Can a Non-Chime Member Send Money to a Chime Account?

Non-Chime members can send money to a Chime account holder through several common methods. While Chime’s “Pay Anyone” feature primarily facilitates transfers between Chime users, external channels provide convenient ways for others to transfer funds. This flexibility ensures that Chime account holders can receive money from a wide range of sources.

Bank-to-Bank Transfers

Direct bank-to-bank transfers, typically processed as Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, are a common method for non-Chime members to send money. To initiate this, the Chime account holder must provide their account and routing numbers to the sender. These numbers are readily available within the Chime mobile application or through their online account.

The sender can then set up the Chime account as an external payee through their own bank’s online banking portal or mobile app. This process involves navigating to a “Transfers” or “Bill Pay” section and inputting the Chime account holder’s routing and account numbers. Standard ACH transfers are generally free but can take one to three business days for the funds to become available. Some sending banks might offer expedited transfer options for a fee, which can reduce the transfer time to the same day or next business day.

Third-Party Payment Applications

Several popular third-party payment applications offer convenient ways for non-Chime members to send money to a Chime account. Chime accounts are compatible with services like Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal. Users can link their Chime debit card or bank account details to these apps for seamless transfers. Standard transfers from these apps to Chime are generally free and take one to three business days.

For Venmo, a Chime account holder links their Chime Visa Debit Card or bank account. A non-Chime Venmo user sends money to the Chime account holder’s Venmo profile, who then transfers funds to their linked Chime account. Instant transfers incur a fee of 1.75% of the transfer amount, with a minimum of $0.25 and a maximum of $25.

Cash App allows linking a Chime account either by its routing and account numbers or by linking the Chime debit card. A non-Chime Cash App user sends money to the Chime account holder’s Cash App, and the recipient can “cash out” to their linked Chime account. Instant transfers typically cost between 0.5% and 1.75% of the transfer amount, with a minimum fee of $0.25.

PayPal also supports linking a Chime account using its routing and account numbers or a Chime debit card. A non-Chime PayPal user sends money to the Chime account holder’s PayPal, which can then be transferred to the Chime account. Instant transfers, which typically arrive within minutes, carry a fee of 1.75% of the transfer amount, with a minimum of $0.25 and a maximum of $25. Zelle, however, does not directly integrate with Chime within the Chime app; users must download the standalone Zelle app and link their Chime debit card to send or receive funds.

Cash Deposits

Non-Chime members can deposit physical cash into a Chime account at various retail locations across the United States. Chime partners with over 75,000 retailers, including major chains like Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS, to facilitate cash deposits. The Chime account holder can use the Chime app to locate nearby participating stores.

At a participating retail location, the non-Chime sender or the Chime account holder can hand the cash and the Chime Visa Debit Card or a barcode generated in the Chime app to the cashier. The cashier processes the deposit, and the funds are typically available in the Chime account within minutes, though some may take up to two hours. While depositing cash at Walgreens locations is often free, other retailers may charge a fee, usually less than $5 per transaction, which is determined by the retailer. Chime imposes limits on cash deposits, generally allowing up to $1,000 per transaction and $10,000 per calendar month, though individual retailers may have lower limits.