Have you ever had your debit card declined? What ran into your mind at that moment, and did you find out the reason why? Here is a list of 21 possible reasons why you can have your card declined and how you can fix the problem.
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Why was my debit card declined? I know that having your debit card declined can be one of those embarrassing and frustrating events that many won't want to recall.
Someone will ask, “Why is my debit card declined, but I have money in the bank?” Well, let's find out these answers together.
We will look at the different declined debit card scenarios and common tips to avoid these debit card declines.
Table of Contents
Why Was My Debit Card Declined?
There is no doubt that debit cards provide one of the most convenient ways of making purchases at any point of sale. Unlike credit cards, using a debit card incurs no interest payments.
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However, like using credit cards, sometimes the merchant can decline your transaction when you swipe your card.
Reasons Why Your Debit Card Declined
Let us look at the most probable reasons why your debit card can get declined and how to fix a declined debit card.
1. Insufficient Funds
Insufficient funds in the bank account is one of the most common reasons your debit card can get declined. If you do not keep consistent track of your spending, you may run out of cash and not be aware of it.
Nonetheless, you may still be able to proceed with the transaction if you have overdraft protection. Overdraft protection ensures that your transactions or withdrawals go through despite having less amount in your account. But you'll be charged overdraft fees for that.
In some instances, you will have your debit card declined but charged. What is the reason? Well, in most cases, this represents a pending authorization. It means there is an unprocessed payment, and the pending charge will disappear after the payment is processed.
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How to fix it:
Keeping track of your bank balances is the best way to fix an insufficient balance issue. Find quick ways to get up to date with the current balances after every transaction through mobile or online banking.
If your financial institution has a mobile app, you can download it on your smartphone. This can help you quickly check your balance when shopping and know what you can be able to pay with your debit card.
Also, you can ensure that you always have enough money in your checking account by using apps like Personal Capital to manage your personal finances.
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Why Is My Debit Card Declined when I have Money?
2. Multiple Incorrect PIN Entries
Do you know your debit card PIN off the head? A PIN is a 4-digit number usually added as an extra security feature. When your debit card is declined, but the money in the bank is enough to complete the transaction, you may have entered the wrong PIN.
The PIN helps ensure the person using the debit card is the real checking account owner. And, if you have not memorized your PIN number, you may make many wrong PIN entries.
When you enter the wrong PIN multiple times, the card provider may block the card. This is because entering the PIN incorrectly multiple times sends the card issuer a fraud alert.
The card provider then blocks it if they suspect your card has been stolen or is with an unauthorized person.
How to fix it:
Memorize the PIN to avoid entering the wrong one or making multiple wrong entries. If you have more than one bank account linked to that specific card, memorize each PIN and avoid confusing them.
Never write down the PIN on the card or keep it together with your card in your wallet. This could make it easier for a mugger to access your account if they steal your wallet.
If you have forgotten your PIN, you can contact your card issuer to reset it.
3. Wrong CVC
Just Like with a PIN, entering the wrong CVC/CVV ( a three or four-digit code on the back of your debit card) is a common reason for declined transactions. Even if you have sufficient funds, an incorrect CVC will cause the purchase to be rejected.
How to fix it:
To fix this, check that you are entering the correct CVC printed on your card and update any saved payment profiles with the right details. You can also contact your bank to verify the CVC they have on file.
4. You've Reached Your Daily Withdrawal Limit
Most financial institutions have imposed a 24-hour withdrawal limit on their customers' accounts. This helps to protect the customer's funds from fraudulent activities.
Sometimes, your debit card may be declined because you have reached your daily withdrawal limits.
How to fix it:
You can familiarise yourself with the daily withdrawal limits on your account. You can talk with your card provider to extend the daily limit if you plan to make massive purchases or withdrawals.
If you inform your bank before making a transaction, they may allow you to transact beyond your daily spending limit.
See Related: Can You Cash a Damaged Check?
5. The Card has Expired
Debit cards have expiry dates. If you transact with an expired card, it won't be accepted when making purchases or ATM withdrawals.
For instance, many people flock to the internet with questions on why they got their Chase or Wells Fargo debit card declined.
And although people may think of all the other possibilities, the card's expiry date doesn't usually click in their minds.
It's never on the first list of possibilities.
How to fix it:
Keep track of your card expiration date. When you know the date the card is due, you can request a replacement from your card provider in time. You will not lose access to your account, and your card won't get declined if it has not expired.
Destroy all the old cards after replacement because they may still contain some personal information that unauthorized people can misuse.
6. The Information You've Entered Doesn't Match Your Personal Details
Entering incorrect information might be the reason your debit card was declined. This mostly happens when making an online purchase.
Most merchants request you to enter some personal details, including the name on the card or your address.
If you have made any wrong entries or submitted inaccurate information, your purchase won't go through. When shopping online, you may be required to enter your zip code.
Your billing and shipping address may sometimes be the same. Ensure that you provide the correct billing information per the financial institution.
How to fix it:
Always ensure that the information you have entered matches what is on the card or what the bank recognizes before hitting the submit button.
If you relocate or need any information about your changes, make sure that you update the information on your financial accounts.
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7. Multiple Transactions at Once
Trying to process several purchases simultaneously can sometimes lead to debit card declines. Banks will block multiple charges in quick succession as a fraud prevention measure.
How to fix it:
To resolve, just space out your transactions and allow time between each one. You can also contact your bank to inform them of your upcoming activity so they can lift any temporary restrictions.
8. Single Enormous Purchase
If you are not used to making huge purchases, this can also become an issue if you do. Making an exceptionally large purchase that is outside your normal spending pattern can trigger a decline. Therefore, verify with your bank that your daily purchase limit allows for the transaction amount.
How to fix it:
You may need to have your limit temporarily increased when you need to make that huge purchase. Also, alert your bank beforehand of any unusually big upcoming purchases you plan to make.
9. Your Bank was Suspicious of the Transaction
When issuing debit cards, most financial institutions have a clause where you agree that they reserve the right to decline any transaction if they notice anything suspicious. Sometimes that can include surpassing your daily spending limit.
Such a security feature could cause delays. However, this keeps you safe if your debit card ends up with someone who wants to steal from you.
How to avoid it:
When planning to make a huge purchase or want to withdraw vast amounts of money, let your bank know beforehand for preauthorization.
10. You've Made an International Purchase
Your debit card could be declined if some transaction was unusual. For example, if you have done some international transactions.
Nowadays, you can use your debit card, such as a Visa or MasterCard, anywhere in the world. However, this also means that someone can steal and transact with your card from anywhere in the world.
Most banks can flag international purchases as unusual activities to keep you safe from fraud across borders.
How to avoid it:
Inform your bank when you are planning to travel. This way, the bank will not withhold the money when traveling.
Also, when traveling, make sure that you are acquainted with the ATM networks that can accept the card you have overseas.
This way, you won't swipe your card in the wrong place and won't be declined.
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11. Technical Issues
Sometimes, you could have some delays due to technical problems. The banks' or merchants' systems may be having issues processing the transactions even if you've done everything else right.
For example, they could be experiencing things like:
- Slow internet connection,
- Power failure along with the network for wireless card readers or
- Transactions overload.
How to fix it:
Since the fault is with your bank or merchant, you may not have control and can't avoid getting your card declined. However, you can always:
- Try again later,
- Consider using a different terminal or
- Wait until the systems get back up and running.
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12. Your Joint Holder Deactivated Your Card
If you have a joint account with your spouse, family member, or any other partner, you lose the authority to use the card if the other party deactivates it.
Most banks allow either partner to deactivate a debit card without the other party's consent if they suspect fraudulent activities or for any other reason.
This can be a good thing when one card has been stolen because you can ask the other person to go and deactivate the account.
If one party deactivates your debit card, you won't make any purchases or withdrawals.
How to fix it:
If you're operating a joint account, ensure you have informed the other party of your intention. Also, you can create a clause that you sign for any significant changes, including deactivating or adding debit cards.
13. You Haven't Activated the Card Yet
Most banks require card users to activate their debit cards before using them. Some instructions include calling a specific phone number or withdrawing money through the ATM.
Every cardholder must follow these particular instructions to avoid getting their card declined.
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How to fix it
To avoid having your debit card declined, follow every instruction your bank gives for activation. You can also contact your bank for assistance.
For example, if your PNC debit card is declined due to non-activation, you can call 1-888-PNC-BANK (1-888-762-2265) anytime for assistance.
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14. The Card Type is not Acceptable
Not all checkouts and ATMs accept all types of debit cards. If you swipe your card at any checkout or an ATM that does not accept the kind of card that you are using, it could get declined.
Does your debit card have a magnetic stripe or EMV chip? Debit cards declined at any point of sale, or ATM could result from not using the payment method that the ATM or POS is asking for.
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How to fix it
Before swiping your card, always be sure they accept the card you are using, including American Express, VISA, and MasterCard.
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15. Vendor Issues
Sometimes, you might get your card declined for no reason. You try to figure out why but can't find the cause. This might be because the vendor is not in good standing with their banking services.
For example, some time back, a friend had her Chase debit card declined for no reason. She was sure that her account had enough money and was shocked to see the card declined.
When she contacted the Chase customer service representative, she learned that the problem was not the card; the vendor's card reader machine was. This means that the card and everything else was okay, but the swiping device couldn't detect or initiate a transaction with the card.
If you find yourself in such a situation, don't panic. You can try another outlet or contact your bank if the problem persists.
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16. Damaged Card
That's right! Your card might be damaged, leading to a declined transaction. The most common damage that happens to a debit card is with the magnetic strip. If the magnetic strip is damaged, the card won't work.
Also, you might notice some physical damage on your card that might render the card inactive. For instance, if the card is too bent.
How to fix it:
Avoid these issues by keeping your card safe and away from too much heat.
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17. Having Funds in a Different Account
An overdrawn account is a major reason why your debit card might be declined. If the account you intend to use has insufficient funds, your transaction will not go through, especially if you don’t have overdraft protection.
Also, you might have funds in a different account than the one you want to withdraw from. For instance, if the money is in your savings account but you intend to draw money from the checking account, your debit card will be declined.
This means that while you might have money in your bank, you might still be unable to use it if you use the wrong account. So, before trying to withdraw money, you might want to check your balance first using your phone or at the ATM.
How to fix the issue
This one is simple! All you have to do is to ensure there is enough money in your account for the purchases you intend to make. For example, you can transfer funds from, let’s say, your savings account to your checking account. This makes it possible for you to transact.
18. When More Information is Required
There are some cases when you might be required to provide additional information to complete a transaction on your debit card. This happens mostly when making online purchases.
For instance, a store might send you a code through an SMS that you must input to complete your transaction. If you don’t complete this step for any reason, your debit card will be declined.
How to fix it
Ensure you have your phone with you when making some of these purchases. Check for any incoming messages to ensure you don’t miss those important codes. It is a security feature that some websites and stores use to ensure your transaction is secure.
19. Geographical Location Issues
Sometimes, not being in your country of residence can cause your debit card to be declined. That’s right!
If you are traveling abroad, getting your debit card rejected when making purchases or trying to withdraw money is not unusual. Usually, some banks limit the use of their cards in some countries or regions, which might be the issue with your card. This limitation is referred to as geoblocking.
Financial institutions do this if the region or country is prone to fraudulent activities or is under sanctions. So, if you are traveling to a country that is geo-blocked by your bank, you’ll have to find an alternative way of paying for your expenses or purchases there.
How to fix it
If a region is under sanctions or is prone to fraudulent activities, it’s likely that this information is in the public domain. And even if you are not aware of it, a simple Google search will do.
So, before traveling overseas, always ensure that you do your research about the area. This way, you will not be caught off guard when you want to use some money from your account but can’t.
You can also call your bank to see if they can allow you to use your card there. That’s if you are already in the said region and the card has been declined.
20. Trying to Purchase a Gift Card with Your Debit Card
Sometimes, an attempt to buy a gift card with your debit card might be the culprit. But why?
Well, some banks and other financial institutions decline such transactions. This is mainly due to increased cases of fraud, where stolen cards are used to buy prepaid gift cards for later use. Such limitations can also be extended to some retailers who, like the banks, are protecting you from those crafty fraudsters.
How to fix it
Don't use your debit card if you need to buy a prepaid gift card. Instead, make a cash purchase to prevent the embarrassing moments when the card is declined.
21. Having Multiple Online Accounts
Some people have several online accounts for online payments. Now, this can be the reason why your debit card is being declined.
If you have multiple online payment accounts, it might be problematic when making online purchases with your debit card. The problem arises when you try to add a different debit card to your online payments account. Since they can’t verify that you own both accounts, you might get your card declined.
How to fix it
Minimize the number of online accounts you set up for your online payments. If possible, set up only one account.
How to Fix a Declined Debit Card
A declined debit card can be frustrating, especially when you need to make an urgent purchase or payment. And as explained above, your card might be declined for numerous reasons.
For instance, you might have insufficient funds in the account, have entered the wrong PIN, or there is a problem with the vendor. For this reason, the solution for your card's decline will mostly be based on the cause of the decline.
Here are several troubleshooting tips that can help get your card working again quickly:
First, check your account balance to confirm there are sufficient funds available. Even if your balance shows money, a temporary hold or forgotten transaction could have brought it below the amount needed for your recent attempted purchase. Calling your bank to discuss your account and recent transactions can shed light on any balance issues.
Also, double-check that you have entered the card information correctly, including the 16-digit card number, expiration date, CVV code, and zip code. An error like a mistyped digit or transposed number can lead to a decline. Update any saved payment profiles with accurate details.
If you have made several purchases in quick succession, your bank may also flag this activity as suspicious and block further transactions. Therefore, try spacing out purchases over several hours or days to avoid this security measure. Also, inform your bank of your upcoming spending plans so they allow the charges.
Lastly, for expensive one-off purchases that seem unusually high compared to your normal spending, the amount alone can trigger a decline. You should, therefore, contact your bank and inform them of the large transaction you wish to make to get any daily purchase limits raised temporarily.
These are just but a few solutions to help fix your debit card decline issues. If you want to fix any other card decline problem, refer to the fixes explained earlier based on the cause of the decline.
How to Avoid Declined Debit Card Cases
Now that we know why a debit card might be declined, how can you avoid the scenario before it happens? Well, this is pretty easy! Just follow the solutions for a declined debit card as offered above.
For instance, ensure that you have sufficient funds in your bank account. This will prevent card declines due to insufficient funds. Also, if you plan to make a large purchase or travel outside your country, why not talk to your bank or credit union first?
Overdraft protection is also a great option to consider. The option ensures you can use more money than is currently in your account.
However, the overdraft can only be up to a specific limit; thus, you might want to link your card to another account. For instance, you can connect it to your savings account. Better still, you can apply for a line of credit.
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Credit or Debit Card, Which is Better?
It's not uncommon for anyone to wonder which of the two cards is better; a credit or debit card. And it's also not a straightforward issue.
Each of these cards has its merits and demerits. And it's upon you to decide which would work best for you. But my advice is to keep both cards in your wallet! Why?
A credit card is an excellent option for making certain purchases without any money in your account. It allows you to spend money you don't have and repay it later with some interest. When you use this card properly, it helps grow your credit score.
On the other hand, your debit card gives you access to the money you have in your account. It prevents you from overspending but does not affect your credit score.
Therefore, having both cards seems like the right thing to do.
See Related: Credit Card vs.Line of Credit
Conclusion on Why You May Have Your Debit Card Declined
Getting your debit card declined with no backup option could spoil your plans for the day. To rectify the situation, you must make timely changes or contact your bank beforehand.
The bank will help you resolve the issue and help you to make a purchase or withdrawal successfully.
Also, you can consider carrying your credit card to fix and cater to emergencies if the debit card situation is unresolvable.