You can close a Chime account by contacting customer support or through the app, but you must settle any outstanding balance first

Closing a Chime account takes a few minutes, but the process depends on whether you have money in the account and whether you want to keep your debit card active during the transition. Chime does not charge a fee to close an account. You will need to move any remaining balance to another bank account, and any pending direct deposits or automatic payments tied to your Chime account number will fail after closure.

The fastest way to close is through the Chime mobile app. You can also call Chime customer support at 1-844-244-6363 to request closure over the phone. Either method takes the same amount of time — a few minutes — but the app route leaves a written record of your request.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a zero balance in your Chime account before closure is processed, so transfer any remaining money to another bank first.
  • Closing through the Chime app is faster than calling, and you can do it any time without waiting for business hours.
  • After your account closes, any automatic payments or direct deposits set up with your Chime account number will stop working.
  • Your debit card will stop working when ready once the account is closed, so plan ahead if you use it regularly.
  • Chime does not charge a fee to close your account, and you do not need to return your physical debit card.

How to close your account through the Chime app

Open the Chime app and log in with your username and password. Tap the profile icon or menu button in the bottom right corner, then scroll down to find "Settings" or "Account Settings." Look for an option labeled "Close Account" or "Account Closure" — the exact wording varies by app version.

Before you can proceed, Chime will check your account balance. If you have money in the account, you must transfer it out first. Use the "Transfer Money" or "Send Money" feature to move funds to another bank account you own, or withdraw cash at an ATM using your Chime debit card. Once your balance is zero, return to the closure option and confirm your request. Chime will send a confirmation email to the address on file.

How to close your account by phone

Call Chime customer support at 1-844-244-6363. Have your account number and the phone number associated with your account ready. Tell the representative you want to close your account. They will verify your identity by asking security questions, then check your balance the same way the app does.

If you have a balance, the representative will tell you how to transfer it out before closure can be completed. Once your balance is zero, call back and confirm the closure request. The representative will process it on the call and send a confirmation email. This method works during Chime's customer service hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time.

What happens to your debit card after closure

Your Chime debit card stops working when ready once your account is closed. You do not need to cut it up or return it to Chime — straightforward throw it away or shred it. If you have a physical card in your wallet, it will be declined at any merchant or ATM after closure is processed.

If you have a virtual card number saved in digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, those will also stop working. Remove them from your digital wallet before closure if you want to avoid confusion, though they will not charge you after the account closes.

Moving your direct deposits and automatic payments

Before you close your account, update any direct deposits or automatic payments that use your Chime account number. This includes paychecks, government benefits, subscription services, loan payments, and utility bills. Contact your employer, benefits administrator, or service provider to change the account number to your new bank account.

Direct deposits and automatic payments will fail if they attempt to post after your Chime account is closed. Failed deposits may delay your paycheck or benefits, and failed payments may trigger late fees or service interruptions. Give yourself at least one or two pay cycles to make these changes before you close the account, so you can confirm the new account is receiving deposits correctly.

Timing and what to expect after closure

Account closure is usually processed within 24 hours of your request, though it can take up to 5 business days in some cases. You will receive a confirmation email once the account is fully closed. After that, you will no longer be able to log into the Chime app or access your account online.

If you have pending transactions that have not yet posted, they may still process against your account for a few days after closure. Chime will handle these according to standard banking rules — some may post and overdraw your account, while others may be rejected. Check your email for any notifications about failed transactions or overdrafts after closure.

Reasons to keep your account open instead

If you are closing because of a fee or a service issue, contact Chime customer support first to see if the problem can be resolved. Chime does not charge monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or foreign transaction fees, so closure is usually not necessary for cost reasons. If you are unhappy with customer service or the app experience, those issues may be fixable without closing.

If you are closing to switch to a different bank, you can keep your Chime account open while you set up your new account. This gives you time to move direct deposits and automatic payments without rushing. Once everything is working at your new bank, you can close Chime at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen my Chime account after I close it?

Chime does not allow you to reopen a closed account. If you want to use Chime again, you will need to sign up for a new account with the same or a different email address. Your old account history will not transfer to the new account.

What if I have a negative balance when I try to close?

You cannot close your account if you owe Chime money due to overdrafts or other charges. You must deposit funds to bring your balance to zero before closure can be processed. Contact Chime customer support if you need help understanding what you owe.

Will closing my Chime account affect my credit score?

No. Chime is a checking account, not a credit product, so closing it does not appear on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. Credit bureaus only track credit cards, loans, and lines of credit.

Do I need to return my physical debit card?

No. You do not need to return your Chime debit card. straightforward destroy it by cutting it up or shredding it. The card will not work after your account closes, so there is no security risk in throwing it away.

What happens to pending transactions after I close my account?

Pending transactions that have not yet posted may still process for a few days after closure. Chime will handle them according to standard banking rules. Check your email for notifications about any transactions that post after your account closes.