How to remove a linked bank account from Chime
To unlink a bank account from Chime, open the Chime mobile app, go to Settings, select Linked Accounts, find the bank account you want to remove, and tap Delete or Remove. Confirm the action when prompted. The process takes less than a minute and takes effect immediately—you will no longer be able to transfer money to or from that account through Chime.
If you are using the Chime website instead of the app, the steps are similar: log in, navigate to Settings, find Linked Accounts, and select the account to delete. The web version may label the button Unlink instead of Delete, but the result is the same.
Unlinking does not close your Chime account or affect any money already in your Chime checking or savings account. It only breaks the connection between Chime and that specific external bank account. If you linked the account for direct deposit or to move money between accounts, you will need to set up a different linked account or use another method to transfer funds.
Key Takeaways
- Open Chime, go to Settings, select Linked Accounts, and tap Delete next to the account you want to remove.
- Unlinking a bank account takes effect immediately and stops all transfers to and from that account.
- Removing a linked account does not close your Chime account or delete money inside it.
- If you used that account for direct deposit, you will need to add a new linked account or change your direct deposit instructions with your employer.
- You can link a different bank account at any time by going back to Linked Accounts and selecting Add Account.
Why you might unlink a bank account
People unlink bank accounts from Chime for several reasons. You may have closed the external bank account and no longer need the connection. You might be switching to a different bank and want to remove the old account from your Chime profile. Some users unlink accounts for security reasons—if you suspect fraud or want to reduce the number of places your banking information is stored, removing unused linked accounts is a straightforward step.
Another common reason is to clean up your Chime settings after changing your direct deposit destination. If your employer now deposits your paycheck into a different account, you can unlink the old one to avoid confusion or accidental transfers.
What happens to pending transfers when you unlink
If you unlink a bank account while a transfer is in progress, the outcome depends on the transfer's status. Transfers that have already been sent and are processing will usually complete even after you unlink the account. Transfers that are scheduled for a future date may fail or be cancelled, depending on whether Chime processes them before the unlink takes effect.
To avoid problems, check your Activity or Transfers section in Chime before unlinking to see if any transfers involving that account are pending. If you see a scheduled transfer you want to keep, either wait for it to complete or cancel it and reschedule it to a different linked account.
Relinking the same bank account later
If you unlink a bank account and later decide you want to use it again, you can relink it. Go to Settings, select Linked Accounts, and tap Add Account. You will need to enter the bank's routing number and your account number again, and Chime will verify the account with two small test deposits (usually $0.01 each) that appear in your external bank account within one to two business days.
The verification process is the same as when you first linked the account, so plan for a few days of waiting before you can transfer money again. If you want to avoid this delay, consider keeping the account linked even if you are not using it actively, as long as you are comfortable with the security implications.
Unlinking does not affect direct deposit
Unlinking a bank account from Chime does not automatically change where your paycheck goes. If you set up direct deposit to that account through your employer, the deposit instructions remain in place at your employer's end, not in Chime. Your next paycheck will still go to that account unless you update your direct deposit information with your employer or payroll department.
If you unlinked the account because you closed that bank, contact your employer's HR or payroll team and provide your new bank details. They will update your direct deposit instructions so future paychecks go to your new account. This is a separate process from unlinking in Chime and must be done through your employer.
Security considerations when unlinking accounts
Unlinking a bank account is a safe way to reduce your exposure if you are concerned about fraud or data breaches. The fewer places your bank account number is stored, the fewer potential entry points for unauthorized access. If you suspect fraud on a linked account, unlink it immediately and contact your bank to report the issue.
Keep in mind that unlinking removes the connection in Chime but does not change anything on your external bank's end. If someone has already gained access to your bank account information, unlinking from Chime will not stop them from using that information elsewhere. If you believe your account has been compromised, contact your bank directly to freeze the account, change your password, and monitor for unauthorized transactions.
Troubleshooting if you cannot unlink an account
If the Delete or Remove button is not appearing, or if you get an error message when trying to unlink, try these steps: first, make sure you are using the latest version of the Chime app by checking your device's app store for updates. Second, log out of Chime completely and log back in. Third, if the account has a pending transfer, wait for it to complete before attempting to unlink.
If the problem persists, contact Chime support through the app by tapping Help or Support in Settings. You can also message Chime through their in-app chat or call their customer service line. Provide them with the name of the bank account you are trying to unlink and describe the error you are seeing. Support can usually resolve the issue within a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does unlinking a bank account close it?
No. Unlinking only removes the connection between Chime and that bank account. The account itself remains open at your bank unless you close it separately through your bank's website or by contacting them directly.
Can I unlink an account if I have money scheduled to transfer to it?
You can unlink the account, but transfers already in progress may fail. Check your pending transfers first and either wait for them to complete or cancel them before unlinking to avoid losing track of the money.
Will my employer know if I unlink my direct deposit account?
No. Your employer's payroll system does not communicate with Chime. Unlinking from Chime does not change your direct deposit instructions at work. Your paycheck will continue going to the account your employer has on file until you update it with them directly.
How long does it take to unlink an account?
Unlinking is instant. Once you confirm the deletion in the app, the account is removed from Chime immediately and you cannot transfer money to or from it anymore.
Can I unlink an account and then relink it the same day?
Yes, but you will need to go through the verification process again, which involves Chime sending two small test deposits to the account. This usually takes one to two business days, so you will not be able to transfer money until the verification is complete.