Whether you want to open your first checking account or switch to a new one, you may be wondering, “How long does it take to open an account?” or, “What do I need to open an account?” You may not know what steps to take.
Here’s the good news: it’s easy to open a new checking account online. If you want to open an online account, there are multiple convenient options, including Chime. Chime offers a Checking Account with no monthly fees and access to over 50,000 fee-free ATMs¹ to make managing your money a breeze.
How to open a Chime online checking account in 3 simple steps
If you’re ready to open an online account through Chime, you can set up your account in about two minutes. The best part? It’s completely free to apply. Here’s what you need to do:
1: Enter your personal information
To apply for a Chime® Checking Account, you’ll need to enter the following:
- Your first and last name
- Social security number (SSN)
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Address
- Email and a password
This helps verify your identity to minimize money laundering and fraud. After your information is reviewed and confirmed, you’re in!
We will also ask you a few questions like “What do you do for work?” and “How did you hear about us?”
Note: All members must be a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S. and 18 years or older.
2: Download the Chime app
Chime offers an online checking account and a mobile banking app. You can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
With Chime, you can sign up for a Checking Account, high-yield savings account,² and apply for a secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card³ to build credit history.
From your mobile app, you can:
- Deposit your money⁴
- Manage your transactions
- View your balance
Your Chime Checking Account also comes with a Chime Visa® Debit Card.
3: Set up direct deposit with Chime
You can easily set up direct deposit by providing your employer with your Chime routing and account numbers, on your direct deposit form. You can find this information in the app under Settings → Direct deposit setup, as well as the Move Money section, under Move your direct deposit.
If you’re switching accounts or don’t currently receive direct deposit, you can make a transfer from another account to your new Chime Checking Account to add funds.
Why can't I make a Chime account?
If you are unable to open a Chime checking account, it could be due to a number of reasons:
- The personal information you’ve provided is not correct. Please double-check your name, email address, phone number, social security number, and any other relevant information to ensure there are no errors.
- At the moment, the only people eligible to create a Chime account are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, who are 18 years of age or older. If you live outside of the U.S. or do not meet the age requirement, you will not be able to open an account with Chime.
- In some cases, there may be an error caused by Chime’s information verification system. If you’ve ensured your personal information is correct and you’re eligible for a Chime account, but you are still unable to open an account with us, visit our Help Center to find a possible solution.
Manage your money with Chime’s online checking account, all from your phone
Once you’ve deposited money into your Chime® Checking Account, you’re ready to go! You can start to make purchases, view your balance, and stay on top of your money with custom alerts.
Here are some benefits of banking through Chime:
- Fee-free overdraft with SpotMe®⁵
- No monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to 50,000+ fee-free in-network ATMs¹
By using Chime, you can effortlessly manage your money on the go. If you also open a savings account², you can turn on Automatic Savings features to save more without thinking about it.
Opening an online checking account through Chime is as easy as 1-2-3. If you’re ready to make the switch, follow the above steps to join the Chime family! 💚