When you attempt to make a purchase with your credit card, you may occasionally receive a declined message. This can be frustrating, especially if you're not sure why your card was declined.
There are many different reasons why a credit card may be declined, but luckily most of them are easily fixable. In this article, we'll explain some of the most common credit card decline codes and what you can do to fix them.
What is a Credit Card Decline Code?
When your credit card is declined, the issuer will usually give you a decline code. This code will explain why your card was declined, and can be useful in troubleshooting the issue. Not all issuers will give decline codes, but if yours does, it will usually be on the back of your card or in your credit card statement.
Common Credit Card Decline Codes
There are many different decline codes, but some of the most common are:
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Insufficient funds: This means that you don't have enough money in your account to cover the purchase. You'll need to add more money to your account or use a different form of payment.
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Invalid card number: This means that the card number you entered is invalid. Check that you entered the correct number and try again.
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Expired card: This means that your credit card has expired and is no longer valid. You'll need to use a different card or contact your issuer to renew your card.
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Invalid CVV: This means that the CVV (card verification value) you entered is invalid. The CVV is the 3-4 digit code on the back of your credit card. Check that you entered the correct CVV and try again.
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Card declined: This is a generic decline code that can mean any number of things. Try to use your card again or contact your issuer for more information.
How to Fix a Declined Credit Card
If your credit card is declined, the first thing you should do is check the decline code. This will give you a good idea of why your card was declined and what you can do to fix it.
If you don't have a decline code or can't find it, don't worry. There are a few things you can try that may help:
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Use a different form of payment: If you're trying to make a purchase with your credit card and it's declined, try using a different form of payment. This could be another credit card, debit card, or even cash.
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Check your account balance: If you're getting a decline code for insufficient funds, check your account balance to make sure you have enough money to cover the purchase.
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Contact your issuer: If you're still not sure why your card was declined, the best thing to do is contact your credit card issuer. They'll be able to tell you why your card was declined and help you troubleshoot the issue.
Preventing Credit Card Declines
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your credit card from being declined:
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Keep your contact information up to date: Make sure your credit card issuer has your current contact information so they can reach you if there's a problem with your account.
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Monitor your account: Check your credit card statements regularly to make sure there are no unauthorized charges. This will also help you catch any errors so you can dispute them.
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Know your limits: Be aware of your credit card's spending limit and try to stay below it. If you exceed your limit, your card may be declined.
Bottom Line
Credit card decline codes can be frustrating, but they're usually easy to fix. If you're not sure why your card was declined, check the decline code or contact your issuer for more information. You can also try using a different form of payment or checking your account balance.
If you're worried about your credit card being declined, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. Make sure your contact information is up to date, monitor your account regularly, and know your credit card's spending limit.
