Common Reasons Behind the Declination of a Credit Card Payment

Credit cards offer a high level of financial freedom. However, there are times when your “friendly card” can disappoint you. This is usually when you try to pay for something using your credit card but the store owner informs you that the transaction has been declined.

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If you want to prevent such embarrassing moments with your credit card in the future, then it could help to learn about some of the common reasons why a credit card transaction can be declined. These are:

1. Unapproved Terms and Conditions
   Credit card providers update their terms and conditions from time to time. However, they usually inform the card holders through SMS alerts, emails, etc. If you have ignored such recent notifications and haven’t given approval to the new T&C then it’s possible for your credit card to be blocked. Fortunately, you can easily fix the problem by going through recent emails and giving consent to the updated T&C.
2. Wrong Credit Card Information
   If you have repeatedly entered a wrong credit card pin or CVV number when making a payment, then it could cause your card to be blocked for security reasons.
   It’s important that you remember your credit card details correctly to avoid unnecessary cancellations. However, if your card has been blocked already, then you can contact your provider to lift the ban. Usually, you have to visit the bank/provider in person.
3. Suspicious Purchase
   If you are making a big purchase that’s unusual for your purchase history, then your provider may block your card as a preventive measure. This is because they consider a possibility of a stolen card or some kind of fraud.
   There are many reasons why a credit card can be blocked. However, if you are well-informed, you can take appropriate action and nip the problem in the bud.