Key Takeaways
- Monzo cannot connect to Chase as a linked external account, so you cannot view your Chase balance or transfer money directly within the Monzo app.
- You can transfer money from Chase to Monzo by initiating an ACH transfer from your Chase online banking or mobile app.
- Monzo can receive direct deposits and bill payments from Chase, so your employer or creditors can send money to your Monzo account number and routing number.
- If you want to move money from Monzo back to Chase, you must initiate the transfer from your Chase account, not from Monzo.
Why Monzo Cannot Link to Chase Directly
Monzo's account-linking feature works only with a limited set of U.S. banks, and Chase is not among them. The banks Monzo currently supports for direct linking are smaller institutions and regional banks; the major national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are not included. This is a technical and business limitation, not something that will change by updating your Monzo app.
The reason for this gap is that Monzo would need Chase to grant access through an API (a secure connection between the two systems), and major banks have been slow to open these connections to fintech apps. Chase prioritizes its own mobile app and does not currently share account data with Monzo in real time.
How to Send Money from Chase to Monzo
The standard way to move money from Chase to Monzo is through an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House), which is a free electronic transfer between U.S. bank accounts. Open your Chase mobile app or Chase.com, go to the transfer or payments section, and select "Transfer to another bank." You will need your Monzo account number and routing number, which you can find in the Monzo app under Account Settings or Card Details.
ACH transfers typically take one to three business days. Chase may ask you to verify the Monzo account by depositing a small amount first, then confirming the deposit amount in the Monzo app. This verification step protects both banks from fraud and usually takes an extra day or two the first time you set up the transfer.
You can also use wire transfer if you need the money faster, though wire transfers cost money (usually $15 to $30 from Chase) and are not necessary for most situations. Monzo does not charge a fee to receive wire transfers, but Chase will charge you on the sending end.
Receiving Direct Deposits and Payments at Monzo
Your Monzo account has a real account number and routing number, which means employers, government agencies, and other organizations can send money directly to it. If your Chase account is where you currently receive your paycheck, you can change your direct deposit information to point to Monzo instead. You will need to provide your employer with your Monzo account number and routing number, which you can find in the Monzo app.
The same applies to bill payments, tax refunds, and other recurring deposits. Any organization that can send money to a U.S. bank account can send it to Monzo. This is often the most convenient way to get money into Monzo without having to manually transfer it yourself.
Sending Money from Monzo Back to Chase
If you need to move money from Monzo to Chase, you cannot initiate the transfer from Monzo. Instead, you must go into your Chase account and set up a transfer to Monzo, just as you would for any other external bank. This is a security feature: banks allow you to pull money from external accounts only after you have verified ownership of both accounts.
Once you have verified your Monzo account with Chase (which happens the first time you transfer), future transfers from Chase to Monzo are faster and do not require additional verification steps. The transfer still takes one to three business days.
What to Do If You Need Real-Time Account Linking
If you want to see your Chase balance inside another app without manually transferring money, you have a few options. Aggregate apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or Personal Capital can connect to Chase and show your balance alongside other accounts. These apps use your Chase login credentials to pull your balance securely, though they do not have access to move money.
Alternatively, you can simply use Chase and Monzo as separate accounts: keep your main money in Chase and transfer what you need to Monzo for spending. Many people use Monzo as a secondary account specifically because it offers features Chase does not (like spending notifications, instant card controls, or easier international transfers), so having both accounts is intentional rather than a workaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic transfers from Chase to Monzo?
Yes, you can set up recurring ACH transfers from Chase to Monzo through your Chase online banking. Go to the transfer section, create a transfer to your Monzo account, and select the frequency (weekly, monthly, etc.). Chase will process it automatically on the schedule you choose.
Will Monzo ever support linking to Chase?
Monzo has not announced plans to add Chase linking. The company prioritizes banks that have opened their APIs to fintech apps, and Chase has not done so. If this changes in the future, Monzo would likely announce it in the app or on its website.
Is it safe to give Monzo my Chase account number?
Yes. Your account number and routing number are safe to share; they are printed on your checks and are meant to be given out for deposits and transfers. These numbers alone cannot be used to withdraw money from your account without authorization from your bank.
How long does it take to transfer money from Chase to Monzo?
Standard ACH transfers take one to three business days. The first transfer may take longer if Chase requires you to verify the Monzo account. Wire transfers are faster (same day or next day) but cost money.
Can I use Monzo as my main checking account if I have Chase?
Yes, many people do. Monzo is a full checking account with a debit card, direct deposit, and bill pay. The main limitation is that not all employers or organizations accept Monzo accounts yet, so you may need to keep Chase open as a backup or for specific payments.