Chime Pay Anyone vs. Other Payment Apps

Sending money should be as easy as spending it. With Chime®'s Pay Anyone feature, you can send funds to anyone in seconds¹ — even if they're not a Chime member. Here's how Pay Anyone works, how it compares to other payment apps, and what makes it a safe, fee-free option.

Key takeaways

• Fee-free P2P payments: Pay Anyone lets you send and receive money with no fees to send, receive, or cash out.

• Works for non-members: Recipients don't need a Chime account. They can claim funds using any debit card within 14 days.

• Instant transfers: Chime members receive money instantly.² Non-members can cash out immediately after entering their debit card info.

• Built-in security: Pay Anyone is protected by two-factor authentication, encrypted transfers, and advanced security features.

Quick comparison: Pay Anyone vs. Venmo vs. Zelle vs. Cash App

Here's a side-by-side look at how these payment apps compare on the features that matter most.

Chime Pay Anyone vs. other payment apps

There are several P2P apps available for sending money. Here's how Pay Anyone compares to Venmo®, Zelle®, and Cash App® on fees, speed, and convenience.

Pay Anyone vs. Venmo

Venmo is a mobile wallet app that requires both the sender and recipient to have accounts. You'll also need to link a bank account, debit card, or credit card before sending.

Because Pay Anyone is built into the Chime app alongside your Chime Checking Account, you can send money without downloading a separate app or linking an outside bank account. Recipients don't even need a Chime account to receive funds.

Venmo charges a 3% fee for credit card payments³ and a 1.75% fee for instant transfers, with a minimum of $0.25 and a maximum of $25.³ Pay Anyone has no fees to send, receive, or cash out.

Pay Anyone vs. Zelle

Zelle sends money between bank accounts at participating banks using an email address or phone number. Transfers typically arrive in minutes.

Zelle doesn't charge fees, although very rare, your bank might. Transfer limits vary by bank — anywhere from $500 to $10,000 per day. Both parties need accounts at one of Zelle's 2,300+ participating banks⁴.

Pay Anyone lets Chime members send to anyone with an email or phone number — even people who aren't on Chime. Transfers come with no fees.

Pay Anyone vs. Cash App

Cash App is a mobile payment service that offers P2P payments, a Cash Card with Boost rewards, and the ability to invest in stocks and cryptocurrency. Both the sender and recipient need Cash App accounts.

Instant⁶ transfers to a bank account cost 0.5% – 2.5%, with a minimum of $0.25 – $1 and a maximum of $75.⁵ Standard transfers are free but take 1 – 3 business days.

Pay Anyone provides instant, fee-free transfers without requiring recipients to create an account or download an app.

Is Chime Pay Anyone safe?

Yes, Chime Pay Anyone is safe. Payments sent through Pay Anyone are encrypted and protected by multiple layers of security built into the Chime app.

Chime uses two-factor authentication to verify your identity before processing transfers. Pay Anyone also uses industry-standard security measures, including encrypted transfers, to help keep your money safe.

For non-members who receive a Pay Anyone payment, the claim process is also secure. Recipients enter their debit card information through a verified link sent via text or email — no sensitive banking details are shared between sender and recipient.

What is Chime Pay Anyone?

Chime Pay Anyone is a peer-to-peer payment feature built into your Chime Checking Account. You can send money instantly² to anyone fee-free — even if they aren't a Chime member¹.

Unlike standalone payment apps, Pay Anyone doesn't require a separate download or signup. You can send money right from your phone with no fees to send or receive.

How to send money instantly with Chime Pay Anyone feature

Sending money with Pay Anyone takes just a few taps. Log into your Chime account and follow these steps.

1. Choose your recipient. Head to the Pay tab, then tap Pay or Request to find a contact or enter their $ChimeSign. For people who aren't on Chime, enter their email address or phone number.

2. Enter payment details. Type in the dollar amount and add a note about the payment.

3. Send money instantly.² Double-check the details, then hit "Pay." Chime members get their funds instantly. Non-members have 14 days to enter their debit card info and claim their funds.

How do I receive money from Pay Anyone?

Receiving money through Pay Anyone is just as simple as sending it. How you access the funds depends on whether you have a Chime account.

If you have a Chime account

When another Chime member sends you money through Pay Anyone, it's deposited into your Chime account instantly.²

You can also request money from other Chime members. Log into the Chime mobile app, tap Pay, then tap Request to search for the right person. Enter the amount and send your request — they'll have 14 calendar days to respond.

Need to split expenses with a group? Pay Anyone Groups let you manage shared costs with roommates, family, or friends. Create a group, add members, and start tracking expenses — Chime handles the splits and reminders.

When you're not a Chime member

Don't have a Chime account? No problem.

When someone sends you a payment through Pay Anyone, you'll get a text or email with a link to claim your funds⁶. Once you enter your debit card information, transfers are typically available right away, though sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Click the link and enter your debit card information. You'll have up to 14 calendar days to claim the money before it's returned to the sender.

Even without a Chime account, you can cash out right away with no fees.

Send money with Chime — fast, free, and simple

Sending money shouldn't be a headache, especially when you need funds to arrive fast. Pay Anyone makes it easy for Chime members to send money fee-free and instantly — and recipients don't have to download an app or create an account to receive funds.