Consumer complaint received 2024-08-26 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Problem with a lender or other company charging your account — Transaction was not authorized
Company: Chime Financial Inc
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Complaint Regarding Double Charge and Severe Consequences by Chime Bank To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal complaint against Chime Bank due to an improper and potentially fraudulent handling of my account, which has led to severe consequences. On XXXX XXXX, 2024, I made an online purchase on the XXXX website using my Chime debit card to buy car parts. The total amount was promptly deducted from my account, and the transaction was marked as completed. 

However, on XX/XX/year>2024, when I checked my account balance via the Chime app, I was shocked to find my account in a negative balance. Upon further investigation, I noticed that Chime had charged me again for the same transaction that had already been processed on XX/XX/XXXX. The transaction history showed the original completed transaction on XX/XX/XXXX and a XXXX  transaction with the same date ( XX/XX/XXXX ), but this one was marked as pending. It is clear that I was double-charged for a XXXX  purchase. 

I immediately contacted Chime XXXX XXXX XXXX to resolve this issue. Despite explaining the situation in detail, the representative informed me that because the XXXX  transaction was pending, I would need to wait up to XXXX days for the transaction to resolve and for the funds to be returned to my account. This response was unacceptable, as it appeared to be a system error, and I could not afford to wait XXXX days for the return of my funds, which I did not authorize to be withdrawn twice. 

After requesting to speak with a supervisor, I was told that the merchant, XXXX, had allegedly sent XXXX transactions within XXXX seconds of each other, and that the second transaction was the one causing the double charge. However, when I questioned why both transactions were not processed on the same day, instead of XXXX being held and charged XXXX days later, the supervisor could not provide a satisfactory answer. I was simply told it was likely an error and that I would still need to wait up to XXXX days for the pending transaction to be resolved. 

Because of this double charge, I was unable to fill up my car and ended up stranded in the middle of the freeway at midnight without gas. This situation placed my life at risk as I was left vulnerable to potential accidents. I had to call my insurance for towing, and they brought me to the nearest gas station where I am now stuck without access to my money. This entire ordeal has caused me significant stress, put my life in danger, and brought me immense shame. I am currently without any way to use my money and unable to even get home safely. 

I am requesting that the CFPB conduct an investigation into Chime Bank 's practices regarding this matter. Chime 's mishandling of this transaction has led to unauthorized double charges and has left me in a precarious situation without access to my funds. This experience has caused me great distress, and I urge you to look into this matter to ensure that Chime is operating in accordance with banking regulations and treating its customers fairly. 

Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation