
Chime Bank, formally known as SpotMe, is a financial technology company that offers a range of banking services.
Chime Bank is a mobile banking app that allows users to manage their finances on the go. It's a fee-free service that offers users a Chime Visa debit card, which can be used to make purchases, withdraw cash, and check account balances.
One of the key features of Chime Bank is its SpotMe service, which allows users to overdraft up to $200 without incurring a fee. This service is designed to help users avoid overdraft fees and stay on top of their finances.
Chime Bank also offers a savings account with a 2.00% APY, which is a competitive rate in the market. Users can earn interest on their savings and have access to their money when needed.
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What is Chime Bank?
Chime Bank is a banking service provider that offers a banking account in partnership with The Bancorp Bank and Strides Bank, N.A. You can find the name of the bank for your Chime account on the back of the Chime debit card or by going to the Chime Mobile App.
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The Bancorp Bank and Strides Bank, N.A are brick and mortar banks with physical addresses. Depending on which of these banks are linked to your Chime account, you can share the Chime bank name and address with your employer for direct deposit.
Chime is an online-only bank service provider, meaning it doesn't have physical branches.
Finding a Banking Partner
Chime doesn't have its own bank name and address, but you can find its banking partners by looking at your Chime debit card. The back of the card will have the name of the bank associated with your account.
To find out which banking partner is associated with your Chime account, you can use the Chime mobile app. Just open the app, go to the Settings section, and scroll down to Account Information.
You can also find your Routing Number and Accounting Number in the Chime mobile app, which is useful for linking your Chime account to other apps like Venmo or Cash App.
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Here are the ways to find your Chime banking partner:
- Using the Chime mobile app
- Checking the back of your Chime debit card
- Looking up Chime bank on Plaid (if you want to link your account to other apps)
Remember, your Chime banking partner is either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, and you can find their information in the Chime mobile app or on the back of your debit card.
Key Features and Considerations
Chime bank accounts are fee-free, which means you won't have to worry about monthly or annual fees eating into your hard-earned money.
You can also enjoy fee-free overdrafts up to $200 for eligible members, giving you some breathing room in case you accidentally overdraw your account. This can be a huge relief, especially during unexpected expenses.
Chime offers early access to paychecks, allowing you to access your money up to two days before your actual pay date, as long as you have direct deposit set up.
Here are some key features of Chime bank accounts:
- Fee-free accounts
- Fee-free overdrafts up to $200 for eligible members
- Access paychecks up to two days early with direct deposit
- Secured credit cards
- Over 50,000 fee-free ATMs
Your money is also FDIC insured up to $250,000, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Key Features

Chime offers fee-free accounts, which means you won't have to worry about monthly or annual fees.
Chime also provides fee-free overdrafts up to $200 for eligible members, giving you some breathing room in case you accidentally overdraw your account.
You can access your paychecks up to two days early with direct deposit, which can be a huge help if you're living paycheck to paycheck.
Chime offers secured credit cards, which can be a great option if you're looking to build your credit or need a second card for emergencies.
Chime has partnered with over 50,000 fee-free ATMs, making it easy to access your cash when you need it.
Here are some of the key benefits and features of Chime:
- Fee-free accounts
- Fee-free overdrafts up to $200 for eligible members
- Access paychecks up to two days early with direct deposit
- Secured credit cards
- Over 50,000 fee-free ATMs
Handling Customer Complaints
Handling customer complaints is a crucial aspect of any financial institution's operation. Chime, a popular banking app, has faced scrutiny for its customer service in the past.
In 2024, Chime entered into a consent order with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and paid a $2.5 million penalty to resolve an investigation into its customer service. This highlights the importance of fair and timely complaint handling.
The DFPI found that Chime's customer complaints were not being handled fairly, accurately, and in a timely manner, which is unacceptable in any business. Chime has since agreed to provide 24-hour, 7-days-per-week customer service support with sufficient training and staffing.
Chime will also report on its compliance with the DFPI for two years, ensuring that the company stays on track with its commitments. This shows that Chime is taking steps to improve its customer service and prevent similar issues in the future.
Account Management
Chime accounts have no monthly fees, which is a huge perk for those who want to save money.
Chime's bank accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000, giving you peace of mind that your funds are protected.
With Chime, you can enjoy fee-free overdrafts, which means you won't be hit with surprise fees when you accidentally overdraw your account.
The company has a 4.16-star rating from thousands of customer reviews, indicating that many users are satisfied with their experience.
Chime's customer service can be a bit hit-or-miss, but the benefits of using their bank accounts far outweigh the drawbacks for many people.
Bank Name Change Procedure
Changing your name on your bank account can be a bit of a hassle, but it's a necessary step if you've recently gotten married or divorced. To update your name on your Chime Bank account, you'll need to provide an updated photo ID.
The SSA (Social Security Administration) requires an updated photo ID before they'll process your name change. You can file the SSA name change form in person, which is recommended since they prefer not to receive your original photo ID by mail. This way, your updated record will be visible to other agencies 2 or 3 days later.
You'll need to file in person at your state DMV to get an updated photo ID. Some states require full evidence of identity documents, so be sure to check their website or review the instructions in your Easy Name Change kit before attending. You may be able to book an appointment time with your DMV, but this varies between states.
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Chime Bank requires an updated photo ID and your original proof of name change to complete the name change process. If you're an Easy Name Change customer, you can simply forward the pre-addressed email with your proof of name change.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you update your name on your Chime Bank account:
- File the SSA name change form in person.
- Get an updated photo ID from your state DMV.
- Visit Chime Bank in person with your original proof of name change and updated ID card.
- Send out all your Easy Name Change letters, forms, and emails.
Direct Deposit Considerations
Chime has an A rating from the Better Business Bureau, which indicates a high level of trust and reliability.
You can have your paycheck deposited directly into your Chime account, and it's a convenient way to manage your finances.
Chime accounts have no monthly fees, making it a cost-effective option for direct deposit.
You can download a direct deposit form from the Chime app to share with your employer or payroll provider.
To get the form, follow these steps: open the Chime app, tap on Move Money, tap on Move your Direct Deposit, and then tap Email me my completed form.
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Your Chime account is FDIC insured up to $250,000, providing an added layer of security for your funds.
Chime also offers fee-free overdrafts, early access to paychecks, and other features that make its bank accounts desirable.
You can print the direct deposit form to submit to your provider or forward it to your employer via email.
Account Closure Issues
Chime's record of closing customer accounts without notice or explanation has been a significant issue. In July 2021, ProPublica published an article detailing this practice, which Chime attributed to the accidental byproduct of fraud prevention.
Chime customers are not customers of any bank, so their recourse is often limited when their accounts are closed. This lack of recourse can lead to difficulty retrieving deposits in a timely fashion.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau had received 3,500 complaints about Chime since the beginning of 2020. This number highlights the scale of the issue.
Until 2021, Chime's customer service agreement said deposits would be issued by check, mailed within 14 days. However, thousands of customers waited 90 days or longer for their deposits.
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau assessed a $3.25 million penalty plus at least $1.3 million in redress to customers for not returning deposits from closed accounts in a timely manner. This penalty was paid to the CFPB victims relief fund, providing some relief to affected customers.
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Marketing and Partnerships
Chime's marketing efforts have been scrutinized in the past, with the company agreeing to stop representing itself as a bank in 2021. This was after coming to agreements with two state financial regulators to change its marketing practices.
Chime agreed to stop using the URL "chimebank.com" and change its use of the word "bank" in marketing materials. It also paid $200,000 in the settlement with Illinois.
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
- Chime agreed to stop using the URL "chimebank.com" and change its marketing practices.
- The company paid $200,000 in the settlement with Illinois.
Partner Bank System: Benefits and Considerations
Chime's Partner Bank System is a game-changer for FinTech innovation and user experience. By partnering with banks like The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, Chime can focus on what it does best.
One of the benefits of this system is that Chime can offer a streamlined mobile app and innovative features that traditional banks might not be able to match. Plus, you might even save some money on fees.
However, this system also means you won't have access to physical branches, and you'll have to rely on your partner bank for core functions. Your routing number will also depend on the partner bank servicing your account.
Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Benefits: Streamlined mobile app, innovative features, potentially lower fees
- Considerations: No physical branches, reliance on partner banks for core functions, routing number depends on the partner bank servicing your account
Marketing as a Bank
Marketing as a Bank can be a tricky business. Chime, a financial technology company, learned this the hard way when it agreed to stop representing itself as a bank in 2021.
Chime paid $200,000 in the settlement with Illinois after regulators found it was misrepresenting itself. This shows that even companies with good intentions can get into trouble if they're not careful.
The company agreed to change its marketing materials and stop using the URL "chimebank.com" to avoid further issues. This is a good reminder to always double-check your marketing strategies.
Chime operates differently from a traditional bank, but it still relies on partner banks for core banking functions like check clearing and ACH transfers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chime account a bank account?
No, Chime accounts are not traditional bank accounts, but they are offered in partnership with banks and have FDIC insurance for added security. Chime's unique online-only model sets it apart from traditional banking.
What bank does Chime use?
Chime partners with two banks, The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A., to provide banking services. Your Chime account is insured up to $250,000 through one of these partners.
What to put for Chime bank name?
To use Chime banking services, enter the name of the partner bank that services your account, which is either The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank. The Bancorp Bank's name is often required for transactions.
Does Chime bank have a different name?
No, Chime bank does not have a different name, but it is a brand of Stride Bank and The Bancorp Bank. Chime operates under these partner banks' licenses and services.
Who partners with Chime bank?
Chime partners with regional banks, specifically The Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. to provide mobile banking services.
Sources
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/chime-bank-name-address-what-you-need-know-aim-tutorials-xou6e
- https://www.infoabsolute.com/chime-bank-name-and-address-for-direct-deposit/
- https://www.gobankingrates.com/banking/banks/chime-bank-name/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chime_(company)
- https://www.easynamechange.com/procedures/banking/chime-bank/
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