Charlie Reviews 587

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.4

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently highlight the staff's patience, knowledge, and helpfulness, often describing them as courteous and professional. Many appreciate the early access to direct deposits, especially for social security payments, which helps with timely bill payments. People also value the strong fraud protection measures, such as transaction alerts and quick card locking for unrecognized activity. However, some customers also noted issues with customer service, citing long wait times, difficulties reaching representatives, and occasionally receiving unhelpful or boilerplate responses. A few people expressed dissatisfaction with payment-related problems, including flagged transactions, withdrawal limits, and challenges with transferring funds to other accounts.

What people talk about most

Payment

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with payment. Many reviewers appreciate receiving their... See more

Customer service

Clients share ambiguous opinions on customer service. Many reviewers praise the customer service team as... See more

Staff

Users describe positive interactions with staff, often highlighting their helpfulness and professionalism.... See more

Service

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of service, with some expressing significant dissatisfaction. Many... See more

Customer communications

People report ambiguous experiences with contact. Many customers express frustration with difficulties... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

It’s ok. I Do get my social security payments early, which I really like. But their “Fraud Shield” alerts are really irritating. It seems EVERY transaction gets flagged. Frustrating. Anyway.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I highly recommend Charlie to anyone in need of a secured, efficient, customer friendly debit card. Honestly, I was hesitant at first. So many scams are out there. After doing a bit of research regar... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great customer service and fraud protection. I receive a text with each and every transaction. When there was one I didn’t recognize, my card was locked immediately. Also the early social security... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have been enrolled with Charlie for over a year, and can say without any hesitation that this program is safe, secure and sound. Customer service is top notch with knowledgeable, patient, and... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Bank
  2. Financial Institution
  3. Non-bank financial service

Written by the company

Charlie is a banking solution designed for people 62 and older and receiving Social Security benefits. Charlie gives you more for your money, fraud protection to keep it safe, and delivers it with an experience that’s relatable and respectful.


Contact info

4.4

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

587 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

Replied to 92% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Everytime i call charlie

Everytime i call charlie , they take care of my needs no matter what they are, customer service is amazing and they take the time too solve all problems what ever they are , they are caring , knowledgeable , and have great customer service !! I am so glad i moved my social security too charle from chase !!! a happy customer thank you very much , Joanne DiLorenzo

15 September 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Joanne,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! We’re glad to hear that our customer service team was empathetic, knowledgeable and persistent in solving your problems. We strive to provide the best possible service, and it’s always encouraging to receive such positive feedback.
Thank you for choosing Charlie!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor Customer Service/No Fraud Protection

I had obvious fraud charges on my account totalling approximately 200 dollars all from the same company in July and August. I never heard of or used,and which when I Google found out its all over the internet that this is a scam.I was only able to report
100 of the charges as the others were still pending I was told to call
back in 3 days its been a week and customer service which is suppose
to be 24/7 is not available only a
recording .The recording states for faster service email us ,but when I
tried this i got only a email saying disputes can only be filed over the phone .I have never received the confirmation email for filing the first dispute that the agent promised and I am now realizing my 200 of my retirement benefits is gone with No way to recover, This company is nit what they claim I am canceling after this month and sending benefits back to my bank as they file legitimate disputes and refund money as do most reputable financial institutions.

7 July 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Janice, thank you for your review. We’re sorry to hear about your security concerns. We are committed to ensuring the highest level of protection for our customers and would like to investigate this matter further. We've tried to call and email several times to resolve your issue promptly.

You can reach us at support@charlie.com or call (866) 674-9629 our hours are 24/7. Thank you for your feedback, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I just open the account I have yet to…

I just open the account I have yet to speak with someone just trying transfer money from one account to another in order to pay my bills I do not want late payments and money was available to pay please what headache

9 August 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hello,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would like to help resolve the issue.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t locate your account based on the information provided. To assist you further, could you please reach out to us directly at (866) 674-9629 we are open 24/7.

We’re committed to ensuring you receive the support you need.
Thank you for your feedback, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Worst customer service EVER

Worst customer service EVER! You call the 866 # and want to talk to a rep...recording says wait time is 3 minutes (everytime I've called) to speak to a rep...30 minutes still waiting! You send a email to support...never get a repy!

4 August 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hello Ed,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would like to help resolve the issue.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t locate your account based on the information provided. To assist you further, could you please reach out to us directly at (866) 674-9629 we are open 24/7.

We’re committed to ensuring you receive the support you need.
Thank you for your feedback, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

To Ms Kathleen in Customer Service at…

To Ms Kathleen in Customer Service at CHARLIE FINANCIAL!!! I can't thank you enough for your incredible support during such a challenging time. Your help in retrieving my stolen money from the bank was invaluable, and providing me with credit to manage my bills made all the difference. I truly appreciate your kindness and assistance.

4 August 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Eric,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! We’re glad to hear that our customer service team provided incredible support during a stressful time. We strive to provide the best possible service, and it’s always encouraging to receive such positive feedback.
Thank you for choosing Charlie!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Mentally compromised loved one; beware of Charlie Visa

I have taken over my sister's finances, having a legal POA. She switched over to the Charlie Visa for her SS due to issues with scammers accessing her bank account. Initially checked out their website, noticed that it focuses on the senior citizens.
My initial phone contact with a Kathleen T went well; we were inquiring as to why my sister's account was frozen (we found out when a bill got denied by Charlie (the biller notified us, not Charlie)) and to discuss my managing the account; she was polite and provided us the information needed for putting the POA onto the account.
After a few frustrating attempts to check the account, only to be kicked out, we made a call to support, reporting the technical issue with both the website and app. Unfortunately, since then, there continues to be issues accessing the account (via website or app) and I have spent numerous of hours calling customer service, only to be told they are busy and to email their support group or to call back.
Today, I called three times; the third time I was given the option to leave my phone # for a call back. Though the customer service rep was friendly, my questions were met with long periods (10 minutes or >) of being put on hold while she researched the answer. Q1: We had sent the information required to put the POA on file at the beginning of June, and had heard not response back confirming receipt. Did you receive it? A: Yes it was approved and is on file in her account. Note that due to poor website design of the account, one does not see the POA on file; Q2: If my sister's account is fraudulently accessed, is the funds that are taken replaced by Sutton Bank, FDIC? A: Yes; Q3: With the decline in my sister's mental health and inability to manage her finances, I asked that my phone # be added to the approval phone or used as the primary. A: I was then referred to a manager, Ms Turner, who proceeded to tell me that despite having a POA on file, I could not change the contact # and that I should go thru my sister's phone carrier, give them a copy of the POA, so I can access her phone. Hmmm, really?
Definitely not impressed with Charlie Visa policies nor the technical aspect of their website and app.
WARNING: For those of you with a mentally compromised loved one; beware of Charlie Visa

Update: Received email back from Charlie after responding to a survey regarding the phone contact. Unable to address POA concerns. Customer service said to be improving access.

3 August 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Beverly, thank you for sharing this, and I’m sorry for the stress this has caused. We have tried locating the cardholder to reach out but are unable to find this issue in our system. We requested your contact information so we can verify and assist, but please keep in mind that under no circumstance can we discuss the account without the account owner present.

We're here to help!
Please email support@charlie.com or call (866) 674-9629 open 24/7.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Why is it hard to contact the customer…

Why is it hard to contact the customer service team I need to get back into my account

30 July 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Deborah,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would like to help resolve the issue. Unfortunately, we couldn’t locate your account based on the information provided. To assist you further, could you please reach out to us directly at (866) 674-9629. We’re committed to ensuring you receive the support you need.

Thank you for your feedback, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

CHARLIE FINANCIAL!! MASTER THIEVES EXTRAORDINAIRE!

MASTER THIEVES EXTRAORDINAIRE!

This sham operation hits below the belt. They attack the weakest population in the United States. Seniors and disabled. They promise to generate your social security monthly payments earlier than the SSA-prescribed first week of every month, and that much they accomplish, but if there is ever a hitch in the giddyup, they are IMPOSSIBLE to reach by phone and they do NOT answer emails. I JUST called 4 times too verify before I wrote this (1006am CDT 7/30/25) and when it asked for my card number or to hit star if the card was lost or stolen, i hit star, and was told I'd be connected to the next available operator. 20 seconds later, they say there is noone available and to leave a message and they will call back, THEN THEY HANG UP ON YOU BEFORE YOU CAN LEAVE ONE!!! These clowns are now holding $1100 of my mney and I cant get a hold of anyone so I'm reporting them to both the Soc. Security Admin,. and the FDIC, as well as the Federal Trade Commission. They say they open at 9am central yet they NEVER are. I'm pulling out and also gonna report their illicit parent company, Sutton Bank, which acts like they have nothing to do with Charlie when its convenient for them to do so.

7/31/25 UPDATE
The OUTRIGHT LIES CONTINUE
In the miniature reply by Charlie Financial they claim to have made numerous attempts to reach me by phone, when , If you actually READ MY COMPLAINT, you can clearly see I have NO Phone access since my phone was stolen a week ago, so That's lie #1. In going thru all my email since they posted that claim dated yesterday, 30 July, there have been NO emails sent to me other than one woman, a "Kathleen" who seems willing to handle the situation. I offered to have a ZOOM call with her and I have NOT had a response from her as of 143pm CDT 31 July. So the false claims keep on "rollin, rollin, rollin...".

28 July 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Timothy,
We take your concerns seriously and have made multiple attempts to reach you by phone and email. We understand how frustrating long wait times can be and are actively working to improve this. We’d love the opportunity to help resolve your issue. Please check your email for our outreach. Thank you for choosing Charlie Financial.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

The biggest issue I have with Charlie…

The biggest issue I have with Charlie is how long it takes for them to answer the phone! Not very effecient to have customers waiting - gives them a time to think about switching to another institute.
2nd issue, discussions regarding things like filing a dispute don't seem to be recorded even though they say they are. I have called days later for a report and the CR shows no sign of the call. These things have cost me money, which no one likes. I would suggest you look deeper into Charlie before signing up.

27 July 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Kimberly,
Thanks for sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear about the frustration. We’ve called and emailed you to help resolve this issue directly. We’re always working to improve our customer service. Your feedback helps us do better. We look forward to speaking with you!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I cannot stand Charlie

I cannot stand Charlie, it blocks me and I cannot ever get ahold of customer service. Needless to say, I cannot use MY money!

20 July 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would like to help resolve the issue. Unfortunately, we couldn’t locate your account based on the information provided. To assist you further, could you please reach out to us directly at (866) 674-9629. We’re committed to ensuring you receive the support you need.

Thank you for your feedback and we look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Pissed off

Had a dispute on two online purchases. That I didn't make. Never received a text stating the purchases. I don't live where they purchased and have never bought or purchased anything like those. Also can see on that card several fraud charges were tried from another country. Now they want me to pay the $1200 back for those purchases. That's why I hate Charlie.Not a bank. A tru bank wouldn't do this to me. They need to have a better group of people investigating this issue. I'm in disability and don't ever charge this kind of amount.

2 June 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Kathy,
We're truly sorry for the stress this situation has caused. We take all disputes seriously and would like to review your case further. We sent you an email from support@charlie.com to better understand. Please reach out so we can help.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Unethical Practices

It started out good but now they won't honor their $200 promotional offer. Praying on senior citizens too. They offered $200 for seniors to deposit their social security checks by direct deposit. After three consecutive months of direct deposit you get the $200. It's been over three months and their trying to the me $25. I also made a $60 deposit by electronic transfer into my brokerage account. I got an email from them that my brokerage account had been successfully linked and my brokerage account had received my deposit. I week later I get a notice from my brokerage account reversed my deposit. This is after I had bought stocks and crypto with MY money. When I called to inquire about this...they have no record of these transactions and told me "They don't support crypto". I don't care weather they support it or not. I was not trying to buy crypto from my Charlie account. I transferred money somewhere else so I could buy whatever I want to buy. They took it among themselves to withdraw my transfer because they didn't like that I invested it into a Digital Asset, a commodity that their uneducated institution hasn't researched. I am furious that their denying that they did it. Record of the transfers was their response to me.

15 July 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Louise,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand your frustration and want to clarify that Charlie does not offer a $200 promotion. If you saw this offer advertised elsewhere, it may not have come from us directly. We’d be happy to look into your account and provide clarity on any bonuses or deposits you may be eligible for.

As for your external transfer, we do not block where customers send their money, but we also don’t support crypto purchases directly from Charlie. If funds were returned or reversed, it’s often due to issues on the receiving institution’s end. Still, our team is here to help and can provide documentation or additional info if needed.

Please give us a call so we can help you. We truly value your trust, Louise, and are here to support you every step of the way.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Trouble sending money

I sent my rent money to my landlord via their send money on the app.
Some reason their was an issue so they put money back in account to try again.again some issue. Now my landlord is pissed,now I have to have them put money back in account so I can either transfer to my old bank and write him a check or just get cash for him along with $25. Late charge because now my rent will be more than 5 days late.
Changing my direct deposit back to my old bank and am done with Charlie,
No Angels here.

29 June 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like your Money Transfer is expiring and going back into your Charlie Financial Account. This is a very easy fix and we'd love to walk you through it! We requested your contact information. Please get back to us as soon as possible so you can avoid the late fees.
If you don't feel like calling, feel free to email us at support@charlie.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Scam artist

I was checking Charlie out and I believe they are fraudulent people ,I never gave them permission to contact Social Security on my behalf, I don't trust them

25 June 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Diane,
Thank you for your feedback and we'd like to address your concerns.

At Charlie, our goal is to make banking easier for the 62+.
One of the key features is helping to set up Social Security deposits so funds arrive 3–5 days early without the hassle of calling the Social Security Administration and waiting on hold. During the sign-up process, customers are asked to check a box confirming they’d like us to assist with this step before we move forward.

We take privacy and transparency seriously, and we’d love to review your account or answer any questions.
We do can not find your name in our cardholders so we have requested your contact information, please get back to us as soon as possible so we can assist your further. You can also reach out anytime at support@hicharlie.com.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Keeping Seniors Safe and Supported!

Great company with strong fraud protection for seniors. They really care and make sure clients feel safe and supported.

16 June 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Agustina, thank you for your great review! We’re pleased to hear that you feel secure with our fraud protection measures. Protecting our customers' financial information is a top priority for us, and it’s encouraging to know that our efforts are making a difference. If you ever have any concerns or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for choosing Charlie!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I had someone do fraudulent charges on…

I had someone do fraudulent charges on my account took 400 dollars.I needed to pay bills I got things cut off
I just wanted my money back don't know Will I see it again.

31 May 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Eddie, thank you for your review. We’re sorry to hear about your security concerns. We are committed to ensuring the highest level of protection for our customers and would like to investigate this matter further. We've sent you an email to resolve your issue promptly.
Thank you for your feedback, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Will not help if when you can get them

Will not help if when you can get them

29 May 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hello,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’re sorry to hear about your experience and would like to help resolve the issue. Unfortunately, we couldn’t locate your account based on the information provided. To assist you further, could you please reach out to us directly at (866) 674-9629. We’re committed to ensuring you receive the support you need.

Thank you for your feedback, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The problem of your advertisement

The problem of your advertisement, we all see all stars and green. But on the other hand, you don’t tell the truth, regarding fees. I wonder elderly people, no matter what age do they really seek the pros and cons of anything on Google? Just saying not judging

22 May 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Hiram,

We have reached out to better understand your concern.
We do not have fees for signing up, minimum balance, transactions, nor monthly account fees. We do not charge fees or interest for early access to Social Security payments.

Charlie only charges fees for out-of-network ATM withdrawals and balance inquiries, card replacements (the first replacement is free of charge), and international transactions.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I love Charlie and the accessibility of…

I love Charlie and the accessibility of my funds a few days earlier. However, I don’t like having to wait ALL DAY for the deposit to come in. I wanted to take my vehicle in early for servicing but I couldn’t because I had to wait for my deposit to come through. It would be nice if the deposit could go in during the wee hours of the night before so it could be there bright and early the next day. This way, if you have something to do, you can get out early enough to get it done. Other than that, I have had no issues with Charlie Financial.

16 May 2025
Unprompted review
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Beverly,
Thank you for your positive feedback! It’s great to know that our efforts to provide excellent service are appreciated. We’re committed to continually improving and providing you with the best banking experience possible. If you’d like to provide more feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you for choosing Charlie!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Agents there are always right on…

The Agents there are always right on point when it comes to anything that I might need help with.

10 February 2025
Charlie logo

Reply from Charlie

Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! We’re glad to hear that our customer service team was able to assist you promptly and efficiently. We strive to provide the best possible service, and it’s always encouraging to receive such positive feedback.
Thank you for choosing Charlie!

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