Add a bank account through the Chime app or website in three steps
Open the Chime app or log into chime.com, go to Settings, and select "Link Bank Account" or "Add Bank Account." Enter your bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on a check or in your bank's online portal. Chime will then make two small deposits (usually $0.01 and $0.02) to that account within one to two business days. Return to Chime, enter the exact amounts of those deposits, and your bank account is linked.
The whole process takes about five minutes to start, but you cannot move money until Chime verifies the deposits. That verification step protects both you and Chime by confirming you actually own the account you are linking — someone cannot link your account without access to it.
Once verified, you can transfer money between your Chime account and your linked bank account instantly during business hours, or within one business day on weekends and holidays.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or in your bank's online banking portal.
- Chime sends two tiny test deposits to verify you own the account — you must confirm the exact amounts to complete linking.
- Verification takes one to two business days, so plan ahead if you need to move money quickly.
- Once linked, transfers between Chime and your bank account happen instantly during business hours or within one business day otherwise.
- You can link multiple bank accounts to a single Chime account if you need to move money to or from more than one place.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
The easiest source is a blank check from your bank account. The routing number is the nine-digit code on the left side of the bottom line. Your account number is the longer code in the middle. Write both down or take a photo before you start the linking process in Chime.
If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "Account Details," "Account Information," or "Routing Number." Most banks display both numbers in one place. Some banks also print them on statements or debit cards, though the debit card usually shows only the account number.
Do not confuse your account number with your card number — they are different. If you cannot find the routing number online, call your bank's customer service line; they can read it to you in under a minute.
What happens during the verification step
After you enter your routing and account numbers, Chime deposits two amounts — typically $0.01 and $0.02, though the exact cents vary — into your linked bank account. These deposits appear in your bank account within one to two business days. You will see them listed as "Chime" or "Chime Inc." in your transaction history.
Once you see both deposits in your bank account, return to the Chime app, go back to the linking section, and enter the two amounts in the order Chime asks for them. If you enter them correctly, the account is immediately verified and you can start transferring money.
If you enter the amounts wrong, Chime usually lets you try again. If you cannot remember the exact amounts, check your bank account's transaction history — the deposits will be listed there with the precise cent amounts.
Timing for transfers after linking
Once your bank account is verified, transfers out of Chime to your linked bank account are usually instant if you initiate them between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day. Transfers initiated outside those hours or on weekends and holidays typically land within one business day.
Transfers into Chime from your linked bank account follow the same timing — instant during business hours, one business day otherwise. Some banks add an extra day on their end, so if your bank is slow to process outgoing transfers, money may take longer to reach Chime.
If a transfer does not arrive when you expect it, check the Chime app's transaction history first. If it shows "Pending," wait the full one business day. If it shows "Complete" but the money is not in your bank account, contact your bank — the delay is on their end, not Chime's.
Linking multiple bank accounts
You can link more than one bank account to your Chime account. This is useful if you have accounts at different banks, or if you want to split transfers between a checking and savings account. Each account goes through the same verification process with the two test deposits.
In the Chime app, go to Settings, select "Linked Bank Accounts," and choose "Add Another Account." Repeat the routing number, account number, and verification steps. Chime will label each linked account by the bank name and the last four digits of the account number, so you can tell them apart when you transfer money.
You can remove a linked account at any time by going to Settings, selecting the account, and choosing "Remove" or "Unlink." Chime will not reverse any transfers you have already made, so make sure you want to remove it before you do.
What to do if verification fails
If you enter the deposit amounts wrong three times, Chime usually locks you out of that linking attempt. Wait 24 hours, then try again. When you restart, Chime sends two new test deposits to the same account, so check your bank account again for the new amounts.
If the test deposits never show up in your bank account after two business days, the routing or account number you entered is wrong. Double-check both numbers against your check or bank portal, then try linking again with the correct information.
If you linked the account correctly but transfers fail after verification, the problem is usually on your bank's end — some banks block transfers to or from fintech accounts like Chime. Call your bank's customer service and ask if they have restrictions on transfers to Chime. If they do, you may need to use a different bank account or contact Chime support for other options.
Security and what information Chime needs
Chime never asks for your bank password when you link an account. If someone claiming to be from Chime asks for your password, that is a scam — do not give it to them. Chime only needs your routing number and account number, which are not secret information and do not give anyone access to your bank account on their own.
The verification deposits are Chime's way of confirming you own the account. Because Chime can only deposit money into an account you control, the test deposits prove ownership without needing your password or any other sensitive information.
If you link an account and then realize you made a mistake, remove it immediately from Settings. Removing it stops any future transfers but does not undo transfers you have already made. If money was transferred by mistake, contact Chime support right away — they can sometimes reverse recent transfers if you act quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to link a bank account?
The linking itself takes a few minutes, but you cannot use the account until Chime verifies the two test deposits, which takes one to two business days. Plan for up to three business days from start to finish if you are unlucky with timing.
Can I link a savings account instead of checking?
Yes. Chime works with both checking and savings accounts. Enter the routing number and account number for whichever account you want to link, and follow the same verification process.
What if my bank does not show the test deposits?
Wait the full two business days — some banks are slow to post small deposits. If they still do not appear, the routing or account number you entered is likely wrong. Check both numbers against your check or bank portal and try linking again.
Can I transfer money instantly to my linked bank account?
Yes, but only during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays). Transfers outside those hours or on weekends take one business day. Some banks may add an extra day on their end.
What happens if I remove a linked bank account?
Removing it stops future transfers but does not undo transfers you have already made. If you remove an account by mistake, you can link it again and go through verification a second time.