Chime® is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services, credit, and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
 

How to switch to Chime in 5 easy steps

By Chime Team
May 9, 2017

Figuring out how to switch banks can feel like daunting, but it starts with finding a new bank that that better suits you and makes your life easier. Think of it this way: instead of closing a bank account, it’s really about opening a new bank account and moving forward with a better partner.


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There are a lot of bank account options available, so it’s important to do your research to find a new bank account that is aligned with your best interests and will help you take control of your finances. Chime is one example of a mobile bank account option that provides an alternative to traditional banks, thanks to an awesome set of features that empower customers.

How to switch to your new bank account

 1. Open a Chime checking account

The first step to switching banks accounts is to open a new one.

Chime is a bank account with none of the unnecessary fees that many traditional banks charge. That includes no overdraft fees, no monthly fees, no maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees and required minimum balances. Chime’s Automatic Savings feature also makes it easy to save money automatically every time you get paid and when you make purchases.

Get started by signing up for a Chime Checking Account. Opening a Checking Account only takes a few minutes and can be done from your phone or desktop. Once your account is opened, we’ll get started personalizing your Chime Visa® debit card. Once you have signed up for an account, download the Chime app in the App Store or on Google Play.

2. Link your old bank account(s)

Now, you’ll want to link your old bank account. Linking your external bank accounts to Chime is easy and makes switching bank accounts painless. Here’s how you do it:

  • While logged in to your Chime Account, go to Transfer under Move Money and tap Link Bank Account.
  • You’ll be prompted to sign in to your old bank account within the Chime app. This is a one-time step that allows us to connect with your old bank and process every future transfer from your previous account.
  • Once your accounts are linked, you can send a request to transfer money from your old bank account to your new Chime Checking Account.

3. Set up direct deposit

Once your Chime card is on its way, we recommend setting up direct deposit with your employer. It’s easy to switch your direct deposit from your old bank account to your new bank account. Simply provide your bank routing number and Chime Account numbers to your employer and we’ll take care of the rest. You can find this information by tapping Direct Deposit from the Move Money screen. Once you’re enrolled in Direct Deposit you are eligible to get paid up to two days early via the mobile app

4. Transfer your recurring bills

If you pay utilities, rent, or student loans, chances are you’ve set up your account to receive money and pay bills automatically. Update your billing information by providing your billers with your Chime card information or new bank routing number and Chime Account numbers.

A good way to make sure you’re covered for all of your automatic payments is to look at your last month’s statement and find the monthly recurring transactions you set up: power, garbage, transit passes, subscriptions, etc. Make sure to update your third-party banking apps like Venmo and PayPal, too.

5. Close your old bank account

After you’ve received your debit card, made your first direct deposit and moved all of your remaining bills to Chime, it’s time to complete the switch and close your old bank account.

If you’re with one of these common big banks, you can use this contact information to close your old account. Here’s how to switch banks at Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Capital One:

  • Wells Fargo: You can close your account by calling 1-800-869-3557 or online by signing into Wells Fargo and select Contact Us
  • Chase: You can close your account by calling 1-800-935-9935 or online by signing in to Chase.com and sending an email to the customer service department via the Secure Message Center.
  • Bank of America: You can close your account by calling 1-800-432-1000
  • Citibank: You can close your account by calling 1-888-248-4226
  • Capital One: You can close your account by calling 1-800-227-4825

If your bank requires a written letter to close your account, you can send this draft letter:

[Bank’s Name and Address]

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to inform you that I am closing my account(s) at your bank. Please close the bank account(s) listed below. Upon closure, please send any remaining funds in those accounts by check to the address provided below along with confirmation of the account closure. Please reject any further requests for transactions on any of the accounts listed.

Checking Account #:
Savings Account #:
Other Account(s) #:

If you have any questions, please contact me at the phone number below.

Thank you,
[Account Owner’s Original Signature]
[Account Owner’s Printed Name]
[Mailing Address]
[Phone Number]

You’re all set!

If you’ve made it this far, you should be good to go! Now you’re ready to experience a better bank account that’s actually designed to help you lead a healthier financial life. Switching to Chime is really that easy.


This guide is for informational purposes only. Chime does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. You should check with your legal, financial, or tax advisor for advice specific to your situation. Your state or local unemployment agency is responsible for making all determinations on your eligibility for unemployment benefits. Please contact your state or local unemployment agency if you have questions.

Chime® is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card and the Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card are issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit and credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.

While Chime doesn’t issue personal checkbooks to write checks, Chime Checkbook gives you the freedom to send checks to anyone, anytime, from anywhere. See your issuing bank’s Deposit Account Agreement for full Chime Checkbook details.

By clicking on some of the links above, you will leave the Chime website and be directed to a third-party website. The privacy practices of those third parties may differ from those of Chime. We recommend you review the privacy statements of those third party websites, as Chime is not responsible for those third parties' privacy or security practices.

Third-party trademarks referenced for informational purposes only; no endorsements implied.

Opinions, advice, services, or other information or content expressed or contributed here by customers, users, or others, are those of the respective author(s) or contributor(s) and do not necessarily state or reflect those of The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. (“Banks”). Banks are not responsible for the accuracy of any content provided by author(s) or contributor(s).

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