Can You Add Money to Chime Without a Card?

Chime is a financial technology company offering mobile banking services. While users commonly add funds via direct deposit or by linking a debit card, other convenient methods exist to add money to a Chime account without needing the debit card. This article explores several alternative deposit methods.

Electronic Fund Transfers

Electronic fund transfers offer a streamlined approach to adding money to a Chime account without requiring a card. One common method involves initiating an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer from an external bank account. Users need their Chime account and routing numbers, available within the Chime app. These transfers typically process within one to three business days, moving funds directly from the external bank to the Chime account.

Setting up direct deposit is another widely used card-independent method for funding a Chime account. This involves providing an employer or benefits provider with Chime’s account and routing numbers. Funds are then automatically deposited, often allowing users to receive their paychecks up to two days earlier than traditional banking institutions. This process simplifies regular income deposits.

Funds can also be transferred from third-party payment applications, such as Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App, to a Chime account. This requires linking the Chime account using its account and routing numbers within the respective payment app. Standard transfers are often free but may take one to three business days.

Cash Deposits Without Your Card

Depositing cash into a Chime account is possible without the debit card, through a network of retail partners. Major retailers like Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, Walmart, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Speedway facilitate these deposits. This extensive network provides widespread access for users needing to add cash.

The process for making a cash deposit without the card involves using the Chime mobile application. Users open the Chime app, navigate to “Move Money,” and select “Deposit Cash” to generate a unique barcode. This barcode is presented to the cashier at a participating retail location with the cash amount. Once scanned, funds are usually transferred to the Chime account within minutes, though some transactions might take up to two hours.

While Chime does not charge a fee for these deposits, third-party retailers often impose a small service fee. However, cash deposits at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations are typically fee-free. Deposit limits vary by retailer, generally ranging around $1,000 per transaction and up to $10,000 per month, with specific limits viewable within the Chime app.

Mobile Check Deposits

Chime offers a mobile check deposit feature directly through its application, providing a convenient way to deposit paper checks. This eliminates the need to visit a physical bank branch or an ATM. The feature allows users to deposit various types of checks, including personal, payroll, government, and cashier’s checks.

To utilize this feature, users must properly endorse the back of the check by signing their name and adding a restrictive endorsement like “For Chime mobile deposit only.” The Chime app then guides the user to take clear photos of both the front and back of the check. Place the check on a dark, flat surface with good lighting to ensure all four corners are visible and the images are legible.

Once the images are captured and submitted through the app, Chime processes the deposit. Funds from mobile check deposits are typically available within one business day, though the process can sometimes take up to five business days. Daily and monthly deposit limits for mobile checks vary based on the user’s account history and direct deposit activity.