You Deserve Better: 5 Signs It’s Time to Break up With Your Old Bank

Neil Sedaka had it right — breaking up is hard to do. Actually, that could be the understatement of the century.

Breaking up is super hard to do. Like, I-just-stopped-eating-for-a-week hard. Or if you’re more like me, I-just-ate-my-way-through-the-ice-cream-aisle hard.

But perhaps even more difficult than the breakup is knowing when it’s time to call it quits.

How do you know when you’ve lost that lovin’ feeling? What’s that even feel like?

Unfortunately, I can’t answer these specific questions for you. Perhaps consult Dan Savage for that. Or watch an episode of “Dr. Phil” or “Couples Therapy.”

Is It Time to Switch Banks?

I can, however, help you figure out when it’s time to break up with your bank. To be honest, it can be almost as difficult as breaking up with your suddenly-not-so-significant other.

Before jumping through the logistical hoops of finding a new account, transferring money and dealing with reluctant customer-service agents, make sure it’s really time.

Yeah. You know you’ve been making eyes at that fetching new online bank lately. Here are five signs it’s not just a phase but truly time to move on:

1. You’re No Longer Getting Anything out of It

Your current bank: Requires you to cough up fees, pay monthly dues, etc.

That new bank: Rewards you for gracing it with your beautiful presence and trusting it with your money.

Really, your bank should be thanking you — not forcing you to cough up extra fees.

This sweetheart knows how to treat their special someone right:

• Chime Bank: Chime has a neat get-paid-early feature. When you enroll in direct deposit with your Chime account, your paycheck gets posted two days early. Total win when rent’s due. Thanks for lookin’ out for me.

Learn more about the best bank promotions here.

2. They Keep Asking for More Than You Can Give

Your current bank: Charges you for not completing a required number of transactions each month.

That new bank: Doesn’t hold anything against you; has you and your finances’ best interests in mind.

We’ve all been with that bank. You know, the one that wants to charge you overdraft fees, requires you to keep at least $1,200 in your account (cough, Bank of America) and even requires you to make a certain number of transactions each month.

Perhaps the worst part is it charges you ATM fees just to access your own, hard-earned money.

The audacity.

Then, from across the room, you spot Chime Bank. No overdraft fees, no monthly fees, no minimum balances, no foreign transaction fees and no transfer fees.

Oh, heeeyyyyy.

Plus, Chime customers have access to thousands of fee-free MoneyPass ATMs. (There’s an ATM Finder in the Chime app.)

Remember: Love don’t cost a thing.

3. They Won’t Just Talk With You About a Problem

Your current bank: Isn’t willing to sit down and have an adult conversation about something; proves impossible to get in touch with.

That new bank: Maintains an open line of communication; speaks to you as if you’re a real, sane human being.

Yup. We’ve experienced this type of relationship, too. The bank that’s impossible to get in touch with unless you put on real pants and go to its brick-and-mortar location, where maybe you’ll finally get some answers.

Or maybe you just sat on hold for 20 minutes (the silent treatment is the worst), and you can’t handle the childishness anymore.

#BoyBye

But then your friend introduces you to real customer service through Aspiration Summit Checking Account. Sure, it’s an online-only account, but being in a long-distance relationship doesn’t mean you can’t communicate effectively.

Because Aspiration is online, it’s been able to cut brick-and-mortar expenses, which means it can put more resources toward customer service. Those fine folks are available via phone Monday through Friday or through live chat and email on the weekends.

Plus, the representatives we’ve worked with have all been super nice and patient.

It’s simple, really. We all just want to be heard.

4. You Constantly Make Sacrifices Just to See Them

Your current bank: Resides across town, which requires you to sit in way too much anger-inducing traffic just to see them; refuses to come over to see you.

That new bank: Stays with you no matter where you go — even if you decide to take a trip internationally.

They’re not exactly ghosting you, but it doesn’t feel very good to put in all the effort to see them…

That’s why it’s nice when you make a connection with a company like Chime that has an easy-to-access website and an intuitive app.

Now it’s always in your pocket. You can easily check recent transactions, initiate transfers or even pay bills (because it always dawns on you at the most inconvenient times that a deadline is approaching…).

Plus, with an online-only account, you know the app is going to be quality because, well, that’s where it lives. Chime’s app has a near five-star rating in the iTunes and Google Play stores.

A little effort really goes a long way.

5. They Don’t Get Along With Your Friends

Your current bank: Refuses to connect with any of your close friends.

That new bank: Is always happy to converse and collaborate with your long-time buddies.

What’s worse than when your bank doesn’t get along with your favorite apps? It just makes things awkward.

We prefer a bank that’s willing to connect with our favorite budgeting and investing apps to make life a bit easier.

Remember Chime Bank? Although it’s a relatively small company, it’s recently taken strides to pair up with other fintech apps like Stash, Acorns and Robinhood.

Or, if you prefer to just focus on your boo (or don’t have friends), Chime has built-in savings options, too.

For example, you can set a portion of your paycheck to automatically deposit into your Chime Savings account. Or opt in for its round-up feature, so each time you swipe your Chime debit card, it rounds to the next dollar, and the change goes into savings.

Now, see? Everyone’s getting along.

You Deserve a Better Bank, Honey

Let’s be real. We all deserve to be with a bank that wants to be with us.

So why not take a leap and swipe right on something new?

Fine print from Chase:

Checking offer is not available to existing Chase checking customers, those with fiduciary accounts, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance. To receive the $200 checking bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; 2) Deposit $25 or more at account opening; AND 3) Have your direct deposit made to this account within 60 days of account opening.  Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. After you have completed all the above requirements, we’ll deposit the bonus in your new account within 10 business days. You can only receive one new checking account-related bonus per calendar year. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT.

Account Closing: If your checking account is closed within six months after opening, we will deduct the bonus amount at closing.

Editorial Disclosure

This content is not provided by the bank advertiser. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of the bank advertiser. This site may be compensated through the bank advertiser Affiliate Pro

Carson Kohler ([email protected]) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. After breakups, she allows herself a few days to wallow in bed with her cat, eat Cheetos and splurge on too-expensive Brookside chocolates.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The secured Chime Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.

MyPay® line of credit provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. MyPay services provided by Chime Capital, LLC (NMLS ID 2316451).

Chime is recommended by more of its users in the 2024 Qualtrics® NPS study when compared to top national banks and select fintechs. THE #1 MOST LOVED BANKING APP is a Registered Trademark of Chime Financial, Inc.

* Terms apply. Limited time only, must open the new account and complete qualifying activities to earn 3 individual rewards, up to a max of $350.00, as described at https://www.chime.com/policies/newmemberofferv3.

1 Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

2 Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at FCTI® ATMs in a 7-Eleven® or Speedway, or any Allpoint® or Visa® Plus Alliance ATM participating in the Allpoint network.

3 SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, “SpotMe”). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month.

Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. SpotMe for Credit and SpotMe on Debit share a single SpotMe limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners’ discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won’t cover non-card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe Terms and Conditions.

4 With a qualifying direct deposit, earn 1.5% cash back on eligible secured Chime Visa® Credit Card purchases. Please refer to the Secured Chime Visa® Credit Card – Cash Rewards Program Addendum for details and more information on rotating cash back categories.

5 On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

6 Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.

7 Money added to Chime Card™ will be held in a secured deposit account as collateral for your Chime Card, and you can spend up to this amount. You can use money deposited in your Secured Deposit Account to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

8 You must notify your financial institution immediately of any unauthorized use. For specific restrictions, limitations and other details, please consult your issuer.

9 To be eligible for Chime+™ status, you must receive a qualifying direct deposit to your Chime Checking Account in the preceding 34 days. Certain products marketed as Chime+ benefits have additional eligibility requirements. While some Chime+ benefits may have associated fees, none of these fees are mandatory to access Chime+ benefits or to maintain Chime+ status. See Chime+ Terms and Conditions for details.

10 To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account in the preceding 36 days as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. See Bancorp MyPay Agreement or Stride MyPay Agreement for details.

11 Top three national bank ranking according to the Federal Reserve Statistical Release based on domestic assets; number of ATMs self-reported by Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo – June 2025.

12 To apply for a Chime Card, you must also open a Chime Checking Account.

13 Chime Visa® Credit Card holders – Deposits and debit refunds go to your Checking Account, then transfer to your Chime Card Secured Deposit Account – other than Chime Card cash deposits at retailers, which go to your Chime Card Account, then transfer to your Secured Deposit Account. Funds are moved from your Secured Deposit Account to your Checking Account to facilitate outbound transfers and debit purchases. Your Available balance is the money you can spend with your Chime Card or Checking Account. See account agreements and statements for details.

14 Chime will report the following activities, as applicable, to TransUnion®, Experian®, and Equifax®: amount past due; payment status of the last paid-off balance; how long you’ve had your card; current statement balance; last balance payment date; and highest balance before paying it off.