Chime SpotMe is designed to help cover specific types of transactions when your balance is too low—but it doesn’t apply to everything. If SpotMe didn’t work on your recent transaction, here are some common reasons why.
SpotMe only works for certain transactions
SpotMe covers what we call Qualifying Transactions, which include:
- Debit card purchases
- ATM withdrawals
- Cash back transactions
- “Over the counter” (OTC) withdrawals
Note: SpotMe can be used for automatic bill payments only if the biller processes the payment using your Chime card number. SpotMe cannot be used for payments set up with your ACH routing and account numbers (direct debit).
If your transaction falls into one of these categories, SpotMe may apply as long as you’re eligible and within your SpotMe limit.
SpotMe doesn’t apply to these types of transactions
SpotMe won’t cover:
- Pay Anyone or Split Bill payments
- Chime Checkbook payments
- ACH transfers (including direct debits like bill payments)
- Transfers to your Chime Savings Account
Transfers from third-party apps such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, gambling apps, crypto purchases and all investing platforms
Other types of third-party apps not listed here may also not be covered.
If you tried to use SpotMe for one of these, your transaction would be declined if your balance wasn’t enough to cover it.
You might have used the Credit Builder or Chime Card version of SpotMe on a restricted transaction
SpotMe also works with the secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card and secured Chime Visa® Credit Card but there are additional restrictions. For example, SpotMe for Credit can’t be used for:
- Any purpose that’s illegal under state or federal law (like gambling)
- Transactions that involve merchants Chime flags as suspicious or potentially linked to illegal activity
Chime reserves the right to deny SpotMe for Credit transactions if any associated card transactions or authorizations are from merchants that appear to be engaged in illegal activities.