Can You Send Money to Someone Who Has Chime?

Sending money to someone with a Chime account is a straightforward process, offering various methods to suit different needs. Funds can reach a Chime account efficiently, whether utilizing Chime’s built-in features, popular third-party payment applications, or traditional bank transfers. The accessibility of these options provides flexibility for both senders and recipients.

Sending Money Through Chime’s Internal Features

Chime offers a “Pay Anyone” feature for sending money directly between Chime accounts or to non-Chime users. To send funds, the sender needs the recipient’s Chime username, phone number, or email address. Chime members receive instant deposits. Non-Chime members get a text or email with a secure link to claim payment within 14 days by entering their debit card details.

Within the Chime app, senders log in, navigate to the “Pay Anyone” tab, search for the recipient, enter the amount, and confirm. This feature allows instant, fee-free transfers. Chime users can also receive money via direct deposit by providing their Chime routing and account numbers to an employer or payer. This method facilitates regular, automatic transfers, often making funds available up to two days earlier than traditional banks.

Sending Money Using Popular Third-Party Transfer Apps

Popular third-party payment applications are compatible with Chime accounts. Users can link their Chime account or debit card to platforms like Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal. Senders need specific recipient information, such as a username, email, or phone number, depending on the app.

With Venmo, the Chime recipient links their Chime bank account (using routing and account numbers) or debit card. Senders initiate transfers to the recipient’s Venmo account. Standard transfers are free but take 1-3 business days. Instant transfers incur a fee, typically 1.75% of the amount, with a minimum of $0.25 and a maximum of $25.

Cash App users can link their Chime account or debit card. Senders use the recipient’s $Cashtag or other identifier, and the recipient can cash out to their linked Chime account. For PayPal, a Chime account can be linked via routing and account numbers or a linked debit card, enabling transfers from a PayPal balance. For both Cash App and PayPal, standard transfers to Chime are free and take 1-3 business days, while instant transfers incur a fee.

Chime is not directly compatible with Zelle within the Chime app, as Chime is a financial technology company and not part of Zelle’s direct network. However, a Chime user can use the standalone Zelle app by linking their Chime debit card to send and receive payments.

Facilitating Transfers Via Bank Account Details

Traditional bank transfer methods, such as Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers, can send money to a Chime account. A Chime account has a unique routing and account number, used for electronic transfers between financial institutions. Senders find these details by logging into their Chime app, navigating to “Move Money,” and selecting “Direct Deposit.”

To initiate an ACH transfer, the sender needs the recipient’s Chime routing and account number. The sender then logs into their bank’s online portal or visits a branch to set up the transfer. ACH transfers are free and processed through the ACH network, taking 1-3 business days to complete, though some may take up to 5 business days.

Wire transfers are another option, though less common for casual person-to-person payments due to higher fees, ranging from $15 to $30 or more per transaction. For a wire transfer, the sender requires the recipient’s full name, address, bank name (The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Chime’s partner banks), Chime routing number, and Chime account number. Wire transfers process more quickly than ACH transfers, often within 24 hours, but involve more stringent security and higher costs. Chime does not directly support outgoing wire transfers; senders initiate them from their own bank to the recipient’s Chime account.