Where Can You Add Money to Your Chime Account?

Chime, a mobile banking service, offers convenient methods for users to add funds to their accounts. These options cater to different needs, from regular income deposits to occasional cash or check additions.

Setting Up Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is a primary way to fund a Chime account, allowing users to receive paychecks, government benefits, or other recurring income electronically. To establish this, individuals need Chime’s routing number, their specific Chime account number, and the name of the Chime partner bank. This information is available within the Chime mobile application, usually found in the “Move Money” section under “Set up direct deposit” or “Account info.”

To set up direct deposit, provide this information to an employer’s human resources department, payroll provider, or the agency distributing benefits. Many employers utilize online payroll portals where users can input their banking information directly. Alternatively, Chime can generate a pre-filled direct deposit form that can be submitted to the payer. Once initiated, direct deposits take effect within one to two pay cycles. Funds deposited this way are available promptly upon receipt by Chime, sometimes up to two days earlier than traditional bank processing times.

Depositing Cash at Retail Locations

For individuals needing to deposit physical cash, Chime facilitates this through a network of retail partners across the United States. Users can add money at over 75,000 to 85,000 locations, including major chains such as Walgreens, Walmart, CVS Pharmacy, 7-Eleven, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Speedway. Most of these retailers may charge a small fee for the service, ranging from $3 to $5 per transaction. However, cash deposits made at Walgreens locations, including Duane Reade, are fee-free.

To make a cash deposit, visit a participating retailer and inform the cashier you wish to add money to your Chime account. The cashier will ask for the Chime Visa Debit Card to swipe or may require scanning a barcode found within the Chime app’s “Move Money” section under “Deposit Cash.” After the transaction is completed, funds are available in the Chime account within minutes, though it can sometimes take up to two hours. Daily deposit limits range up to $1,000 per transaction and per day, with a monthly limit of around $10,000. Retain the receipt as proof of the transaction.

Transferring Funds from Other Bank Accounts

Transferring money from an external bank account to a Chime account is a method for funding. There are two ways to initiate these transfers. One approach involves linking the external bank account directly within the Chime mobile application or through the Chime website. This process uses a service like Plaid, where users log in with their external bank’s credentials to establish the connection, provided the names on both accounts match. Once linked, users can initiate transfers from the external account to their Chime account through the Chime app’s “Move Money” or “Transfers” section.

Alternatively, users can initiate a transfer from their external bank’s online banking platform. This method requires inputting the Chime account and routing numbers into the external bank’s transfer interface. Transfers between banks utilize the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. While convenient and free of charge from Chime’s side, these standard ACH transfers take between two to five business days to process and for funds to become available in the Chime account.

Depositing Checks Using the Chime App

Chime provides a mobile check deposit feature within its app, allowing users to deposit paper checks by taking photos. To be eligible for this service, Chime requires users to have received at least one qualifying direct deposit of $1 or more from an employer or gig economy payer. Before initiating the deposit, proper check endorsement is important; this involves signing the back of the check and writing “For Mobile Deposit Only to Chime” or a similar restrictive endorsement below the signature.

The process within the app involves navigating to the “Move Money” section and selecting “Mobile Check Deposit.” Users then input the check amount and are prompted to take clear photos of both the front and back of the endorsed check, ensuring all four corners are visible. Check deposit limits can vary by user based on account history and activity, but limits include up to $2,000 per check and per day, with a monthly limit around $10,000. Funds from mobile check deposits can take a few minutes to up to five business days to become available, depending on factors including the check amount and Chime’s review processes.