Consumer complaint received 2022-12-12
Company: Chime Financial Inc
State: SC
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Managing an account
Sub-issue: Deposits and withdrawals

Complaint:
Re : Chime ... ... '' Chime - Online Banking - Banking That Has Your Back '' Below is a copy of the dialogue between myself and Chime regarding their closing my account with no explanation. The closure notice stated I had violated policy. I don't believe I did. I set the account up with an initial deposit of around {$20.00}. The account stayed up and open until my first Employers Wages Direct Deposit was received by Chime. That was when they closed the account, locked my out of seeing any transaction history and refused to return the deposited funds. Since I can not access the account I can relay that my estimate is that there was over {$350.00} on deposits. 

Below is the email dialogue. You may want to start at the bottom and read up. 

XXXX : Account closed by you XXXX XXXX XXXX XX/XX/2022, XXXX XXXX to Chime Re : Account Closure " Error '' Going Forward, I read " Clause 10 : Amendment and Cancellation '' in the " Chime Deposit Account Agreement '' as you suggested. I also read " Clause XXXX : Account Holds, Suspensions, Restrictions, and Closure ''. Under it you give yourself the right to close an account " without notice '' if " You '' deem it. Under it you list four reasons for closing an account. The list is not comprehensive. The account was only opened about two weeks ago, but not funded with payroll deposit until XX/XX/2022. The only transactions I have used the debit card for were to make withdrawals. I don't recall using the card for any purchases. Being trained in XXXX activities I can't see where anything I did would violate the second reason. 
And, the last two reasons under clause 9 wouldn't seem to apply here as the account hasn't been active for over six days for any sort of legal notice to be submitted or given my transaction history in the short time frame to be suspect of some action that violates the Deposit Agreement.

I would appreciate a " specific '' reason for the " closure '' of the checking account. Using the legaleze of the contract for the potential rationale that " may '' fall under the four reasons is vague. I suspect a judge would see that as well. 
Oh... .and yes as the contract stipulates, so will an arbitrator. 
Your manner and methods here are not very consumer friendly. I would actually prefer to remain a member. Since I know I didn't do anything wrong other than attempt to patronize your business ; I'd like an apology. 
For the time being, a " specific '' explanation is warranted. 
Regards, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX -- -- -- -- -- Forwarded message -- -- -- -- - From : XXXX XXXX XXXX Date : Wed, XX/XX/2022 at XXXX XXXX Subject : Re : Account closed by you To : Chime Member Services XXXX I sincerely hope your reference to a refund I related to any bank charges or fees for opening an account with your organization. If you are saying that you intend to keep my deposited funds, plan accordingly. I shall consider your actions as straight forward fraud. Unless my deposited funds are returned immediately you can count on being contacted by the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX 
END For you folks at CFPB, thank you so very much for any assistance you can bring. 

Regards, XXXX XXXX ( XXXX ) XXXX XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation