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Why is my purchase being declined?

Understanding the reasons a purchase can be declined, and next steps for resolve them.

Christian avatar
Written by Christian
Updated over 3 years ago

There are many reasons why your card might be declined but for security reasons, we aren't able to see why exactly your card was declined. Below are some of the most common reasons for card declines and what to do next:

The Wrong Information Was Used

You might have entered the wrong billing information or credit card details during the checkout process. Refreshing the current page and double-checking the transaction information you enter in the form usually solves the issue. Please double-check the:

  • Card number

  • CVV

  • Card expiration date

  • Billing address

  • Zip Code

The CVV is a 3 digit number located on the back of the card (for AMEX cards, it's a 4 digit code on the front).

If the issue persists you should contact your card issuer or bank to see if your card has a hold for another reason.

The Transaction Was International

Some banks will flag international transactions as a form of protection. Contacting the bank to approve the transaction will typically solve the issue.

The Browser or Cache is Causing Issues

Sometimes a particular browser can experience technical difficulties. Switching browsers usually solves the issue. For example, if you’re using Internet Explorer or Safari, try Google Chrome.

In other cases, you may need to clear your cache. When someone visits a website their browser will save pieces of the site so that it loads faster. However, updates to a website can make the files in the cache obsolete and cause issues. To fix this, clear your cache in your browser's settings.

The Card Has a Hold

If the reasons above are not the cause for the declined card, the card issuer or bank has likely placed a hold on the card. Card issuers and banks do so to protect their cardholders from fraud.

There are a variety of reasons a card can be flagged for fraud and frozen - such as making some abnormal purchases recently. To solve the issue, you simply need to contact your card issuer or bank to authorize the transaction.

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