Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank—your money is held by partner banks

Chime itself does not hold your deposits. Instead, Chime is a fintech company that partners with two banks to store your money: The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank. When you open a Chime account, your funds are deposited at one of these two banks, depending on which Chime product you use and when you opened your account.

This matters because your money is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank. Since Chime uses two separate banks, you can hold up to $500,000 in FDIC protection across both accounts if you maintain balances at each institution.

Chime handles the user interface—the app, customer service, and the debit card—while the partner banks manage the actual deposit accounts and process transactions. You will never interact directly with The Bancorp or Stride; all your communication goes through Chime.

Key Takeaways

  • Chime deposits are held at either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, depending on your account type and when you opened it.
  • Your money is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 at each bank, for a total of $500,000 protection across both.
  • You manage your account entirely through Chime's app and customer service; you do not deal with the partner banks directly.
  • The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank are real, FDIC-insured banks regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Which bank holds your Chime account depends on your product type

Chime offers different account products, and the partner bank varies by product. Most Chime checking accounts opened in recent years are held at Stride Bank, a Kansas-based bank. Older accounts or certain Chime savings products may be held at The Bancorp Bank, which is based in Delaware.

You can find out which bank holds your specific account by opening the Chime app, going to your account settings, and looking for bank details or account information. The routing number and account number shown in your app will correspond to either The Bancorp or Stride. You can also contact Chime customer service and ask directly—they will tell you which partner bank your account uses.

The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank are real, regulated banks

Both partner banks are legitimate, FDIC-insured institutions regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The Bancorp Bank has been operating since 1986 and serves multiple fintech companies. Stride Bank, established in 2000, also partners with several financial technology platforms.

Because both banks are FDIC-insured, your deposits are protected even if Chime or the partner bank fails. The FDIC may provide is separate from Chime's business—it is a federal protection that applies to any FDIC-insured bank account. This means your money is not at risk if Chime goes out of business; the FDIC would protect your balance up to the insurance limit.

How transactions move through the banking system

When you use your Chime debit card or transfer money, the transaction flows through the partner bank's payment processing system. Direct deposits go to your account at The Bancorp or Stride. ACH transfers, wire transfers, and card purchases all route through the partner bank's infrastructure, even though you initiate them through Chime's app.

This is why your routing number and account number (visible in Chime's app under account details) belong to The Bancorp or Stride, not to Chime. When you give someone your banking information for a direct deposit or ACH transfer, you are giving them the routing and account number of the partner bank. Chime simply displays and manages that account on your behalf.

Why Chime uses partner banks instead of becoming a bank itself

Obtaining a bank charter is expensive and heavily regulated. Fintech companies like Chime choose to partner with existing banks instead because it allows them to offer banking services—checking accounts, debit cards, FDIC insurance—without the cost and regulatory burden of becoming a bank. This model is called banking-as-a-service.

The partnership benefits you because Chime can focus on building a fast, user-friendly app and offering features like early direct deposit and no overdraft fees, while the partner bank handles the regulated, behind-the-scenes work of holding deposits and processing payments. You get the convenience of Chime's technology with the safety of FDIC insurance at a real bank.

What to do if you need to verify your bank information

If you need to provide your banking details to an employer, creditor, or another organization, open the Chime app and navigate to your account settings or account details section. You will see your routing number and account number. These belong to either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, depending on your account.

If you are setting up direct deposit, you can use these numbers directly. If someone asks which bank your account is at, you can tell them it is held at The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank (whichever Chime shows you). Most employers and organizations will recognize both banks and accept the routing number without issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my money safe at Chime if the company fails?

Yes. Your deposits are held at The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, both of which are FDIC-insured. If Chime goes out of business, the FDIC protects your balance up to $250,000 at whichever partner bank holds your account. Chime's failure does not affect your FDIC protection.

Can I contact The Bancorp or Stride Bank directly about my account?

You can, but Chime is your primary point of contact. The partner banks do not manage customer service for Chime accounts. If you have questions about your account, contact Chime first. For technical banking issues that Chime cannot resolve, you may request to speak with the partner bank, though most issues are handled through Chime.

Why does my routing number say The Bancorp or Stride instead of Chime?

Because Chime does not have its own routing number. Your routing number belongs to the partner bank that actually holds your account. This is normal for fintech banking services. The routing number directs payments to The Bancorp or Stride, which then credits your Chime account.

Do I get FDIC insurance if I have accounts at both The Bancorp and Stride through Chime?

Yes, but only if you maintain separate accounts at each bank. If you have a checking account at Stride and a savings account at The Bancorp, each is insured up to $250,000 separately. However, if you only have one Chime account, it is insured at only one bank, up to $250,000.

What if I want to switch to a different bank?

You can close your Chime account and open an account at another bank. To transfer your money, withdraw your balance from Chime and deposit it elsewhere, or set up an ACH transfer to your new bank account. Your new bank will provide you with a different routing number and account number.