MyPay for External Account Depositors allows you to access a portion of your paycheck, even if you do not receive a qualifying direct deposit into your Chime Checking Account.
Instead of using Chime's direct deposit history to determine eligibility, this version of MyPay verifies recurring income from a connected external checking account via Plaid. Repayment is made through a linked external debit card tied to that same external account.
This product is designed for members who:
- Have a Chime Checking Account, but do not receive a qualifying direct deposit into it.
- Receive consistent income in an external checking account.
- Want access to funds between paychecks while getting started with Chime.
You can access up to $260 per pay period, based on income stability and eligibility. By comparison, MyPay for Chime depositors offers access up to $500 per pay period.
Note: The exact credit limit and “Available now” amount are shown in the Chime app.
Eligibility requirements
Initial Eligibility: To become eligible for a MyPay Account, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Are eighteen (18) years of age or older.
- Live in a state where MyPay is offered.
- Are a member of Chime with a Chime Checking Account in good standing.
- Have downloaded the Chime App.
- Your Chime Checking Account balance is not negative.
You must also fulfill the following:
- Have linked an external checking account for access to MyPay through Plaid.
- Have provided Chime with your external debit card information tied to the External Account.
- Have received one Qualifying Direct Deposit of $200 or more per deposit in the preceding thirty-six (36) days, as verified through Plaid.
Continued eligibility
For continued access to the MyPay External Account Depositors, you must:
- Continue to live in a state where MyPay is offered.
- Have received at least one Qualifying MyPay Direct Deposit of $200 or more per deposit into your External Account in the preceding thirty-six (36) days, as verified through Plaid.
How MyPay for External Account Depositors works
1. Accept Terms and Conditions: You read a short overview of MyPay External Account Depositors. You review MyPay terms and check the consent box to continue.
2. Connect External Account: You link your external checking account via Plaid. Chime analyzes deposit history to confirm recurring income and estimate your pay cadence.
3. Link External Debit Card: You link an external debit card associated with that same external account. This card will be used for repayment.
4. Access an Advance: Based on verified income patterns, a credit limit is assigned (typically between $40 and $260).
- You can choose a scheduled advance at no cost, or an instant advance for a fee.
- $2 for a $20 advance.
- $4 for advances of $40 and above (in $20 increments).
- Earnings accrue daily.
- You must have at least $40 available to initiate an advance.
5. Repayment: On or near the predicted pay date (based on historical deposit patterns), Chime automatically attempts repayment using the linked external debit card.
If sufficient funds are not available in your external account:
- Chime may use any incoming qualifying deposits into your Chime Checking Account as a secondary repayment source.
- Limited partial repayment attempts are made (up to two from the external account and up to four from the Chime account).
If repayment attempts fail beyond these limits, access to MyPay may be suspended until the outstanding balance is repaid. You can also manually repay at any time in the Chime app or by calling Chime Member Services at (844) 244-6363.
How it differs from MyPay for Chime Depositors
MyPay External Account Depositors is part of the broader MyPay ecosystem. The primary difference between the two versions is how income is verified and how repayment occurs:
Feature | MyPay for External Account Depositors | MyPay for Chime Depositors |
Income Verification | Qualifying Direct Deposit in an external account linked via Plaid | Qualifying Direct Deposits into Chime |
Repayment Method | Linked external debit card (with possible Chime Checking Account as a secondary payment source) | Automatically from Chime Qualifying Direct Deposit |
Maximum Credit Limit Per Pay Period | Up to $260. | Up to $500. Some members may qualify for higher limits up to $1,000 based on eligibility. The exact credit limit and “Available now” amount are shown in the Chime app. |
Note: MyPay for External Account Depositors expands access to those who have not yet switched their payroll to Chime. As you transition to direct deposit with Chime, you may become eligible for higher limits and additional benefits under MyPay for Chime Depositors.
What MyPay for External Account Depositors is not
To avoid confusion:
- It is not the same as MyPay for Chime Depositors, which is designed for members receiving Qualifying Direct Deposits into their Chime Account and offers higher limits.
- It is not unlimited access to cash. Limits are capped (up to $260 per pay period), accrue daily, and depend on consistent income and successful repayment, among other eligibility requirements.
- It is not guaranteed permanent access. Repeated failed repayment attempts or removal of the linked external debit card or external account may result in loss of access until the balance is repaid.
- It is not a traditional loan with interest. There is no interest and no mandatory fees for scheduled advances.
- It is not based on credit checks. Eligibility is determined by verified income patterns.
Learn more about how eligibility is determined for MyPay External Account Depositors.