How to Add Money to Your Chime Account

Chime is a financial technology company that provides mobile banking services. This guide outlines various methods to fund your Chime account, including direct deposits, digital transfers, and cash deposits at retail locations.

Setting Up Direct Deposit

Direct deposit offers an efficient way to receive funds directly into your Chime account from an employer or benefits provider. This method typically results in faster access to your money compared to paper checks. To initiate direct deposit, provide your Chime account number and routing number to your payroll or benefits administrator.

These details are located in the Chime mobile application or on the Chime website. Navigate to the “Move Money” section and select “Direct Deposit” to view your specific account and routing numbers. Chime also provides a pre-filled direct deposit form, which can be emailed for submission to your employer’s payroll department. After submission, it may take one to two pay cycles for the direct deposit to become active and for funds to begin arriving in your Chime account.

Making Cash Deposits

For cash deposits, Chime facilitates them through a network of retail partners nationwide. Over 85,000 locations, including stores like Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, and 7-Eleven, accept cash deposits. Walgreens and Duane Reade locations typically allow fee-free deposits, while other retailers may charge a small fee.

To make a cash deposit, visit a participating retail location and tell the cashier you want to add money to your Chime account. Present your Chime Visa Debit Card or a barcode generated within the Chime app’s “Move Money” section under “Deposit Cash.” Hand over the cash, and the funds are usually available in your account within minutes. Most retailers have a per-transaction limit around $1,000 per day, with a monthly limit of $10,000.

Utilizing Digital Transfer Methods

Chime accounts can be funded through various digital transfer methods, allowing you to move money from other financial institutions or deposit checks remotely. These options include linking external bank accounts for electronic transfers and utilizing the mobile check deposit feature.

Bank Transfers

Transferring funds from an external bank account to your Chime account is a digital process. You can link external bank accounts directly through the Chime app by navigating to the “Move Money” section and selecting “Link External Account.” Chime often uses secure services to connect to other financial institutions, allowing you to link accounts by logging in with your external bank’s credentials. Alternatively, if instant verification is not available, you can manually link an account by providing your external bank’s routing and account numbers, which may involve small micro-deposits for verification. Once linked, you can initiate transfers from your external account to Chime, with funds available within one to three business days, depending on the external bank’s processing times.

Mobile Check Deposit

Chime offers a mobile check deposit feature, allowing you to deposit paper checks using your smartphone’s camera. To be eligible for this service, you generally need an activated Chime Visa Debit Card and a history of qualifying direct deposits. Before depositing, it is crucial to properly endorse the check by signing the back and writing “For Mobile Deposit Only” or “For Chime Deposit Only” beneath your signature.

When taking photos, ensure the check is placed on a dark, flat surface in good lighting, with all four corners visible, to ensure a clear image. Within the Chime app, navigate to “Move Money” and select “Mobile Check Deposit,” then follow the prompts to photograph the front and back of the endorsed check. While limits can vary based on individual account history, typical mobile check deposit limits are around $2,000 per check and $10,000 monthly, with funds usually available within one to five business days.