The fastest way to transfer from Chime to Cash App
You can move money from Chime to Cash App in two ways: by linking your Chime debit card to Cash App as a payment method, or by transferring money from Chime to a shared bank account and then adding that account to Cash App. The debit card method is faster and requires fewer steps, though Cash App charges a 1.5% fee for when ready transfers to a linked debit card. Standard transfers (1 to 3 business days) have no fee.
Both Chime and Cash App are mobile banking services, so the transfer happens entirely through their apps on your phone. You do not need to visit a bank branch or call anyone. The process takes minutes to set up the first time, then becomes automatic for future transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Linking your Chime debit card to Cash App is the quickest method and requires only your card number, expiration date, and CVV.
- Standard transfers from Chime to Cash App through a linked debit card take 1 to 3 business days and have no fee.
- when ready transfers to a debit card cost 1.5% of the amount you send, so a $100 transfer costs $1.50 in fees.
- If you have a shared bank account with Chime, you can also transfer money to that account first, then add it to Cash App as a funding source.
Method 1: Link your Chime debit card to Cash App
Open the Cash App on your phone and tap the banking icon (usually a dollar sign or card symbol at the bottom of the screen). Select "Add a Card" or "Link a Card." You will be asked to enter your Chime debit card number, the expiration date, and the three-digit CVV on the back of the card.
Once Cash App confirms the card, you can transfer money from Chime by tapping "Cash Out" or "Transfer to Bank" in the Cash App menu. Select your Chime card from the list of linked cards, enter the amount, and choose whether you want a standard transfer (no fee, 1 to 3 business days) or an when ready transfer (1.5% fee, arrives within minutes). Confirm the transfer and the money leaves your Chime account when ready.
This method works because Cash App treats your Chime debit card the same way it treats any other debit card. Chime does not block outgoing transfers, so there are no restrictions on your end. The transfer is complete once Cash App shows it as processed in your transaction history.
Method 2: Transfer through a shared bank account
If you have a Chime account linked to a traditional bank account (such as a savings account at another bank), you can transfer money from Chime to that account, then add that account to Cash App. Open Chime, go to the "Transfer" or "Move Money" section, and select the bank account you want to send money to. Enter the amount and confirm.
Once the money arrives in your other bank account (usually 1 to 3 business days), open Cash App and add that bank account as a funding source. Tap the banking icon, select "Add a Bank Account," and enter your routing number and account number. Cash App will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into it. Check your bank statement, find those amounts, and enter them into Cash App to confirm ownership.
This method takes longer than linking your Chime card directly, but it may be useful if you want to keep your Chime card off Cash App for security reasons, or if you are having trouble linking the card.
Why you might not be able to transfer
Cash App may decline your Chime card if the card number, expiration date, or CVV is entered incorrectly. Double-check all three pieces of information before trying again. If you have entered them correctly and Cash App still rejects the card, wait a few minutes and try once more — sometimes the app needs time to process the request.
Chime itself does not block transfers to Cash App, but your Chime account may have a temporary hold if you recently opened it or if Chime flagged unusual activity. If you see a message saying your account is frozen or locked, contact Chime's customer service through the app or by calling the number on the back of your card. They can tell you whether a hold is in place and how long it will last.
Cash App also has daily and monthly transfer limits that vary based on your account age and verification status. If you have just opened Cash App, you may not be able to transfer large amounts at once. Check your limit by tapping the banking icon and looking for "Transfer Limits" or "Account Limits."
Fees and timing for different transfer types
| Transfer Type | Fee | Time to Arrive | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard transfer to debit card | None | 1 to 3 business days | When you do not need the money right away |
| when ready transfer to debit card | 1.5% of amount | Within minutes | When you need the money when ready |
| Transfer to bank account | None | 1 to 3 business days | When you want to avoid debit card fees |
Security and account verification
When you link your Chime card to Cash App, Cash App may ask you to verify your identity by providing your full name, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. This is normal and is how Cash App confirms you own the card. Do not share your full Social Security number or PIN with anyone.
Both Chime and Cash App use encryption to protect your card information, meaning your card number is not stored in plain text on either app. However, linking your card to a third-party app does increase the number of places where your information is stored. If you are concerned about security, use Method 2 instead and transfer through a separate bank account.
What happens after the transfer
Once your transfer is complete, the money appears in your Cash App balance. You can then use that balance to send money to other Cash App users, pay bills through Cash App, or withdraw the money to your bank account. The money does not automatically move anywhere — it stays in your Cash App balance until you decide what to do with it.
If you want to move the money out of Cash App and back to a bank account, you can "Cash Out" to your linked debit card or bank account. Standard withdrawals to a debit card take 1 to 3 business days and have no fee. when ready withdrawals cost 1.5% and arrive within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer money from Cash App back to Chime?
Yes. Open Cash App, tap the banking icon, select "Cash Out," choose your Chime card from your linked cards, and confirm the transfer. Standard transfers take 1 to 3 business days and have no fee. when ready transfers cost 1.5% and arrive within minutes.
Does Chime charge a fee to transfer money out?
No. Chime does not charge fees for outgoing transfers to other banks or services. Any fees come from Cash App, not from Chime. If you use Cash App's when ready transfer option, the 1.5% fee goes to Cash App.
How long does it take for money to show up in Cash App?
Standard transfers take 1 to 3 business days. when ready transfers arrive within minutes, usually within 30 seconds. Weekends and holidays may delay standard transfers by one day.
What if my transfer is stuck or did not go through?
Check your Chime app to confirm the money left your account. If it did, the transfer is in progress and should arrive within the stated timeframe. If the money is still in Chime, the transfer may have failed. Try again, making sure your Chime card information is correct. If it fails a second time, contact Cash App support through the app or contact Chime to ask whether your account has a hold.
Can I transfer money from Chime to Cash App if I do not have a debit card yet?
No. You need your physical Chime debit card or the card number from your digital card (visible in the Chime app) to link it to Cash App. If you have not received your physical card yet, use the card number from your digital card instead.