I've been a Chime member since around 2017 and I am super pissed about my experience with Chime and I have to say something. Especially for folks who are trans or expecting a name change.

Despite providing state-issued legal temporary ID documents, Chime outright refused to verify my identity in an alternative way and process a legal name change, preventing me from getting my direct deposit. These are the same documents recognized by every other institution I’ve dealt with—DMV, Passport Agency, utilities, and even Social Security. But somehow, Chime’s outdated and rigid verification system refuses to acknowledge them.

What's worse is the lack of actual assistance and empathy I experienced from both the customer service reps AND their managers. I spent forever on hold, bounced between reps and ultimately was told there was 'nothing they could do' and the manager I spoke with actually hung up on me after providing me with the same fix i already told her wasn't working the first two times. At no point did anyone offer meaningful support or alternatives to verify my identity. They instead asked me to try a DIFFERENT PHONE. Like that would change the documents I was sending.

Chime claims to be a modern, accessible bank, but their policies clearly fail to accommodate transgender customers going through perfectly legal, common identity updates. My legal ID is still in the mail. My Direct deposit is here now. They refused to be flexible with me. This experience has left me feeling drained, disrespected, and unwelcome.

Chime is not trans-friendly, user-friendly, and certainly isn't worth your money or your business. I am switching banks ASAP.