# Why is Chime not refunding money? Here’s What You Need to Know

If Chime is not refunding your money, it usually means the refund is still being processed by the merchant, delayed by banking timelines, or held for verification. Chime itself does not control the speed at which merchants release refunds—Chime only posts the money once it is sent to them. Still, delays can be frustrating, so understanding how refunds work on Chime can help you know what to expect.

Merchant Processing Delays
The most common reason for refund delays is that the merchant has not yet finalized the return or reversal. Even if the merchant says they “issued” the refund, it can take them 3–10 business days to actually send the money back to Chime. Chime cannot post funds until the merchant initiates the transfer. For airlines, hotels, subscription services, and digital marketplaces, refunds often take even longer.

Refund Still Pending Authorization
Sometimes a transaction only shows as “pending” on your Chime account. In these cases, you won’t see a refund because the merchant has not fully processed the charge. Pending charges usually fall off automatically within 7 days, but some merchants—especially gas stations, hotels, or car rentals—may take up to 30 days before the hold is released.

Banking Timelines and ACH Delays
If the refund was sent through ACH or a bank-to-bank method, delays can occur due to settlement cycles. ACH transfers typically take 3–5 business days, and weekends or holidays can push the timeline further. Chime posts ACH refunds the moment they receive them, but they cannot speed up the transfer from the originating bank or merchant.

Internal Verification or Account Review
If Chime detects unusual activity or flags your account for security review, refunds may be temporarily held until verification is complete. This usually happens when large refunds, multiple dispute claims, or high-risk transactions occur in a short period. Chime may request identity confirmation or documents before releasing funds.

Dispute Case Still Under Investigation
If you filed a dispute with Chime, the investigation may take up to 45 days depending on the transaction type. Chime often provides a provisional credit, but if they are still reviewing evidence or waiting for merchant information, the final refund may take longer than expected. If the dispute is denied, the provisional credit may be removed.

Refund Was Returned to the Original Payment Method
Sometimes customers expect a refund to appear in their Chime Spending Account, but the merchant sends it back to the original card, old card, or closed account. In this situation, the refund must be rerouted internally by Chime’s payment processors, which can add extra time.

What You Can Do
If your refund is delayed, you can take these steps:

Contact the merchant and ask for the refund confirmation number or ARN (Acquirer Reference Number).
Check your Chime app’s Transactions section for pending or posted items.
Contact Chime support through chat, email, or phone with the merchant’s refund proof.
If the merchant refuses or delays the refund, you may file a transaction dispute through Chime.
FAQs

Does Chime have live chat?
Yes, Chime offers a 24/7 live chat directly inside the Chime mobile app. You can open the app, go to Settings → Help → Chat With Us, and connect to an agent within minutes. Live chat is the fastest way to ask about transactions, disputes, login issues, account changes, and card problems. You can also message support through the Help Center on Chime’s website if you’re not logged in.

Can Cash App take money from Chime?
Yes, Cash App can take money from your Chime account if you have linked your Chime debit card or Chime account and routing number to Cash App. When you initiate “Add Cash” on Cash App, the app pulls funds from your Chime account. Cash App cannot automatically withdraw without permission—you must confirm the transfer. Any unauthorized withdrawals can be disputed through Chime.

Where can I load my Chime card for free?
You cannot load cash for free directly onto your Chime card at retail stores, but you can receive free deposits electronically. Free ways to load your Chime account include:

Direct deposit from your employer or benefits provider
Bank transfers from linked external accounts
Mobile check deposit inside the app (if eligible)
Receiving money from another Chime member
Cash reloads at stores like Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS usually include a fee, which the retailer—not Chime—charges.

Why is Chime not refunding money?
Chime may not show your refund yet because the merchant has not released the funds, the transaction is still pending, or the refund is stuck in processing timelines. Refunds typically take 3–10 business days, depending on the merchant. If your account is under review or the refund was sent to an old card, delays can happen. You can request the merchant’s ARN (Acquirer Reference Number) and share it with Chime support to speed up tracking.

How much can you borrow from MyPay on Chime?
Chime’s “My Pay” or SpotMe® on Credit Builder allows eligible users to borrow small amounts—usually $20 to $200—depending on account activity, direct deposit history, spending habits, and credit behavior. Some long-term users with consistent direct deposits may receive higher limits over time. Chime adjusts SpotMe limits automatically, so you cannot request a manual increase.