Why did my transaction get declined?

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Here are some possible reasons why your transaction declined:
 

Card isn't active

To activate your card, follow these steps in your Chime app:

1. Go to the Home screen.
2. Tap Activate Card on the home screen.
3. Follow the prompts.

If you cannot activate it, call us at [phone]. 

Transactions are disabled

Re-enable regular or international transactions by following the steps in How can I enable or disable transactions on my card?

Card is closed (lost, stolen, or expired)

If you reported your card lost or stolen and requested a new card, your transactions will be declined. If your card's expiration date is approaching, we'll send you a new one a few weeks in advance.

Until your new card arrives, you can make purchases and pay bills online with your virtual card. Learn more about it in What is Chime’s Virtual Card?

Account doesn't have enough money

If you need to add money to your Checking Account or Credit Builder secured account, open your app and tap Move Money.

Limits are exceeded

Your transactions can decline when you exceed the spending or withdrawal limit on your Checking Account, or the available-to-spend limit in your Credit Builder secured account.

To view your spending, withdrawal, and transfer limits in your app:

1. Go to Profile.
2. Tap Account info.
3. Tap View limits.

Wrong PIN

If you forgot your PIN, you set a new one in the app. Visit How do I set or change my PIN? for step-by-step guidance.

Wrong CVV code

You have the option to retry your transaction. When doing so, please ensure that you carefully enter the correct three-digit security code found on the back of your card. This number is located to the right of the signature box and is essential for verifying your card during the transaction process. Entering this code accurately will help prevent any further issues and allow your transaction to be processed smoothly.

Wrong expiration date

For your next transaction, be sure to use the expiration date listed on your current card.

Wrong billing address

If you entered a billing address that doesn't match the one associated with your Chime account, your transactions can decline. To solve this in your app:

To view or update your address in your Chime app:

1. Go to Profile.
2. Tap Personal info.
3. Find your address under Home. If you need to update it, tap the icon on the right.

Alternatively, make sure the address you entered while making the transaction matches your Chime account address.
 

Country is blocked

There are certain countries where Chime cards don't work. We can't change this on our end.

Issue with the merchant

Sometimes merchants or their payment systems may have unexpected errors. If this happens, try another method of running the card (e.g., swiping or inserting the chip rather than using contactless/tap to pay), or have the merchant enter your card details manually.