If you have problems paying for Google products, you might need to fix a problem with your payments profile. If you try to buy something on Google Play but your payment is declined or won't process, learn how to fix payment issues.
Find the issue you’re experiencing below:
"Your transaction cannot be completed"
A variety of different situations may trigger this message. Try these suggestions to resolve the issue:
- If this message is followed by instructions for submitting additional information to us, please do so. The other steps listed are unlikely to resolve this issue.
- Check whether the billing address for your payment method (such as a credit card) matches the address recorded in your Google payments center settings. If they don't match, update your address in your Google payments center, and try the transaction again.
- Try using a Google Play gift card to complete the transaction.
- Try using the best interface for your computing device:
- If you're using a desktop computer, try the transaction using the Google product's website.
- If you're using a mobile device, try using the product's mobile app (if an app is available).
- If you're using guest checkout when the error occurred:
- Try signing in to an existing Google account and placing the order again.
- Try creating a new Google account if you don’t already have one and visiting the Google Store to try the transaction again.
"Unable to complete transaction: Expired card"
Check to find if your payment method is up to date. If it isn’t, update it in the Payments center.
"Unable to complete transaction. Please use another form of payment."
Note: These steps also apply if you find the error message "Your payment didn't go through. Please try a different payment method or try again later."
Try the following:
- Check to find if your payment method is up to date. If it isn’t, update it in the Payments center, then try your purchase again.
- Make sure you have enough money in your account for the purchase.
- If you’re still having issues, contact your bank to find if there’s a problem with your account.
- Try making the purchase again with a different payment method.
"Your payment was declined due to an issue with your account"
If you find this message, it might be because:
- We saw a suspicious transaction on your payments profile.
- We need a little more information to protect your account against fraud.
- We need a little more information to comply with EU law (European customers only).
To fix the issue, try the following:
- Go to the Payments center.
- Take action on any errors or requests in the payments center.
- You might need to verify your identity before you can buy anything through your Google Account.
- Make sure your name, address, and payment information are up to date.
"Unable to process payment: Low card balance"
You might not have enough funds in your account to make the payment. Check your account balance or contact your bank.
Verify an ineligible or unavailable card
Card is grayed out & says “verify on payments.google.com”
Your card was reported as stolen. You must verify the card before you can use it again:
- Go to payments.google.com and sign in to your account.
- If you have multiple accounts, sign in to the account with the grayed-out card.
- Click Payment methods.
- Next to the card that says “Verification needed,” click Verify
Charge card. - Within 2 days, you’ll find a temporary charge on your card statement along with an 8-digit code.
- To complete verification, go to payments.google.com and enter the 8-digit code.
Charge card.If you try to verify the payment method again:
- Confirm which card you want to verify.
- Check how long ago you tried to verify your card.
- If less than 2 days: Wait up to 2 days.
- If more than 2 days: Check your card statement. You should find a temporary charge from Google called “GOOGLE TEST,” with an 8-digit code.
Card is grayed out & says “card is ineligible”
You can't use this card for this purchase. Try to make the purchase again with a different card.
If the card you want to use isn’t listed, follow the on-screen instructions to add a new card.
Manage closed payments profile
Learn more about what to do if you temporarily or permanently closed your payments profile.
If you’re still having trouble, contact support.
Welcome to the new Google payments center help experience! You can now find support for both sellers and business consumers in one place. Learn more about what’s new.
As an expert in digital payments and Google products, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience to address the issues users may encounter when making transactions on Google platforms. My expertise extends beyond the surface-level information, allowing me to delve into the intricacies of payment profiles, account security, and troubleshooting common payment problems. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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"Your transaction cannot be completed":
- Possible triggers for this message are diverse, and additional information may be required.
- Billing address verification: Ensure that the billing address matches the one in Google payments center settings.
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"Unable to complete transaction: Expired card":
- Regularly check if the payment method is up to date and update it in the Payments center if needed.
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"Unable to complete transaction. Please use another form of payment":
- Verify the payment method's status and update it in the Payments center.
- Ensure there are sufficient funds in the account.
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"Your payment was declined due to an issue with your account":
- Reasons include a suspicious transaction, the need for more information to prevent fraud, or compliance with EU law.
- Users are directed to the Payments center to address errors and requests and may need to verify their identity.
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"Unable to process payment: Low card balance":
- Check account balance or contact the bank to ensure sufficient funds for the purchase.
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"Verify an ineligible or unavailable card":
- Instructions to verify a card reported as stolen, including a temporary charge and an 8-digit code.
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"Card is grayed out & says 'card is ineligible'":
- Users are advised to try another card if the current one is ineligible.
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"Manage closed payments profile":
- Users are directed to learn more about actions to take if they temporarily or permanently closed their payments profile.
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"Payments center updates":
- Introduction to the new Google payments center help experience, offering support for both sellers and business consumers in one place.
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"Contact support" and "Need more help? Try these next steps":
- Users are encouraged to seek assistance through support channels if they encounter persistent issues.
The provided information covers a comprehensive range of scenarios, providing users with a detailed guide to address payment-related challenges on Google platforms. If users face difficulties beyond the suggested steps, they are directed to contact support for personalized assistance.
