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Top 12 reasons your debit card was declined
Avoid embarrassment when you check out by fixing debit card issues now.
There are 12 reasons why your debit card may have been declined. Here are a few ways to fix the problem and avoid it from happening in the future. These steps can help you avoid or address declines and ensure smoother transactions with your debit card.
Key takeaways
- Your card can be declined for various reasons, including entering the wrong PIN, exceeding your transaction limit, providing mismatched personal details, using an expired card and having insufficient funds in your account.
- International purchases, suspicious transactions, technical issues and geoblocking can also halt transactions beyond your control.
- Joint account holders can deactivate your card without your knowledge, and some banks or retailers prohibit using cards for gift card purchases.
- Always carry a backup payment method, like a credit card, to avoid frustration if your debit card is declined.
1. You’ve entered the wrong PIN
The personal identification number (PIN) you chose must be entered correctly in order for some transactions to be allowed. If you enter that number incorrectly, the transaction will automatically be declined.
How to avoid it:
Memorize your PIN and try not to confuse the cards if you have more than one account with a linked debit card. It’s never suggested that you write the PIN on the card or keep it in your wallet. This will make it easier for a thief to access your account if your wallet or purse is stolen. If you’ve forgotten your PIN — or are locked out of your account because you’ve entered the wrong number too many times — call your bank to have it reset.
2. You’ve reached your transaction limit
To help protect your funds, most financial institutions won’t let you withdraw more than $500 a day from ATMs or spend more than $5,000 a day with your card. Although these limits may vary by bank.
How to avoid it:
Be familiar with the daily withdrawal limits on your accounts. If you know you’ll need to exceed them, inform the bank ahead of time. In most cases they will extend the daily limit. If your purchase has already been declined, try contacting your bank now to see if they can go ahead and raise the limit. Then, you can try your purchase again.
3. It’s expired
Some debit cards also have expiration dates like credit cards. If yours has expired, it won’t be accepted at ATMs or for purchases.
How to avoid it:
Check the date and know when the debit card is due to expire. Ask for your replacement card well in advance to avoid losing access to your account. Make sure you destroy the old card, as it does contain personal information you don’t want others to get a hold of. If your card has already expired, contact your institution to see if you can get a replacement card expedited.
4. The information you’ve entered doesn’t match your personal details
This is common with online purchases. The merchant takes extra precautions to verify your identity by asking for personal information such as the name on the card and your address. If you have entered anything incorrectly, you won’t be able to make your purchase.
How to avoid it:
Before making a purchase online check that the personal information you entered matches that of the debit card you’re using. If information doesn’t match because it’s outdated, you can update it by logging into your bank account or calling your institution for assistance.
5. Your bank was suspicious of the transaction
Most banks reserve the right to decline any transaction they deem to be out of character with your normal spending or withdrawal habits. In most cases, this can be cleared up at the register with a quick call to the bank, but it still could cause you some embarrassment. Some banks have security features in place and can be a little too safe and block authentic transactions.
How to avoid it:
If you have plans on making a large purchase, notify your bank beforehand to get preauthorization. If your transaction has already been declined, contact your bank now to see if they can approve it. Then, you can try again.
6. You’ve made an international purchase
Many accounts now offer Visa or Mastercard debit cards, which allow you to use them when traveling overseas. This is a convenient and secure way to make your overseas purchases and ATM withdrawals. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work the way you intended, and you could find yourself without access to your money if your debit card is declined.
Compare the best debit cards to use overseas
How to avoid it:
Familiarize yourself with the ATM networks that accept your debit card overseas. Inform the bank before making your trip so they won’t flag your purchases as unusual activity. This should help to make sure your money is available. If you’re currently overseas and have been locked out of using your debit card, call your bank. Let them know where you are and ask them to lift the freeze.
7. Technical issues
While there are many situations where you could be at fault for a declined card, that’s not always the case. Merchants and banks sometimes have issues processing debit transactions, even when you’ve done everything right. It could be due to their Internet connection, too many transactions processed at once, a power failure somewhere along the network or a handful of other reasons.
How to avoid it:
While you can’t avoid having your card declined when it’s the bank’s or merchant’s fault, you can try again. Ask to try another terminal or consider waiting until the system is up and running again.
8. Your joint holder deactivated your card
If you’ve opened a joint banking account with your spouse, partner or other family member they’re allowed to deactivate your debit card without permission from you. If this happens, you won’t be able to make purchases or withdrawing cash.
How to avoid it:
With a joint account you can require that both account holders sign for any major changes, including adding or deactivating any debit cards. Call your bank to see if you can add this security measure to your account.
9. You’re in a geoblocked area
Some financial institutions add geoblocking features to their debit cards, which prohibit you from using your card in certain countries or regions where fraudulent activities may be high.
How to avoid it:
Before visiting a new country, contact your bank to make sure you’ll be able to use your card there. If you’re visiting a geoblocked region, your bank may be able to temporarily lift the block while you’re there.
10. You don’t have enough funds
This is the most common cause of a debit card being declined, and one that you can easily avoid by keeping careful track of your spending money. Unless you have overdraft protection, most banks will not allow you to make a purchase or withdrawal that goes beyond your available balance.
How to avoid it:
See if your financial institution offers a mobile app that shows your up-to-date balances and transactions. Check this before making your purchases to ensure you have enough funds. If you frequently experience overdrafts in your account, consider looking into a checking account, such as Chime, that offers overdraft protection.
11. You’re attempting to withdraw too much
Along the same lines as having insufficient funds in your account is attempting an ATM withdrawal that exceeds your account balance. Trying to do this will automatically result in a declined transaction.
How to avoid it:
Get into the habit of checking your account balance before making a withdrawal. Most ATMs will let you view your balance prior to withdrawing cash, but there may be fees. To avoid such fees, check your balance using your bank’s website or app. Many banks also provide automated balance information via 24/7 phone numbers.
12. You’re purchasing a gift card
Some debit or credit card issuers prohibit the purchase of gift cards due to fraud and the increase of using stolen cards to purchase prepaid gift cards. Also, some retailers like Giant Food grocery stores, have policies put in place disallowing the purchase of gift cards with a credit or debit card to try to minimize potential fraud. Though it’s more common for a credit card to get rejected.
How to avoid it:
First check with your bank to make sure that there are no issues with your card. If you’re using a credit card, try using a debit card or cash instead.
Contacting your bank? Have this required information ready
If you have questions about why your debit card was declined, the best thing to do is call your institution directly. In most situations, a customer service representative can help you reset your PIN, unfreeze your account, verify a purchase, increase your withdrawal limits and more. But make sure you have this information on hand before you call because you’ll need to verify your identity:
- Full name
- Physical address tied to your account
- Answers to any security questions you set up
- Social Security number
Have a backup plan
Having your debit card declined can be frustrating and embarrassing. While some declines are out of your control, most can be avoided by taking some simple precautions. It also pays to carry an alternative payment method with you on your travels – a credit card is an ideal back up thanks to their perks and flexibility. And as always, compare your debit card options until you find one that suits your spending habits.
Average credit card debt
The average American is carrying just shy of $4K in debt.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to fix a declined card problem while making a purchase?
Depending on the reason, a declined debit card issue may be resolved immediately. This could involve a phone call to the bank by the merchant, who will pass the call to you to verify certain details.
How do I know the daily withdrawal limit?
Read the fine print found on the financial institution’s website or in the documentation given to you by the bank when the account was activated. There’s a section that outlines how much you are permitted to withdraw daily.
If a deposited check has not yet cleared the account, will I still be able to make a withdrawal of that money?
Only if you have overdraft protection. A debit card can only access your available funds, not any transactions that are still awaiting authorization.[/fin_accordion]
How do I update my personal information on my debit card?
If you are registered for online or mobile banking, you can go to your account overview and find your profile. Once you’ve located your information, there should be an option to update or change it. You can also call your bank’s customer service line or visit a branch to speak with a representative who can help you change your information.
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Ask a question
Today when I was cashing two checks, I used my new (replacement) debit card to make certain that it worked. It did work at the bank. Then when I was at the store, it didn’t work. Why would that be?
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
Although I may not be able to tell, but this could be due to one of the reasons listed above. I highly recommend that you contact your issuing bank directly to clarify and confirm.
Cheers,
May
Every time I try to order something and I go to pay by card it won’t let me why?
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for your comment.
All possible reasons why your credit card won’t work are outlined above. You would be best to directly contact your credit card provider to check why you’re card won’t let you use it online.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Im trying to get a prepaid card in my new last name but I keep getting rejected because personal info doesn’t match? How do I verify
Hi Jasmine,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
In case you changed your family name, it is a must that you get in touch with your bank. They should be able to update your personal information. In some cases, you might be asked to present your marriage contract or other relevant documents.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
Hello, I am trying to buy something online and when I enter my debit card number it says that there is an error in the Merchant Information. I believe it is because I am buying internationally. What do you think and how do I fix it?
Hi Angel,
Thanks for your inquiry. Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
There are instances that debit card will not be accepted in an international website. You may try to check if that site has a link that’s based in your country to purchase from their online shop. You may also try to use a different card and see if it will accept it or not.
Kind regards,
Rench
I went to the ATM to check my balance and had $385.00 in the account. I then went to withdraw $80.00 and the atm wouldnt allow me to. The atm seemed messed up anyway so i left. I went out to eat and once again my card wasnt working??
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for your inquiry
The page above shows the most common reasons why this has happened to you. If you’re still unsure why this has happened, it would be best to speak with your bank and sort this out with them.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold