Chime is not a bank—it's a financial technology company that partners with banks to hold your money

Chime itself does not hold deposits. Your money sits at one of two banks: Stride Bank, N.A. or Bancorp Bank, depending on which Chime account type you have. Chime is the interface you use—the app, the debit card, the customer service—but the actual bank behind the scenes is either Stride or Bancorp. Both are FDIC-insured, which means your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per account category.

This matters because it determines which bank's routing number you use for direct deposits and bill payments, and which bank handles disputes if something goes wrong. Most Chime users never need to know this detail, but when you're setting up payroll or troubleshooting a transaction, you'll need to know which bank is actually processing your money.

Key Takeaways

  • Stride Bank holds deposits for most Chime checking and savings accounts; Bancorp Bank holds deposits for some Chime account types.
  • Both Stride and Bancorp are FDIC-insured, so your money is protected up to $250,000 per account category regardless of which bank holds it.
  • Your Chime app shows you a routing number and account number tied to whichever bank holds your account—use those numbers for direct deposit and bill pay.
  • If a transaction dispute or fraud claim arises, the underlying bank (Stride or Bancorp) is the entity that investigates and resolves it, though Chime handles the initial report.

How to find out which bank holds your specific account

Open your Chime app and go to your account settings. Look for the section labeled "Account Details" or "Routing and Account Number." The routing number itself will tell you which bank holds your account: Stride Bank's routing number is 307070001, and Bancorp Bank's is 031101169. You can also call Chime customer service at 1-844-244-6363 and ask directly—they will tell you immediately.

Your account statement, if you download it, will also show the bank name at the top. Some users find it listed on their debit card paperwork or in the welcome email Chime sent when the account opened.

Why Chime uses multiple banks instead of one

Chime partners with different banks to spread accounts across institutions and manage regulatory requirements. Stride Bank and Bancorp Bank both specialize in holding deposits for fintech companies like Chime, Square Cash, and others. This arrangement lets Chime focus on the user experience—the app, the card, customer support—while the banks handle the actual deposit-taking and compliance work.

From your perspective, this makes almost no difference. You interact with Chime, not the bank. But it does mean Chime can scale without becoming a bank itself, which would require a federal charter and much stricter regulation.

What happens if Stride Bank or Bancorp Bank fails

Your money is protected by FDIC insurance. If either bank fails, the FDIC steps in and ensures you can access your deposits up to $250,000 per account category (checking, savings, money market, and so on are separate categories). You would not lose money, though there might be a brief delay while the FDIC processes the transition.

This protection applies regardless of whether you bank directly with Stride or Bancorp, or through Chime. The FDIC does not care which company's app you use—it insures the deposits themselves.

Using the correct routing number for direct deposit and transfers

When you set up direct deposit from your employer or transfer money from another bank, you need the routing number for whichever bank holds your Chime account. If you use the wrong routing number, the transfer may fail or go to the wrong account. Chime's app displays your correct routing number in the account details section, so copy it from there rather than guessing.

For ACH transfers (the standard way to move money between banks), you will also need your full account number, which Chime displays alongside the routing number. Together, these two pieces of information tell the sending bank exactly where to send your money.

How disputes and fraud claims work when a bank holds your account

If you report unauthorized charges or a missing transfer, Chime files the dispute on your behalf with the underlying bank (Stride or Bancorp). The bank investigates and decides whether to reverse the charge or return the money. Chime handles the initial report and keeps you updated, but the bank is the entity that actually makes the decision and processes the refund.

This process typically takes 10 business days for debit card disputes and up to 30 days for ACH transfers, depending on the type of transaction and the reason for the dispute. The bank's decision is final—Chime cannot override it, though they can escalate if you believe the bank made an error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move my Chime account to a different bank?

No. Your Chime account is tied to either Stride or Bancorp, and you cannot change which bank holds it. If you want to bank with a different institution, you would need to open a new account elsewhere and transfer your money out of Chime. You can keep your Chime account open while using another bank.

Does it matter which bank holds my Chime account?

Not in any practical way. Both Stride and Bancorp are FDIC-insured, both process transactions the same way, and both work with Chime's app and debit card. The only time it matters is when you need a routing number or when you are troubleshooting a specific transaction.

Is Chime FDIC-insured?

Chime itself is not a bank, so it is not FDIC-insured. But your deposits are held at Stride Bank or Bancorp Bank, both of which are FDIC-insured. Your money is protected up to $250,000 per account category at whichever bank holds your account.

What if I have both a Chime checking and savings account?

Both accounts are held at the same bank (either Stride or Bancorp). FDIC insurance treats checking and savings as separate categories, so you are covered up to $250,000 in checking and another $250,000 in savings, for a total of $500,000 in protection.

Can I contact Stride Bank or Bancorp Bank directly?

You can, but Chime is your primary contact. For most issues—disputes, fraud, account questions—go through Chime first. If Chime cannot resolve something, they will escalate it to the bank. Contacting the bank directly may slow things down because they will refer you back to Chime anyway.