In the digital banking world, the name Chime has rapidly gained prominence as a leading financial technology platform offering banking services to millions of users in the United States. Among the many details users need to be familiar with, one that often comes up is the Chime routing number 031101279. But what does this number mean, why is it important, and how is it used?
Understanding Routing Numbers
What Is a Routing Number?
A routing number is a 9-digit numerical code used in the United States to identify financial institutions. Also known as an ABA (American Bankers Association) number, it’s essential for processing a variety of transactions, such as:
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Direct deposits
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Electronic funds transfers (EFTs)
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Wire transfers
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Automatic payments
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Bill payments
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Check processing
Each financial institution has at least one unique routing number, and large banks may have multiple.
Why Are Routing Numbers Important?
Routing numbers help ensure that your money ends up in the correct place. Think of them as postal ZIP codes, but for banks. They tell the Federal Reserve and other clearinghouses where to route funds and how to handle specific transactions.
Without the correct routing number, transactions can fail, be delayed, or even go to the wrong destination.
What Is Chime?
Before diving further into the routing number itself, it’s helpful to understand what Chime is.
Chime is a neobank, meaning it provides financial services through an app and online platforms, rather than through physical branches. It partners with regulated banks such as The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, N.A., which are FDIC-insured institutions. Chime itself is not a bank but functions as a technology layer offering user-friendly financial services like:
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Checking accounts
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Savings accounts
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Early direct deposit
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No hidden fees
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Mobile banking
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Debit cards
Because Chime is not a bank, it relies on its partner banks to process financial transactions, which includes assigning a routing number to user accounts.
Chime Routing Number 031101279 – Explained
The routing number 031101279 is officially associated with The Bancorp Bank, one of Chime’s partner banks. If your Chime account was issued through The Bancorp Bank, then this is your official routing number.
Here’s a breakdown:
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Routing Number: 031101279
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Bank Name: The Bancorp Bank
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Bank Address: 409 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809
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Phone Number: 800-545-0289
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Chime’s Role: Front-end platform using Bancorp’s banking infrastructure
When Will You Use This Routing Number?
If your Chime account is backed by The Bancorp Bank, you will use this routing number for:
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Setting up direct deposit from your employer or government agency
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Making ACH transfers from external bank accounts
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Connecting your Chime account to apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App
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Receiving tax refunds or stimulus checks via direct deposit
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Paying bills with automated ACH debit payments
How to Find Your Chime Routing Number
Chime makes it easy to find your routing number directly through the app or online dashboard. Here’s how:
Via the Chime Mobile App:
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Open the Chime app on your smartphone
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Tap on the “Move Money” tab
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Select “Direct Deposit”
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You’ll see both your routing number and account number displayed
Via the Chime Website:
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Log into your account at www.chime.com
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Navigate to Settings or the Move Money section
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Locate your Account Information
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View or copy your routing number from there
Is 031101279 the Only Routing Number for Chime?
No, not all Chime accounts use the same routing number. Chime partners with two different banks:
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The Bancorp Bank – Routing number: 031101279
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Stride Bank, N.A. – Routing number: 103100195
So, if your account was issued through Stride Bank, your routing number will be different.
To avoid any issues, always verify your routing number in your Chime app or dashboard before initiating any transfers.
Common Uses of Routing Number 031101279
Let’s take a closer look at where and how the Chime routing number 031101279 is used in daily banking scenarios:
1. Direct Deposit Setup
When you want your paycheck deposited into your Chime account, your employer will request:
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Bank Name (The Bancorp Bank)
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Routing Number (031101279)
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Account Number (your unique Chime account number)
Chime even provides a pre-filled direct deposit form in the app that you can email or print.
2. Tax Refunds and Government Payments
When filing taxes or applying for government assistance (e.g., unemployment benefits or stimulus payments), you can input the routing number 031101279 if your Chime account is through The Bancorp Bank.
3. Linking External Bank Accounts
To transfer money between Chime and banks like Wells Fargo, Chase, or Bank of America, you’ll need:
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Routing Number: 031101279
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Account Number: Your Chime checking account number
This setup enables ACH transfers within 1–3 business days.
4. Paying Bills Automatically
Utility companies, subscription services, and loan providers may allow payments via bank draft. You can provide the routing number 031101279 along with your account number to allow ACH debits directly from your Chime account.
How to Verify the Routing Number
To ensure you’re using the correct routing number, you can:
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Check your Chime app directly
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Visit the official Chime website
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Use the Federal Reserve Bank’s routing number lookup tool
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Call Chime support or The Bancorp Bank’s customer service line
Security Tips When Using Your Routing Number
While routing numbers aren’t considered highly sensitive (they’re often publicly available), it’s still important to use caution when sharing them.
Do:
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Use only on trusted websites and platforms
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Share only with verified employers or services
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Double-check the number before initiating transactions
Don’t:
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Post your routing or account number publicly
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Share with unknown individuals or suspicious apps
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Use fake or unverifiable websites to enter your banking info
Troubleshooting: Routing Number Errors
If you experience issues with transactions using routing number 031101279, consider the following steps:
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Confirm your Chime partner bank (Bancorp or Stride)
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Recheck the number in the Chime app
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Ensure your account is active and verified
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Contact Chime customer support for clarification
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Notify the external institution (e.g., employer, tax authority) if there’s a processing delay
Final Thoughts
The Chime routing number 031101279 is a critical piece of banking information that serves as a bridge between your Chime account and the wider financial system. Specifically tied to The Bancorp Bank, this routing number enables everything from direct deposits to ACH transfers, making it a fundamental element of your digital banking experience.
While routing numbers may seem like simple strings of digits, using the correct one is essential for the smooth functioning of your financial transactions. Always verify your routing number through the Chime app or website before using it, especially if you’re new to the platform or setting up direct deposit for the first time.