Closing your Chime account in three steps
To close your Chime account, contact Chime support through the mobile app, call their customer service line, or use their online chat. Chime will freeze your account immediately and process the closure within a few business days. You do not need to visit a branch or mail anything in — the entire process happens remotely.
Before you close, make sure your account balance is zero or transfer any remaining funds to another bank account. Chime will not close an account with a negative balance, and any pending transactions may still post after closure. If you have direct deposits scheduled, update your employer or benefit provider with a new bank account number to avoid payment delays.
Chime does not charge a fee to close your account, and you can reopen one later if you change your mind. However, if you have an outstanding balance or unresolved disputes, Chime may hold your account open until those are settled.
Key Takeaways
- Contact Chime support through the app, phone, or chat to request closure — there is no form to mail or fee to pay.
- Your account balance must be zero before Chime will close it; transfer or withdraw any remaining money first.
- Update your employer, government benefits, or other sources of direct deposit with a new bank account number before closure to prevent missed payments.
- Chime freezes your account immediately but takes a few business days to fully process the closure.
- If you have pending transactions, they may still post after your account closes, so check your balance regularly for a week after closure.
What happens to pending transactions after closure
Transactions that have already been authorized but not yet posted to your account can still clear after Chime closes it. This is especially common with subscription services, utilities, or recurring charges that post on a delay. Chime will attempt to process these transactions against your closed account, which may result in overdraft fees or declined payments.
Before you close, review your recent transactions and cancel any subscriptions or recurring charges you no longer use. Check your account for seven to ten days after closure to see if any unexpected charges appear. If a transaction posts to a closed account and you are charged a fee, contact Chime support with the transaction details and they may reverse it.
How to transfer money out of your Chime account
If your Chime account holds money, you have three ways to move it: transfer to another bank account, withdraw cash at an ATM, or request a check. The fastest method is an internal transfer to another bank account you own, which usually completes within one business day.
To transfer to another bank, open the Chime app, go to Settings, select Transfer Money, and choose the bank account you want to send funds to. You will need the routing number and account number of the receiving bank. Chime also lets you withdraw cash at any MoneyLion ATM or any ATM in the Allpoint network, which has over 55,000 locations nationwide. If you prefer a paper check, call Chime support and request one — this takes longer but works if you do not have another bank account set up yet.
Updating direct deposit before you close
If your paycheck, tax refund, or government benefits go directly into your Chime account, you must change the deposit information before closure. Chime will not forward deposits to a new account, and payments sent to a closed account may be returned to the sender or held in limbo.
Contact your employer's payroll department or the government agency sending the payment and provide your new bank account number and routing number. For federal benefits like Social Security or unemployment, log into your account on the agency's website and update your banking information there. For tax refunds, you can change your direct deposit information on the IRS website or through your tax software before you file. Allow at least one pay cycle for the change to take effect before you close your Chime account.
Reopening a Chime account after closure
If you close your account and later decide you want to use Chime again, you can open a new account. Chime treats a reopened account as a new account, so you will get a new account number and routing number. There is no waiting period or penalty for reopening.
However, if your account was closed due to fraud, violation of Chime's terms of service, or repeated overdraft fees, Chime may decline to reopen it. If you were flagged for suspicious activity, you may need to provide additional documentation or wait a certain period before reapplying. Contact Chime support to ask whether you are able to open a new account.
What to do if Chime will not close your account
Chime may refuse to close your account if you have a negative balance, unresolved disputes, or pending fraud investigations. If your account is overdrawn, you must pay the negative balance first. Chime will not close an account with money owed to them.
If there is a dispute on your account — for example, a chargeback or fraud claim — Chime will keep the account open until the dispute is resolved. This can take 30 to 90 days depending on the complexity. During this time, your account will be frozen and you cannot use your card, but you can still contact support to check the status of the dispute.
If Chime denies your closure request and you believe it is in error, ask to speak with a supervisor or request a written explanation of why the account cannot be closed. Document all communication with Chime in case you need to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Chime account if I have a negative balance?
No. You must pay off any negative balance before Chime will close your account. Transfer money from another bank account to cover the overdraft, then request closure. If you do not pay the balance, Chime may pursue collection or report it to a credit bureau.
How long does it take Chime to close my account after I request it?
Chime freezes your account immediately so you cannot make new transactions, but the full closure takes a few business days to process. During this time, pending transactions may still post. Check your account for up to a week after the closure date to confirm no unexpected charges appear.
Will closing my Chime account hurt my credit score?
No. Closing a bank account does not affect your credit score because bank accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit is only affected by credit products like credit cards, loans, and lines of credit.
What if I close my account but a direct deposit still comes in?
The deposit will be returned to the sender, usually within five to ten business days. The sender — your employer or a government agency — will then need to reissue the payment to your new bank account. This is why updating your direct deposit information before closure is critical.
Can I close my Chime account over the phone?
Yes. Call Chime customer service at the number on the back of your card or in the app. Have your account number and ID ready. You can also close through the app or online chat if you prefer not to call.