Close your Chime account online or by phone in minutes
You can close your Chime checking account through the mobile app, on the website, or by calling customer service. The process takes a few minutes and does not require a visit to a branch. Chime will stop processing transactions immediately, though pending charges may still post for a day or two after closure.
Before you close, make sure any automatic payments or direct deposits are redirected to another account. If you have a pending balance—either money in the account or money you owe—Chime will handle it after closure. You do not need to wait for your debit card to expire or be destroyed; closing the account deactivates the card right away.
Key Takeaways
- Close your account through the Chime app, website, or by calling 1-844-244-6361; the process completes immediately.
- Stop or redirect any automatic payments, subscriptions, and direct deposits before closing to avoid failed transactions.
- Pending charges may still post for one to two days after closure because merchants have already submitted them to the payment network.
- If you have a positive balance, Chime will mail a check to your registered address; if you owe money, Chime will collect it from the account before closure.
- Your debit card becomes inactive as soon as the account closes; you do not need to physically destroy it.
Close your account through the Chime app or website
Open the Chime app or log into chime.com on a web browser. Go to Settings (usually a gear icon), then select Account or Account Settings. Look for a Close Account or Deactivate Account option. Chime will ask you to confirm the closure and may ask why you are closing; this feedback is optional.
Once you confirm, the account closes immediately. You will receive an email confirmation with a reference number. Save this email in case you need to reference the closure date later—for example, if a charge posts after the account is closed and you need to dispute it.
Close your account by phone
Call Chime customer service at 1-844-244-6361. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your name, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and possibly your date of birth or a recent transaction. Tell them you want to close your account.
The representative will confirm that you have no pending issues and will close the account on the call. Ask for a confirmation number and note the date and time of the call. You will receive an email confirmation within a few minutes.
What happens to money in your account after closure
If your account has a positive balance when you close it, Chime will mail a check to the address on file. This typically takes five to ten business days to arrive. If you need the money faster, contact Chime before closing and ask whether they can transfer the balance to another bank account you own.
If you owe Chime money—for example, because of overdraft fees or a negative balance—Chime will deduct what you owe from any remaining funds before mailing a check. If the debt exceeds your balance, Chime may attempt to collect the remaining amount from the payment method on file or may refer the debt to a collection agency.
Stop automatic payments and redirect direct deposits
Before closing your account, log in and review your recent transactions for any recurring charges or subscriptions. Contact each company—your insurance provider, streaming service, gym, or utility—and update your payment method to a different bank account or credit card. Do not rely on the account closure to stop these payments; merchants may attempt to charge the closed account, which will fail and may trigger overdraft or returned-payment fees from the merchant.
If you receive direct deposit paychecks or government benefits through Chime, update your employer or benefits administrator with your new bank account information before closing. Direct deposits to a closed account will be rejected and returned to the sender, which can delay your money by several days.
Charges that post after your account closes
Merchants submit charges to the payment network in batches, sometimes hours or days after you swipe your card or make an online purchase. If you close your account on Monday but a merchant submits a charge on Tuesday, that charge may still post to your closed account. Chime typically allows one to two days for pending charges to clear after closure.
If a charge posts to your closed account, contact Chime with the transaction details and the merchant's name. Chime can investigate whether the charge is legitimate. If it is not, Chime can dispute it on your behalf. Keep your closure confirmation email handy so you can prove the account was already closed when the charge posted.
Reopen your Chime account if you change your mind
If you close your account and then change your mind within a short window, contact Chime immediately. Chime may be able to reopen the account if the closure was very recent and no funds have been mailed out. After a certain point—usually a few days—the account cannot be reopened, and you will need to open a new account instead.
If you reopen or open a new account, you will receive a new debit card and routing number. Any automatic payments or direct deposits set up under the old account will not transfer automatically; you will need to update them again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Chime account if I have a negative balance?
Yes. Chime will close the account and collect the debt from any remaining funds or from the payment method on file. If you owe more than your balance, Chime may pursue collection. Contact Chime before closing to ask about a payment plan if the debt is large.
What happens to my debit card after I close my account?
Your debit card becomes inactive immediately when the account closes. You do not need to physically cut it up or return it. If you want to destroy it for security, you can, but it is not required. Any attempt to use the card will be declined.
How long does it take to receive my refund check after closing?
Chime typically mails a check within five to ten business days of account closure. Mail delivery adds another three to seven business days depending on your location. If you need the money faster, ask Chime before closing whether they can transfer the balance to another account you own.
Will closing my Chime account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. Only credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit show up on your credit history.
Can I close my account if I have pending direct deposits or automatic payments?
Yes, but you should not. Close any automatic payments and redirect direct deposits to another account first. If you close with pending transactions, those charges may fail, and you could face fees from merchants or miss important payments like rent or insurance.