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Having your credit card rejected can be disconcerting and frustrating. And if your card is rejected while you’re trying to make an online transaction, it can be difficult to understand why it is happening or what to do.
Many of the reasons a credit card might be denied in person are generally the same as why a transaction might not go through online — and most can be resolved by calling your credit card issuer.
Here’s why your card might be declined online, what to do if you find yourself in such a situation and how to prevent some rejections from happening in the first place.
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A fraudulent transaction is suspected
Suspected fraud is one of the most common reasons for your card to be declined. Credit card companies are usually hypervigilant when it comes to detecting suspicious activity, including unusually large purchases that are inconsistent with your spending habits and transactions that are made far away from your usual location.
While fraud detection can help to catch and stop instances of illegal card activity, it can also sometimes lead to credit card companies flagging legitimate charges.
If your card has been frozen due to a case of mistaken fraud detection, you can call the credit card company to verify that you’ve authorized the online transaction in question.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You can take steps to avoid unnecessary cases of falsely detected fraudulent charges — either online or in person. For example, if you're about to make a large purchase on a card, call the issuer first and let it know about the amount you're about to charge. This isn't foolproof, but it can prevent the charge from being declined in some situations.
» MORE: How to prevent credit card fraud
Unauthorized activity is detected
Some issuers have restrictions on the type of transactions you can make with your credit card. Your card may be declined if:
You’re trying to charge a gambling deposit
Many payment networks and card issuers do not accept gambling purchases, and therefore, any gambling-related transaction that you make — either online or in person — might be declined. You can call your credit card company at the number on the back of the card to find out whether it can be used to make gambling-related charges. In some cases, you may be able to use a digital wallet as your payment method when making a bet online.
You're buying cryptocurrency
As is the case with gambling, many large U.S. credit card issuers will not allow you to purchase cryptocurrency with your credit card. And issuers that do allow it might charge you a fee for doing so, and that fee could be steep.
On the other hand, some cryptocurrencies don’t accept credit cards as payment methods either.
» MORE: Credit cards that earn cryptocurrency
You’re using a non-compatible or unauthorized payment service
Your card may be declined in cases where you’re using your card to make an online purchase with an external service that your issuer does not allow. For example, American Express does not allow cardholders to use Plastiq, a third-party bill payment service, to make mortgage or utility payments. This means that any transaction that violates this restriction will be rejected.
Your card has a hold placed on it
Sometimes a merchant might place a hold on your account, which can affect transactions you make with your credit card. This typically occurs for travel-related charges when a hotel or rental car company, for example, might charge more than is owed to your card until you check out or return a borrowed vehicle. Certain merchants take this step to make sure you have enough available credit to complete the transaction and to protect themselves from risk.
Once the final transaction has been cleared, the hold will be removed from your account. But while this hold is in place, your available credit might be lower than expected and your card may be rejected if you charge more than is available.
If your card is declined due to a hold, you can contact the merchant to see the amount of the hold and when it will be lifted. If you’re making a reservation with a merchant that may have hold charges, make sure you’re informed about both the merchant's and your card issuer’s policies, and consider leaving some extra funds to fall back on.
Your card status has changed
If you’re an authorized user on someone else’s credit card, and you’re unknowingly removed by the holder of the account, your card will be rejected if you try to make a purchase. While an authorized user may be issued a credit card that can be used to make charges, the primary cardholder is the only one who can make changes to the account in question, including if and when to remove authorized users.
If you have been taken off of an account without your knowledge, you can contact the primary account holder to see if you can change your status. As an authorized user, you will not be able to add yourself back to the account.
Additionally, your credit card issuer might close your card without your knowledge due to delinquency or card inactivity. While an issuer is not required to reinstate a canceled card, you can call to see if there are any steps you can take to get your account back.
» MORE: Considering a joint credit card? Here’s what to keep in mind
There are typos or everyday mistakes
In addition to more consequential and potentially complex reasons your card might be rejected, there are some less serious mistakes that might be preventing your transaction from going through. Common oversights include:
You entered your card information incorrectly.
You have an old address or phone number still on file.
You reached your credit limit.
Your card has expired.
» MORE: Why was my credit card declined?
