How to Cancel Chime in 2026 (Close Bank Account + Transfer Direct Deposit)
Updated 2026-02-20 · 7 min read
🏦 Chime Is Not a Bank
Chime is a fintech company, not a bank. Your money is held at Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank. Chime has no bank charter, no branches, and no obligation to follow the same regulations as banks. When Chime has outages — and they've had multiple CFPB complaints — you can't walk into a branch. Your paycheck, rent money, and savings are all locked behind an app that may or may not be working.
Chime's Limitations
No physical branches: Customer service is app/phone only — long wait times reported
$2,500/day transfer limit: Can't move large amounts quickly
$500/day ATM limit: Need more cash? Too bad.
No checks or wire transfers: Can't send rent via check or wire money internationally
SpotMe ($200 max): Overdraft protection up to $200 — sounds great until you realize your bank already offers $0 overdraft
Account closures: Chime has been reported to close accounts without warning, freezing funds for weeks
Outage history: Major outages in 2019 (3 days), 2021, and 2023 left users unable to access money
Before Closing: The Critical Checklist
1. Open a New Bank Account First
Do this BEFORE closing Chime — you need somewhere for your money to go
Recommended: local credit union (free, FDIC-insured, has branches) or SoFi/Ally (4%+ APY savings)
Wait for the new account to be fully active and verified
2. Move Your Direct Deposit
Get your new bank's routing and account numbers
Update direct deposit with your employer (HR/payroll portal)
Wait for at least one paycheck to arrive at the new bank before closing Chime
If you get government benefits (SSA, VA), update at ssa.gov or va.gov
3. Update Automatic Payments
List every bill that charges your Chime debit card or pulls from your Chime account
Update each to your new bank's debit card or account number
Common ones: rent, utilities, phone, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments
Miss one and it bounces — potentially causing late fees or service interruptions
4. Transfer Your Money
Transfer funds from Chime Savings to Chime Spending first
Then transfer from Chime Spending to your new bank via ACH
$2,500/day limit — if you have more, this takes multiple days
Alternative: Use Zelle (if available) for faster transfer
Wait for transfers to clear before requesting closure
How to Close Your Chime Account
Ensure your balance is $0.00 in both Spending and Savings
Open the Chime app → Settings
Tap Close Account
If the option isn't available, contact Chime support:
Call 1-844-244-6363 (Mon-Sat 7am-7pm CT, Sun 9am-5pm CT)
Or email support@chime.com
Request account closure in writing
Cut up and dispose of your Chime debit card
⚠️ Chime Credit Builder Card
If you have a Chime Credit Builder card, pay off any remaining balance first. The Credit Builder card uses your own money as collateral (secured card). Closing the account forfeits any pending credit-building reports. Let the final payment cycle report to bureaus before closing (usually takes 30 days).
Better Alternatives
Local credit union: Free checking, free ATMs, actual branches, FDIC/NCUA insured, often better loan rates
SoFi: No fees, 4.00% APY savings, free ATMs worldwide, actual bank charter
Discover: No fees, 1% cashback on debit purchases, 4.25% APY savings
Capital One 360: No fees, solid app, branches in some cities, good integration with credit cards
💡 The "Get Paid Early" Myth
Chime's #1 feature — getting paid "up to 2 days early" — isn't magic. Your employer sends payroll data to banks before the pay date. Traditional banks hold it until payday; Chime releases it early. But SoFi, Ally, Capital One, and most neobanks now offer the same thing. It's no longer a Chime differentiator. You're not getting more money — you're just getting the same money on Wednesday instead of Friday.
🔍 Find All Your Recurring Charges
Before switching banks, make sure you know every subscription and recurring charge on your Chime account. Upload your bank statement to JustCancel to find them all — so nothing bounces when you switch.