Why did my transaction get declined?

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.

You can also activate through the app settings:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Account Settings.
3. Tap Activate new card.
4. Follow the prompts.

If you have trouble, call 844-244-6363 to activate by phone. 

Transactions are disabled

To re-enable transactions in the app:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Account Settings.
3. Turn on Allow transactions (the button will be green when this is turned on).

If you want to turn on international transactions, you do that on the same screen. 

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 temporary digital card. To find it in your Chime app:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Account Settings.
3. Tap View temporary card.

Your temporary card and physical card numbers will match once you receive and activate your new physical card. You won’t be able to use your temporary card after activating your new physical 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 Settings.
2. Tap Account info.
3. Tap View limits.

Wrong PIN

If you forgot your PIN, you set a new one in the app:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down to select Change your PIN.
3. Enter the new PIN.

Or you can call 1-844-244-6363 and follow the prompts to reset your PIN. Be sure to have your card on hand.

Wrong CVV code

You can retry your transaction, just make sure to enter the correct three-digit number on the back of the card, to the right of the signature box.

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 Settings.
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.

Still need help?

If you still need help, contact us.