clear.
  • Once closed, direct deposits and incoming transfers will fail, so notify employers or senders of your new account details.

What happens to pending transactions when you close

Transactions that have already been authorized but not yet posted will still complete after you request account closure. A debit card purchase you made yesterday, an ACH transfer you initiated, or a bill payment scheduled for next week will all go through. Chime will not reject them just because you asked to close the account.

This is why you should wait for all pending activity to clear before requesting closure. Check your recent transactions in the app and look for anything marked "pending" or "processing." If you see charges that have not posted yet, wait a few days. If you have recurring bill payments set up, log into those billers' websites and cancel the payments before you close Chime, or your account may go negative and trigger overdraft fees.

Moving your money out before closure

You can transfer money from Chime to another bank account using the app. Go to Money, select Transfer, and choose the external account you want to send to. If you have not already linked another account, you can add one during the transfer process. Chime transfers typically arrive within one to three business days, depending on the receiving bank.

If you want cash immediately, use a Chime debit card at any ATM or retailer to withdraw or spend down your balance. You can also request a check by calling customer service, though this takes longer. Do not close your account until your Chime balance is zero, because any remaining funds may be harder to recover once the account is closed.

Canceling direct deposits and automatic payments

Any employer, government agency, or service that sends money to your Chime account will need your new banking details. Contact your employer's payroll department or the benefits office handling your payments and provide them with your new account number and routing number. This prevents paychecks, tax refunds, or benefit payments from bouncing back to the sender.

For automatic bill payments you set up through Chime, log into each biller's website and remove Chime as your payment method. Do not rely on the account closure to stop these payments—some billers will attempt to charge the account even after it closes, and you could end up with failed payment notices or late fees. If you set up payments through Chime's bill pay feature, cancel those through the app before you close.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forgot your password or cannot log into the app, call Chime customer service at 1-844-244-6363. They can verify your identity and help you regain access or close the account over the phone. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the phone number associated with your account ready.

If your account has been frozen or locked due to fraud or suspicious activity, Chime customer service can explain why and walk you through the closure process. You may need to provide additional information to unlock the account before you can close it, or the representative may be able to close it directly without requiring you to log in.

After your account closes

Once Chime confirms the closure, you will no longer be able to use your debit card or access the account through the app. Any outstanding checks you wrote against the account will bounce. If you have automatic payments set up with merchants who still have your Chime card number on file, those charges will fail.

Keep your account number and routing number for your records in case you need to dispute a transaction or provide proof of closure to a creditor or employer. Chime keeps records of closed accounts, so you can contact them later if questions arise about transactions that posted before closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chime charge a fee to close my account?

No. Chime does not charge any fee to close a checking account. You can close at any time without penalty.

What happens to my debit card after I close the account?

Your card will stop working immediately once the account closes. Destroy it or cut it up. Any merchants who have your card number on file for recurring charges will see those transactions fail.

Can I reopen a closed Chime account?

You can open a new Chime account at any time, but you cannot reopen the same closed account. You will receive a new account number and routing number.

What if I close my account but still have pending transactions?

Pending transactions will still post to your account after closure if your balance is sufficient. If your balance is zero, transactions will be declined. This is why you should wait for all pending activity to clear before closing.

How long does it take for my account to fully close?

Chime typically closes accounts within a few business days of your request, once all pending transactions have cleared and your balance is zero. You will receive confirmation through the app or email.