Why Was I Charged for a Declined Transaction on Chime?

• Chime Charged Me for a Declined Transaction? (2025 Guide & FAQs)**

It's super annoying when your Chime card gets declined, but it's even worse if you see a charge for something that didn't even go through. If you're seeing weird fees or holds after a payment failed, here's the lowdown on **why it's happening** and **how to get it fixed**.

• Why Did Chime Charge Me for a Declined Transaction?**
• 1. Merchant Hold (Most Likely)**

When you try to buy something, some businesses (think **gas stations, hotels, and rentals**) put a **temporary hold** on your funds—even if the payment fails.

• Example:** You try to pay $50 for gas, but Chime says no. The gas station might still put a **$1-$125 hold** on your card (it depends on the place).- **How long does it last?** Usually **1-3 days**, but it can take **up to a week** to disappear.
• What to do:** Just wait for the hold to go away, or call the store to make them take it off.
• 2. Not Enough Funds Fee (If You Use SpotMe)**

If you have **SpotMe** (Chime's overdraft thing) turned on but you go over your limit:

• Your payment might not go through.- Chime **won't charge you a fee**, but other businesses might hit you with a **failed payment fee**.
• What to do:** See if the business charged you (like Netflix or your gym).
• 3. Charge Happened Twice After Decline (Weird Glitch)**

Sometimes, a business **tries to charge you twice**—the first time fails, and the second time works. It might look like this:

• First try:** Declined (but it still shows as pending).- **Second try:** It works.
• What to do:** Tell Chime about the duplicate charge in the app.
• 4. International Fee (If Declined in Another Country)**

If you tried to pay in another country and it didn't work:

• Some banks charge a **fee for international payments** (even if they fail).- **The good part:** Chime **doesn't charge these fees**, but the business might.
• What to do:** Talk to the business or bank that handled the payment.
• 5. ATM Decline Fee (From the ATM, Not Chime)**

If you tried to take out cash from an ATM but didn't have enough money:

• Chime **doesn't charge you**.- But the **ATM itself** might charge a fee (usually **$3-$5**).
• What to do:** Use ATMs in the MoneyPass or Visa Plus Alliance to avoid fees.
• How to Get Your Money Back After a Declined Payment**
• Step 1: Look at Pending Payments in the Chime App**
• Open Chime → Tap **Transactions** → Look for payments that say **pending**.- If you see a hold, write down the **business and amount**.
• Step 2: Contact the Business**
• Ask if they put a hold on your card and when it will **go away**.- Some businesses can **take the hold off faster** if you ask.
• Step 3: Argue Against Charges You Didn't Approve**

If the payment goes through:

1. Go to **Transactions** → Pick the payment → **Report an Issue**.2. Pick **Dispute this transaction**.3. Send proof (screenshots, receipts).

• Step 4: Contact Chime**

If the hold lasts **longer than a week**:

• Call **1 (they're available all the time).- Ask them to **force the hold to go away**.
• FAQ: Declined Payment Charges on Chime**
• 1. Does Chime charge you if a payment fails?**
• Nope**, Chime **doesn't** charge fees for declines. Still:
• Businesses might put **holds** on your card or charge **failed payment fees**.- ATMs might charge **decline fees**.
• 2. How long does a pending charge stay after a decline?**
• Most go away in **1-3 days**.- Some take **5-7 business days**.
• 3. Can I make a hold go away faster?**
• Yep**, call the business and ask them to **cancel the hold**.- If they say no, just wait or **argue against it through Chime**.
• 4. Why did I lose money when a payment declined?**
• It's probably a **hold**, not a real charge.- The money will come back when the hold is gone.
• 5. What if the business won't take off the hold?**
• If it's been **more than a week**, call **Chime** for.
• 6. Can I stop a business from charging me after a decline?**
• Yes**, go to **Card Settings** → **Block Merchant**.
• How to Avoid Declined Payment Charges Later On**
• Check your money** before you buy.✔ **Use Chime Credit Builder** to get approved more often.✔ **Tell Chime before buying big stuff** (it helps avoid fraud declines).✔ **Don't use places that hold your money** (gas stations, hotels, rentals).✔ **Use virtual cards** for shopping online (easier to block if you need to).
• One Last Thing**

Most charges from failed payments are just **temporary holds** that disappear on their own. If a business is keeping your money unfairly, **argue against it through Chime**.

For quick fixes, check our troubleshooting guides or contact our dedicated email support team for personalized assistance.