You can close a Chime checking account by contacting Chime support through the app, website, or phone—the account closes within a few business days and any remaining balance is returned to you.
Chime does not charge a fee to close your account, and you do not need to visit a branch or mail anything in. The fastest way is through the Chime mobile app: go to Settings, select Account, then find the option to close your account. You can also call Chime customer service at the number on the back of your card, or use the chat feature on Chime's website. Have your account number or the card linked to the account ready when you contact them.
Before you close, make sure any pending transactions have cleared and that you have moved money out or arranged for your remaining balance to be sent to you. If you have direct deposits set up, update your employer or benefits provider with a new account number so payments do not bounce. Chime will send any leftover funds to the address on file, but this can take several business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can close your Chime account through the app, website, or by calling customer service without paying a fee.
- Wait for all pending transactions to clear before closing so you do not lose track of money in transit.
- Update any direct deposits or automatic payments to a different account before closing to avoid missed payments or lost funds.
- Chime will return your remaining balance by mail to your address on file, which takes several business days.
- If you have a Chime debit card, it will stop working once the account is closed.
Steps to close through the Chime app
Open the Chime app and tap the Settings icon, usually found at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and select Account or Account Settings. Look for an option labeled Close Account, Deactivate Account, or similar language. Tap it and follow the prompts, which will ask you to confirm that you want to close and may ask why you are leaving.
Chime may show you a summary of your account balance and any pending transactions before you confirm. Read this carefully to make sure you are not missing any money. Once you confirm, the app will show a message saying your account closure is in progress. You will receive an email confirmation, and the account will be fully closed within one to three business days.
Closing by phone or chat
Call the number on the back of your Chime debit card or visit Chime's website and select the chat option. Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will verify your identity by asking for your name, the last four digits of your card, or other account details. They may ask if there is a reason you are closing or if there is anything they can do to keep your business.
Once verified, the representative will process the closure and give you a confirmation number. Ask them to confirm your mailing address so you know where your remaining balance will be sent. Request an email confirmation as well so you have a record of the closure date and any balance owed to you.
What happens to your remaining balance
If you have money left in your Chime account when you close it, Chime will mail a check to the address on file. This process typically takes five to ten business days after the account closes. You do not need to do anything—Chime will send the check automatically.
If your address on file is outdated or incorrect, the check may be returned to Chime. Before closing, log into your account and verify that your mailing address is current. If you need your balance sooner, ask Chime support if they can transfer it to another bank account you own before closing.
Stopping direct deposits and automatic payments
Before you close your account, contact your employer, benefits provider, or any organization sending you regular deposits and ask them to switch the payment to a different bank account. This includes paychecks, tax refunds, Social Security, unemployment benefits, or any other recurring deposits. Chime will reject deposits sent after the account closes, and the money may be returned to the sender or held in limbo.
Similarly, if you have automatic bill payments, subscriptions, or transfers set up through your Chime account, update those with your new account information or cancel them. Check your recent transactions to find all the places money flows in and out of your Chime account. Missing even one can cause a payment to fail or a deposit to disappear.
What happens to your Chime debit card
Your Chime debit card will stop working as soon as the account closes, usually within one to three business days of your closure request. You do not need to cut it up or return it—it will simply decline at any merchant or ATM. If you want to destroy it for security reasons, you can cut it in half and throw it away.
If you have a Chime card linked to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, those will also stop working once the account closes. Remove the card from those wallets before closing if you want to avoid confusion or declined transactions.
Reopening a closed Chime account
If you close your account and later change your mind, you may be able to reopen it within a certain window, though Chime's policy on this can vary. Contact Chime support as soon as possible if you want to reverse the closure. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of getting the account back online before it is permanently deleted from their system.
If too much time has passed, you will need to open a new Chime account from scratch. This means a new account number, a new debit card, and a new routing number for direct deposits. There is no fee to open a new account, but you will have to go through the setup process again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chime charge a fee to close my account?
No. Chime does not charge any fee to close your checking account. You can close it at any time without penalty, and there is no minimum balance requirement to keep it open.
How long does it take for my account to fully close?
Most accounts close within one to three business days after you request closure. However, if you have pending transactions, Chime may wait for those to clear before finalizing the closure. Your remaining balance will be mailed separately and can take five to ten business days to arrive.
What if I have a negative balance when I close my account?
If your account is overdrawn, you will still owe Chime that amount. Contact them before closing to discuss payment options. Closing the account does not erase the debt, and Chime may pursue collection or report it to credit bureaus.
Can I close my account if I have pending transactions?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Wait for all pending transactions to clear first so you know exactly how much money you have. If you close with pending transactions, those may still process after closure, which can cause confusion about your balance.
Will closing my Chime account affect my credit score?
No. Closing a checking account does not affect your credit score because checking accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. Your credit is only impacted by credit products like credit cards, loans, or lines of credit.