Can I Use Zelle To Transfer Money to Chime? - GOBankingRates

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Chime®* is a financial technology company that offers a popular mobile banking app, with no monthly fees and a high annual percentage yield on savings accounts. Because of this, many Americans are using Chime as an alternative to a traditional account with a bank or credit union.

However, you may have heard that Chime does not natively support Zelle, a service many customers use to transfer money instantly to friends and family. So, you might be wondering: Can I use Zelle to transfer money to Chime? Here's what you need to know.

Zelle and Chime: An Overview

Zelle is a digital payment network used across the United States. The platform is owned by Early Warning Services LLC, a fintech company owned by seven of the largest banks in the U.S. Zelle lets you send money quickly and securely from your bank account to another person's account. To send money to another person on Zelle, all you need is their email or phone number. If you use Zelle, you can access it through the official Zelle app or through compatible mobile or online banking platforms. 

Chime is a mobile-first financial technology company that offers checking and savings accounts with no fees. It also offers a Visa debit card¹ and a secured credit card that is perfect for users who are trying to build credit.² Chime also has a variety of features and perks not found in the offerings of traditional banks and credit unions. 

Zelle and Chime Compatibility

Unlike many banks, Chime does not integrate with Zelle. Chime has its own proprietary money transfer service, which means that Chime customers cannot use Zelle in the Chime app to receive or transfer money. However, Chime customers are still able to use the Zelle mobile app and link their Chime debit card to receive and send money.

Linking a Chime Debit Card With Zelle

To connect a Chime debit card with Zelle, you will need to set up both your Chime and Zelle accounts. If you already have a Chime account and debit card, you're all set to add it to Zelle. If not, then download the Chime app and follow the instructions provided to sign up.

Once you have your Chime debit card details, download and launch the Zelle app and then follow these steps:

1. Tap the "Get Started" button and follow the prompts to set up your Zelle account.
2. When asked what bank you are trying to connect to, enter "Chime."
3. Select the "Don't See Your Bank?" button.
4. You should then be able to register your email.
5. Enter your Chime debit card details into the form provided. 

You will need to verify your identity with both Zelle and Chime before you can receive and send money. Unfortunately, the process may take some time, so you might not be able to start sending and receiving money right away.

Zelle Limits With a Chime Debit Card

When using Zelle through a partner bank or credit union's app, the daily limits can vary based on the policies of your specific financial institution. However, if you're using a Chime debit card through the Zelle app, your weekly transfer limit is $500. If you need to send a larger sum, you may need to take a look at the competition.

Chime Pay Anyone

While connecting Zelle to your Chime debit card can be great for when you need to receive money from friends and family who use Zelle exclusively, there's an easier option to send money on Chime.

Chime's Pay Anyone is a free feature that allows you to send money to anyone, even if they don't have a Chime account. Using the Chime mobile app, you can send a payment to anyone with a valid email address or phone number. You simply enter the recipient's email address or phone number, specify the amount you want to send, and initiate the transaction. 

Once the transaction is initiated, the recipient will receive a text message or email notification with a link they can use to claim the money. They will be asked to enter their debit card number to claim the money, which will be transferred into the bank account associated with the debit card.

Alternatives to Zelle

Several other peer-to-peer payment apps work well with Chime. These include:

• Venmo: This is a free-to-use app owned by PayPal that allows users to share and make payments quickly and securely. It's great for splitting bills with friends or sending money to family.
• PayPal: As one of the most recognized names in the online payment sector, PayPal offers a secure way to send, receive and access your money.
• Cash App: This payment service lets users transfer money to one another using a mobile app, without any transaction fees and typically within minutes.

Takeaways 

While Chime doesn't directly support Zelle, it's still feasible to link the two in order to transfer funds. However, the process might take a little longer due to the lack of direct integration and the necessary identity verification steps. 

Transfer limits also exist, meaning this might not be the best solution for large or frequent transactions. Despite these limitations, using Chime with Zelle remains a viable and free option for money transfers. If you're searching for more seamless integration or additional features, consider alternatives like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App and traditional banking apps.

FAQ

• Can Zelle send money to Chime?
  • Yes, users can use Zelle to send money to Chime. Although the Chime app does not natively support Zelle, users can add their Chime debit card as a payment method in the Zelle app.
• Can Zelle send money to Cash App?
  • No. Zelle and Cash App are different payment facilitators, with their own apps and networks. Zelle does not support sending money directly to Cash App.
• What cards work with Zelle?
  • Zelle generally works with Visa or Mastercard debit cards linked to U.S. bank accounts. Users must have a bank account in the U.S. to use Zelle.
• How do I receive money from Zelle without a bank account?
  • Unfortunately, Zelle requires users to have a valid U.S. bank account and debit card. If you don't have a bank account, you will not be able to receive money on Zelle.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

*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.

¹ Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

² The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

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