The fastest way to send money to Chime is through a direct bank transfer using the recipient's routing and account number

You can move money into a Chime account from another bank account using ACH transfer, which is free and takes one to two business days. You provide the Chime account holder's routing number (311981614 for most Chime accounts) and their account number, then initiate the transfer from your own bank's website or app. The money lands in their Chime account automatically once the transfer clears.

If you need the money to arrive faster, you can send it through a peer-to-peer app like Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal, which often deliver funds within minutes to an hour. You can also have your employer or a government agency (like Social Security or tax refunds) deposit directly into a Chime account if you provide them with the routing and account number. Wire transfers are possible but cost money and are rarely necessary for personal transfers.

The method you choose depends on how fast you need the money to move, whether you want to pay a fee, and what information the Chime account holder can give you.

Key Takeaways

  • ACH transfers from another bank account are free and take one to two business days, and require only the Chime account holder's routing number (311981614) and account number.
  • Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal move money in minutes to an hour but require the recipient to have an account with that app.
  • Direct deposit from an employer or government agency is free and automatic once you provide the routing and account number.
  • Wire transfers cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank but arrive the same day or next business day.
  • Chime does not charge fees to receive money through any of these methods.

ACH transfer from your bank account

An ACH transfer is the standard way to move money between bank accounts. You log into your own bank's website or mobile app, select "send money" or "transfer," and choose the option to send to another bank. You then enter the Chime account holder's routing number (311981614) and their account number, the amount, and a description of what the money is for.

The transfer takes one to two business days to complete. Your bank may show it as "pending" for the first day, then it moves to the recipient's Chime account. Chime does not charge a fee to receive an ACH transfer. Your own bank may charge a fee if you are not a customer or if you exceed a certain number of transfers per month, but most banks allow several free transfers.

You need the Chime account holder to give you their account number and confirm the routing number. If they do not know their account number, they can find it on a Chime debit card, in the Chime app under account details, or by contacting Chime support.

Peer-to-peer apps (Venmo, Cash App, PayPal)

If both you and the recipient have accounts with the same peer-to-peer app, you can send money in minutes. The recipient can then transfer the money from the app into their Chime account, or the app can deposit directly to Chime if they link their Chime account to the app.

Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal all allow you to link a bank account or debit card as your funding source. Once you send the money, it appears in the recipient's app account almost instantly. They can then move it to Chime by selecting "transfer to bank" or "cash out," which usually takes one to two business days through ACH, or they can pay a fee (typically $1.50 to $2) for faster transfer.

The advantage is speed and simplicity if you both already use the app. The disadvantage is that both people need an account, and the recipient has an extra step to move the money into Chime. Some people prefer this method for splitting bills or sending money to friends because the transaction shows up in the app's history.

Direct deposit from employer or government agency

If you are setting up direct deposit for a paycheck, tax refund, Social Security payment, or unemployment benefit, you can have the money sent directly to a Chime account. You provide your employer or the government agency with the Chime routing number (311981614) and your account number, and the money deposits automatically on the scheduled date.

Direct deposit is free and reliable. The money arrives on the date the payer sends it, which is usually the same day it is issued. This is the most common way people receive regular payments into Chime accounts because there is no action required once it is set up.

To set up direct deposit, ask your employer's payroll department or the government agency for a form, or log into their website and enter your banking information. You will need to provide the routing number and account number. Chime does not charge for receiving direct deposits.

Wire transfer

A wire transfer moves money the same day or next business day and is more expensive than ACH. You initiate a wire through your bank, providing the recipient's name, Chime routing number (311981614), account number, and the amount. Your bank charges a fee, usually $15 to $50 depending on whether it is domestic or international and which bank you use.

Wire transfers are useful when you need money to arrive urgently and the recipient cannot wait one to two business days for an ACH transfer. However, they are not reversible once sent, so make sure the account number is correct before you initiate. Chime does not charge a fee to receive a wire transfer.

To send a wire, contact your bank directly or use their online banking portal. You will need the Chime account holder's full name, routing number, account number, and the amount. Some banks require you to visit a branch in person for larger wire amounts.

What information you need from the Chime account holder

To send money to Chime through ACH, direct deposit, or wire transfer, you need the account holder's routing number and account number. The routing number for Chime is 311981614 for most accounts. The account number is unique to each person and is eight digits long.

The Chime account holder can find their account number by opening the Chime app, going to account details or settings, and looking for "account number." They can also check a Chime debit card, which has the account number printed on it. If they cannot find it, they can contact Chime support through the app or website.

For peer-to-peer apps, you do not need routing or account numbers—you just need the recipient's username or phone number associated with their account on that app.

When money does not arrive or arrives late

ACH transfers usually take one to two business days. If it has been longer than two business days and the money has not arrived, contact your bank first to confirm the transfer was sent. Your bank can tell you the status and whether there was an error with the account number or routing number.

If your bank confirms the transfer was sent correctly, contact Chime support through the app or website. Provide them with the transfer date, amount, and the sending bank's name. Chime can investigate whether the money arrived and was rejected, or whether it is still in process.

If the account number was wrong, the money may be sent back to your bank, which can take several days. Your bank will credit it back to your account once it is received. If the routing number was wrong, the transfer may fail and be returned automatically.

Wire transfers should arrive the same day or next business day. If a wire does not arrive within one business day, contact your bank immediately with the wire confirmation number. Your bank can trace the wire and determine whether it was sent to the correct routing and account number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money to Chime from a credit card?

No, you cannot send money directly from a credit card to a Chime account. You can use a credit card to fund a peer-to-peer app like Venmo or PayPal, then send the money from that app to Chime. However, most peer-to-peer apps charge a fee (usually 3%) when you fund them with a credit card.

What is the Chime routing number?

The routing number for Chime is 311981614. This is the same for all Chime accounts. Each account holder has a unique account number, which is different from the routing number.

How long does it take to send money to Chime?

ACH transfers take one to two business days. Peer-to-peer apps deliver money in minutes to an hour. Direct deposit arrives on the scheduled date. Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day. Weekends and holidays may delay ACH and wire transfers.

Does Chime charge a fee to receive money?

No, Chime does not charge any fee to receive money through ACH transfer, direct deposit, wire transfer, or peer-to-peer apps. Your sending bank or the peer-to-peer app may charge a fee, but Chime does not.

What if I send money to the wrong Chime account?

If you used the wrong account number, the transfer may be rejected and returned to your bank within a few business days. If the account number was valid but belonged to someone else, the money may be delivered to that account, and you would need to contact that person to request a refund. Always confirm the account number with the recipient before sending.