Enable international transactions in the Chime app or online
To allow purchases outside the United States on your Chime debit card, open the Chime mobile app, tap the card icon at the bottom, select your card, and toggle International Transactions to the on position. The setting takes effect immediately. If you use the web version at chime.com, log in, go to Card Settings, find International Transactions, and turn it on there instead.
Chime blocks international transactions by default as a fraud prevention measure. When you enable the setting, you can use your card for purchases, ATM withdrawals, and online transactions in other countries. The toggle stays on until you manually turn it off, so you do not need to re-enable it for each trip.
If you cannot find the International Transactions toggle, make sure your app is up to date. Open your phone's app store, search for Chime, and install any available update. Older versions of the app may not display this setting.
Key Takeaways
- International transactions are turned off by default on Chime cards, and you must enable them manually through the app or website before traveling.
- The toggle is located in Card Settings within the Chime app and takes effect right away without any waiting period.
- Enabling international transactions allows you to make purchases, withdraw cash at ATMs, and pay for online transactions outside the United States.
- You can turn the setting off at any time if you want to block international use again, such as after returning from a trip.
Where to find the toggle on mobile
In the Chime app, tap the card icon in the bottom navigation menu. This shows your active Chime card. Tap the card image itself to open card details. Scroll down until you see International Transactions listed under security or card settings. The toggle appears as a switch next to the label — tap it once to turn it on, and it will change color to show it is active.
Some users see this setting under a Card Controls or Security section instead. If you do not see International Transactions on the main card details screen, look for a settings icon (usually a gear) on the card screen and tap that to reveal additional options.
Enabling it on the Chime website
Go to chime.com and log in with your username and password. Click on Cards in the left menu or top navigation. Select the card you want to modify. Look for Card Settings or a similar heading, then find International Transactions in the list. Click the toggle to turn it on.
The website version works the same way as the app — the change is instant and applies to your physical card right away. If you have multiple Chime cards on your account, make sure you are adjusting the correct one, since each card has its own international setting.
What happens after you enable it
Once international transactions are on, your Chime card will work at merchants, ATMs, and online retailers in most countries. Chime does not charge a foreign transaction fee, but the merchant or ATM operator may charge their own fees. Your bank statement will show the transaction in US dollars, converted at the exchange rate in effect when the transaction processes.
Enabling this setting does not change any other card features or security settings. Your daily spending limits, fraud monitoring, and other protections remain the same. Chime will still alert you to suspicious activity even with international transactions turned on.
Turning international transactions back off
If you want to block international use again — for example, after your trip ends — open the Chime app, go to your card, find International Transactions, and toggle it off. The change takes effect immediately, and any attempt to use your card outside the US will be declined.
Turning it off does not affect transactions that already went through. If you made a purchase before disabling the setting, that charge will still appear on your statement. The toggle only prevents new transactions from that point forward.
Troubleshooting if the toggle does not appear
If you cannot see the International Transactions option, first check that your Chime account is in good standing and your card is active. Frozen or closed accounts may not display all card settings. You can verify your account status on the main dashboard when you log in.
Update your Chime app to the latest version. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), search for Chime, and tap Update if one is available. After updating, close the app completely and reopen it. The International Transactions setting should now appear.
If the setting still does not show up after updating, contact Chime support through the app by tapping the menu icon and selecting Help or Support. A representative can check whether your account has access to this feature or troubleshoot why it is not displaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chime charge a fee for international transactions?
Chime does not charge its own foreign transaction fee. However, the merchant, ATM operator, or currency exchange service may charge a fee. Always check with the ATM or merchant before completing a transaction if you are concerned about fees.
Can I enable international transactions for just one day or one trip?
No, the toggle stays on until you manually turn it off. You cannot set it to expire on a specific date. If you want to block international use after your trip, you will need to go back into Card Settings and toggle it off yourself.
What if my card is declined overseas even though international transactions are on?
The merchant's system may not accept your card type, or there may be a temporary issue with the payment network. Try a different merchant or ATM. If the problem continues, contact Chime support to confirm your card is working and that international transactions are actually enabled.
Do I need to notify Chime before traveling internationally?
No, Chime does not require advance notice of travel. Simply enable international transactions before you leave. Unlike some banks, Chime does not have a travel notification feature, so you do not need to call ahead or fill out a form.