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

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How Do You Open an Account Online Through Chime?

Whether you want to open your first bank account or switch to a new one, it can be a daunting process. Read our step-by-step guide for opening an online bank account through Chime.

Melanie Lockert • April 2, 2020

In This Article

  1. How to open a Chime online bank account in 3 simple steps
  2. Manage your money with Chime’s online bank account, all from your phone

Whether you want to open your first bank account or switch to a new one, it can be a daunting process. You may be wondering “How long does it take to open a bank account?” or, “What do I need to open a bank account?” You may also feel unsure about the next steps.

Here’s the good news: it’s not difficult to open a new bank account, especially if you do so online. If you want to open up an online bank account, there are multiple options out there, including Chime. Chime offers a Checking Account with no hidden fees² that makes managing your money a breeze — all from the comfort of your smartphone.

Better banking for everyone

Fee-free overdraft up to $2001
No hidden fees2
Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit3

How to open a Chime online bank account in 3 simple steps

If you’re ready to open an online bank account through Chime, you can set your worries aside as signing up for Chime takes less than two minutes. The best part? It’s completely free. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Apply for a Chime Checking Account

To apply for a Chime Checking Account account, you’ll need to share the following information:

  • Your first and last name
  • Social security number (SSN)
  • Email and a password

This will help financial institutions verify your identity to help minimize money laundering and fraud. After Chime reviews and confirms your information, you’re in! 

Note: All members must be a citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S.

Step 2: Download the Chime app

Chime offers an online bank account and a mobile banking app. You can download the app for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

With Chime, you can sign up for a Checking Account as well as a Savings Account. Your checking account can be used to:

  • Deposit your money
  • Manage your transactions
  • View your balance

Your Chime Checking Account also comes with a free Visa debit card.  

Step 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, as well as the Move Money section. If you’re switching bank accounts and starting fresh with Chime, you can make a transfer from your old checking account to your new Chime Checking Account. 

Manage your money with Chime’s online bank account, all from your phone

Once you’ve deposited money into your Chime Checking Account, you’re ready to go! You can start to use your card, manage your transactions, view your balance, and stay on top of your money with alerts. 

Here are some benefits of banking through Chime:

  • No hidden fees²
  • Fee-free overdraft³
  • No monthly maintenance fees or minimums
  • No foreign transaction fees 
  • Access to 60,000+ fee-free in-network ATMs. Out-of-network fees apply 

By using Chime, you can save money on fees and effortlessly manage your money on-the-go. Plus, you’ll be able to save more – without even thinking about it.

Opening a bank account doesn’t have to be scary or hard. If you’re ready to make the switch, follow these three steps to join the Chime family! 💚

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Melanie Lockert
Melanie Lockert is the founder of the blog and author of the book, Dear Debt. Her work has appeared on Business Insider, Time, Huffington Post and more. She is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat, which helps bold women face their fears, own their dreams and figure out a plan to be in control of their finances.

This page is for informational purposes only. Chime does not provide financial, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for financial, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own financial, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

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Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is 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 cards are accepted. The Chime Visa® Credit Builder Card and the Chime Visa® Cash Rewards Card are issued by Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see 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.

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).

1 Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

2 Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven location or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM. Other fees such as third-party and cash deposit fees may apply.

3 Chime SpotMe is an optional, no fee service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account each month and Visa debit card activation. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member's Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime's discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won't cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See terms and conditions.

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