Consumer complaint received 2025-12-01 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Managing an account — Problem using a debit or ATM card
Company: Chime Financial Inc
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I opened a Chime checking account around mid XX/XX/year> primarily for the advertised {$350.00} new account promotion and to have a simple checking account for my direct deposits. Before and after opening the account, I called Chime customer service 3 times to confirm the promotion, the eligibility rules, and that it was attached to my account. Both representatives told me I was enrolled and all set and that I only needed to receive my first qualifying deposit. 
After my first qualifying deposit posted, I never received the {$350.00}. When I contacted Chime again, I was told there was no promotion on my account and that nothing shows on our end, directly contradicting the earlier calls. Thry basically shrugged their shoulders and said there is nothing they could do. No one could explain why I was told I was enrolled or provide proof. This is misleading and deceptive. 

On XX/XX/year>, the situation became much worse. I went to purchase basic groceries and other essentials and my Chime card was declined multiple times. I tried swiping as debit, entering my PIN, resetting my PIN, and even using the virtual debit card in the app. Every attempt was declined. The store staff repeatedly told me they do not accept credit cards, only debit. 
I was under the impression that I had a normal checking account with a debit card. Only after multiple calls and escalations did Chime inform me that the physical card they sent is actually a credit-builder card, not a checking debit card. I never enrolled in any credit-builder program, my app shows only a checking account, and I never received the standard white Chime debit card. I only have the green chime card which I thought was a debit card, only to be told it is not. I did not knowingly authorize them to open or issue any type of credit product. 

Chime representatives told me the card could only be run as credit, even though the store I was in does not accept credit transactions. I spent over 2 hours in the store trying different options, on the phone with Chime, and repeatedly explaining that I needed a working debit card. I ultimately had to leave without any of the items I needed and later go to a more expensive store which accepted credit, which increased my costs. 

I am a government employee already dealing with financial stress due to government delays and shutdown-related issues. Being denied access to my own funds for basic necessities made that hardship significantly worse. I left the store feeling embarrassed, overwhelmed, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX from the stress and confusion. 

On top of that, it is extremely difficult to reach a live person at Chime. Their automated AI system often prevents you from getting to a representative even when you repeatedly request one. When I finally do reach someone, I receive inconsistent information or am told there is nothing they can do. 

At this point : I do not have a usable debit card tied to my checking account. 

I still have not received the {$350.00} promotion that was confirmed twice before I opened the account. 

I do not understand why a credit-builder card was issued without my clear consent, and I am concerned about the impact this may have on my credit reports. 

I have wasted hours on the phone and in stores, and I have experienced emotional and physical stress from this situation. 


I feel that Chime has misrepresented my account, mishandled my funds access, and failed to provide clear and accurate information or effective customer service.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation