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Debit card not working? – Here’s why and how to fix it!
Why is my debit card declined when I have money?! If you ever had the super awkward experience of your debit card not working at a checkout counter, I’m sure that’s what you said!
A declined debit card can be extremely frustrating and embarrassing. With 68% of U.S. consumers using a debit card each month, we’ve all been there!
As a matter of fact, literally saying “Why is my debit card declining when I have money?” out loud, is all you can do to save yourself from being completely humiliated.
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On the positive side, whenever you’re in a debit card declined situation, the corresponding fix is fairly straight forward.
Obviously you already ruled out the possibility of insufficient funds as the explanation for your declined debit card so let’s review all the other scenarios.
Why is My Debit Card Declined When I Have Money in My Account?
A declined debit card can occur for several reasons, despite sufficient funds being available in your account. Some very common reasons can be: technical issues with the vendor’s point of sale system, your bank blocking the transaction due to suspicion, a damaged card or the wrong PIN being entered.
There are several other reasons a debit card may not be working or was declined during an attempted purchase.
Let’s review 23 reasons why your debit card declined and the quick and easy fixes to get going again!
1. Technical Issues
One of the most common issues for a debit card not working is technical issues. Actually, it’s more like a range of problems that can be considered in this category, all of which could be the explanation behind your declined debit card.
Malfunctions with the actual device being used by the sales representative are more common than you think. There can also be issues with the lines being down, Wi-Fi signals and the list goes on.
It is not uncommon for the tap or chip reader feature of machines to fail. You may then need to go back to the old faithful swipe method. All these are technical issues as well.
Sometimes, simultaneous use of the lines at the same time you try to use your card, can result in your debit card declining all of a sudden.
Multiple transactions taking place or a phone call being received by the merchant at the same time can cause the system to become overloaded, resulting in the card being rejected.
Simply attempting your purchase another time or even a third try, if required, should solve your problem.
2. Wrong Pin Number
If your debit card declined and the money is in the bank, you may have just punched in the wrong PIN number. You may be in a hurry, not paying close attention, have long nails or just large hands.
Have you ever heard the term “fat finger”? It basically means to type something incorrectly, especially when you accidentally hit two keys at the same time. It happens!
Try again and this time punch in your PIN slowly!
3. Transaction Flagged by Bank
It is a routine practice by banks and financial institutions to block transactions that they consider suspicious. They do it for your safety and to ensure that someone else didn’t steal your card or hack your account.
Purchases from vendors that are uncommon, unheard of, new to you or even items that are odd to your usual purchases can be easily flagged by your bank.
Swiping your card for an unusually large sum of money can also cause the transaction to be blocked and the debit card declining. Shopping sprees can also be red flags to banks.
Why is my debit card declined when I have money in my bank account? Maybe the bank flagged the purchase and blocked it from being processed.
A quick call to your bank should get you in the clear. Some banks even have the option to unblock your card from the online portal.
4. International Transaction
If you are attempting an online purchase from a foreign vendor, or even a face to face purchase while in a foreign country and you did not notify your bank, there is a big chance that the transaction would be blocked and your debit card declined.
This is another standard practice by banks and financial institutions and is intended to keep you and your funds safe from scammers.
Your bank is aware of your country of residence so a purchase outside of this country would immediately set off alarms and you may end up with your debit card not working.
If you have issues with your debit card declining during an international purchase, give your bank a call.
5. Account Flagged by Bank
Sometimes you may end up with a declined debit card when executing a particular purchase because your entire account has been momentarily put on hold. The bank may have identified it as having shown suspicious activity and frozen the entire account.
It may be a matter of a few big purchases after a period of inactivity that can set off alarms on their end. Also, if someone tried to hack your account and entered wrong credentials, this could have raised safety concerns also.
There are many reasons why a bank may flag your account and the situation should be resolved quickly by shooting a call over to them. They would also confirm the issue that caused the declined debit card.
6. Insufficient Funds
Why is my debit card declined when I have money in my account? This sounds straightforward enough but really isn’t!
Do you know for a fact that you currently have the required funds in your account? Are the funds accessible and not on hold for any reason?
Even though you may think you have money in your account, the funds may be on hold for some reason resulting in your debit card declining.
Did you deposit a check that may still be on hold? Did it bounce? Is there a hold up with your employer transferring your salary this month? Do you have a loan that’s due for payment soon and the bank put the money on hold prematurely?
All these situations can result in insufficient available funds, in your bank account and debit card declined problems.
If this happens, you’d have to pay with cash or charge to a credit card or try another debit card.
7. Entering Incorrect Pin Multiple Times
Entering the incorrect PIN number on multiple occasions is an easy way to get your account blocked and debit card declined.
In addition to the initial failed transaction, you may end up with your debit card not working or temporarily put on hold.
It may be reactivated after a wait period or you may need to contact your bank to get them to release it. It depends on your bank’s rules. If you forgot your PIN number, you’d need to contact your bank to get them to reset it for you.
Please note that if you enter the wrong PIN on several occasions at an ATM, the machine may withhold your card. You will definitely need to contact your bank for advice at this point.
8. Error by Merchant
Why is my debit card being declined for online purchase of a particular item? This can be a confusing and frustrating time but may simply boil down to an error in the vendor’s online system or when finalizing your sale.
Maybe they needed to have something setup to accept your order and didn’t, a faulty code was used, a number was punched in incorrectly or something spelled wrong.
As long as everything checks out on your end, you would need to ask the vendor to double check their side, for being at fault and the debit card not working.
9. Blunder by Cashier
Just as you may need to punch in information when running your card, the cashier or customer rep also does. If they entered an incorrect code or number, this may also cause your card to be declined.
Furthermore, if you have a little more than the amount of money to purchase the item in your account and the cashier accidentally punches in an extra number in the price, your card would be declined.
It’s important to double check the amount you are agreeing to pay. Attempting to pay $500 for a $50 item, when you have $100 in your account, would surely result in a debit card declined notification.
Reattempting the transaction with the correct information would resolve the issue.
10. Wrong Account Selected
Some point of sale machines also ask the buyer to select their account or account type that the funds would be coming from. If you or the cashier selected the wrong option, your debit card would be declined.
This is also an issue if you have multiple accounts set up on a particular debit card and not all of them are activated to be used at point of sale terminals or ATMs for withdrawals.
You can try the process again and this time review that the correct account is selected. This would do the trick.
11. Expired Card
If you find your debit card not working and you have the funds, check the expiry date. An expired card will be declined if you attempt to use.
That being said, it is standard practice for banks to dispatch a new card to their customer just prior to the expiry date of their existing card. If you didn’t receive an updated card, it is critical that you contact your bank.
It could have been a error or oversight on their part or your new card could have been lost or stolen from the mail. You’d need to get this sorted out quickly by calling your bank or paying them a visit.
12. Damaged Card
A damaged card is another easy trigger for a debit card declined message. Modern cards are equipped with multiple features for them to be read: magnetic strips for swiping as well as electronic chips for insertion or contactless tapping.
If you are trying to swipe your card for a purchase and the magnetic strip is damaged, you would have a declined debit card. Similarly, if the electronic chip is damaged and you try to utilize that feature, you will not be successful.
In this case, you would need to contact your bank and arrange for a replacement card.
13. Incorrect Information Entered
Similarly to entering the wrong PIN number or selecting the wrong account type at a point of sale machine, if you enter the wrong information for an online transaction, your card would be declined.
A simple mistake like a misspelling or numerical error on your end when entering your personal details or card details can cause your card to be rejected.
Review your information and reattempt the process.
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14. Additional Information Needed
Many times additional information may be requested to complete purchases, typically when shopping online. Sometimes a confirmation code via text message or email may need to be entered as an added form of security.
Additionally, you may have a certain time frame in which to enter this information as an added safety measure. Failure to do so would result in the appearance of your debit card not working and you assuming that your card was declined.
If you had a declined debit card, review the requirements for the purchase. Confirm if any additional information is required and what exactly you need to do and when. Reattempt the purchase and you should be set.
15. Card Type not Accepted by Merchant
Holders of major types of bank cards typically do not experience this issue as most modern banks outfit customers with Visa or Mastercard “brand” cards.
However, if your debit card is not from a major supplier, you can run into the issue of the card being declined, even if you have money in your account.
Unfortunately, you would have no other choice but to pay with cash if you cannot present an alternative debit or credit card.
Holders of American Express cards often have this issue. As a matter of fact, it is quite normal to hear Amex holders ask staff at restaurants or stores if they accept the card, prior to patronizing the establishment.
16. Card Type not Accepted by Country
Depending on your financial institution, it is quite possible that your card may not be able to be used outside of your home country.
This is especially an issue if your bank issued debit card is not supported by a global brand like Visa or Mastercard.
Even with this, some banks may just have their specific rules so you would need to get confirmation from your bank prior to attempting a foreign transaction with your debit card.
You may be forced to use an internationally recognized credit card instead.
17. High Traffic Software Malfunction
Some merchants use very shoddy or basic sales software packages that are prone to errors and breakdowns when traffic is high.
Why is my debit card declined when I have money in my account? Could simply be a software malfunction due to an unexpectedly high sales volume.
Companies that are just starting up and new to online sales, haven’t invested a lot in their electronic sales system or dependent on a third party sales app are plagued with issues, especially around the holidays when activity is high.
If you know you are trying to buy from a smaller scaled vendor, don’t stress too much if you find your debit card not working. It could just be a problem with their sales app.
You would need to get in contact with the seller to determine what other arrangements can be made. Maybe you can do a cash on delivery purchase or an online purchase at an odd hour to avoid the e-traffic.
18. Card Inactive
If your card has been inactive for months and you suddenly try to make a purchase, this could result in your card being flagged by your bank and the debit card declined.
You’d need to log into your online portal or contact your bank to reassure them that you are alive and to unblock your card.
19. Card not Activated
If you just set up a new account or even when you receive a new card in the mail, your card needs to be activated prior to being allowed to make purchases.
When you get a card from your bank, it will usually come with a small note, pamphlet or brochure that would give activation instructions.
You would either need to go to a bank branch, ATM, log in online or call a number in order for your card to be up and ready for use. If your card is not activated yet and you try to use it, it will be declined.
20. Card Deactivated
If you are the holder of a joint bank account and you are having problems with your debit card not working all of a sudden, check up on your partner.
There is a chance that your account’s co-owner could have accidentally deactivated your card or even done it due to a security concern. It may be worth the time to give them a call before escalating the issue to the bank.
Obviously a sudden soured relationship and questionable decisions on their part could also cause you to have a debit card declined.
Either way, if you know your card is attached to an account with a co-owner, you should contact them firstly if you ever run into issues with your debit card being declined.
Your next step would then be to call your bank.
21. Account Not Setup for Particular Transaction
Many times your bank accounts may be set up in such a manner that certain transactions are restricted, regardless of if their are funds in the account or not. You will end up with a declined debit card if your account is not set up to allow a particular purchase.
For example, my wife and I have a joint checking account that is tied to a debit card and allows us to conduct unlimited transactions. We also have a joint savings account that is also tied to that same debit card.
However, we are restricted to just one withdrawal or purchase per month from our savings account. This was set up in order to promote saving money and sticking to a spending budget each month. We have are allowed unlimited deposits.
In the event of an emergency however, we do have the option to make one purchase, withdrawal or a single transfer of funds to our checking account.
Why is my debit card declined when I have money in my account? The answer is probably that the account that holds the funds does not allow, or limits, withdrawals or certain purchases.
You’d need to contact your bank to confirm this and make adjustments to the setup if required.
22. Reached Daily Limit
Each bank has a daily limit for debit card purchases. Additionally, customers may also have certain restrictions set to their accounts. This is set up by financial institutions for safety reasons.
Customers can set lower values if they are trying to restrict their spending or request higher amounts if they have a lifestyle that requires a higher value.
It is quite common for business persons who conduct business related transactions with a debit card to have a predetermined higher limit set to their card. This would be higher than their bank’s default limit, which is assigned to the average person.
If you’ve spent your daily limit from your debit card and you attempt another transaction your card would be declined!
If you receive a debit card declined notification, due to exceeding your daily limit and you need to make the purchase, you can just call your bank and explain to them.
They would be able to approve and set up a one-time waiver, to your limit, in order for you to complete the purchase.
23. Session Timed Out
Whenever completing any financial transaction, whether online, at the ATM or point of sale terminal, if you linger, eventually your session would time out and you would not be able to complete.
You may be logged out, receive a debit card declined message or some other error message which may make you think your debit card is not working. Each bank, app and machine is different so the message given varies.
Therefore, be mindful of how long you take to complete the steps as a declined debit card can be just due to a session time out.
How to Unlock a Debit Card?
Fixing or unlocking a declined debit card is as easy as getting in contact with your bank. Many banks allow you to review your account online and to unlock your debit card yourself. In other cases you can give them a phone call and an agent would unlock it for you.
Most of the times when a debit card is declined and locked, it is as a result of the bank suspecting or trying to prevent fraudulent activity.
Once you enter your correct credentials in the online portal, or correctly answer a couple secret questions during a phone call, the bank would be reassured that you were indeed the person attempting to legally make the purchase in question.
Your account would be unlocked and your debit card declining issues would be rectified.
Before contacting your bank however, it is important that you re-attempt your transaction a few times, while reviewing the information being entered.
Remember, your debit card not working can be as a result of your bank suspecting a case of scamming or it could just be personnel or technical errors during the sale itself. A debit card declined message could just be due to you entering a bad PIN or the merchant’s line malfunctioning.
Fixing a declined debit card can be as simple as redoing the purchase process or as eventful as a phone call.
Only in the case of insufficient funds, would you be in a bind. You would need to come up with an alternative form of payment until your funds become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: How Do I Fix a Declined Debit Card?
There is a series of steps that should be followed to fix a declined debit card. The most basic thing that should be done is to retry the transaction while the most complicated would be to call your bank to ask for assistance.
Step 1 – Reattempt the transaction
Incorrect information being entered, in addition to momentary technical problems, can cause debit card declined issues. By retrying the purchase, you can rule out any bigger issues and get on with your life without wasting too much time.
In addition to ruling out technical issues, the reattempt would ensure that you review your inputted information and they are correct.
Step 2 – Double check your funds availability
If your funds are on hold, you would not be able to access it and alternative plans for purchasing would need to be made.
Step 3 – Contact your account’s co-owner if applicable
If your debit card is assigned to an account with a co-owner, you need to confirm if they were responsible for the debit card being declined.
It may be intentional or unintentional, you just need to be in the know before escalating any issue.
Step 4 – Contact your bank
If possible or available, log into your bank’s app to utilize the unblock feature. If not, give them a call and they would be happy to sort out your issues, after you’ve proven your identity.
Once you have gotten to the stage where you need to call your bank, the debit card declined situation would have been as a result of a suspected security issue. You would need to prove that you were the person behind the blocked transaction.
FAQ: How Do I Fix a Declined Debit Card Online?
A declined debit card can be fixed online by visiting your bank’s app or online portal and utilizing the unlock option if one is available. If not, you can submit a report or request for your card to be unlocked.
If you are unsuccessful with the online services or it is being delayed, a phone call to your bank would solve the problem.
FAQ: Why is my debit card not working at an ATM?
Your debit card would be declined at an ATM if there is a problem with your card, issue with your account, if you entered the wrong pin or if the bank’s system or the ATM itself has experienced a malfunction.
You should never rush into calling your bank or go into full panic mode unless you retry the transaction again. Take your time and re-enter your pin. This should do the trick.
Similarly, a momentary communication failure can be restored in a jiffy. Try the transaction again!
However, if you forgot your pin, several failed attempts at an ATM can cause your card to be held by the machine. If you are not too sure about your PIN number, give your bank a call.
FAQ: Why is my card being declined online when I have money? / Why debit card is not accepted for online purchases?
If you are sure that your funds are available, your card is up to date and that you’ve entered the correct information, the only other possibilities for a declined online purchase is an error on the side of the vendor or a flagged transaction due to a security concern.
You should try contacting the vendor if possible to ensure that everything is okay on their side. Review any additional information that may be required to complete the purchasing process.
You may be required to respond to a confirmation email by your bank, accept a notification on the app or enter a security SMS code to close the deal.
Many times your bank may delay the the purchase or decline altogether if the security barriers for the purchase are not properly addressed. Check on these.
As a last resort you can call your bank and explain the situation. Once you prove the authenticity of the transaction, they would process it.
FAQ: Why is my card suddenly being declined? / Why is my card declining all of a sudden?
There are several reasons why your card can suddenly be declined. These range from simple issues such as momentary technical issues or incorrect information being accidentally entered or more serious issues such as a flagged transaction due to fraud suspicions.
The solution to these issues are quite simple and could just be a matter of retrying the process or calling your bank to have them resolve it.
FAQ: Can my card be declined when I have money?
Unfortunately, your card can be declined even if you have money in your account. There are several reasons why. The good news is that there is usually a simple explanation why your debit card declined and it can be quickly fixed.
Human or technical problems can cause a declined debit card and this can be resolved by reattempting the process. Blocked purchases due to security concerns can be unblocked with a call to your bank.
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Final Thoughts on Why is My Debit Card Declined When I Have Money in My Account
Now that we’ve addressed all possibilities with regards to why a debit card may be declined, despite having money, it’s time to fix it or to put measures in place to avoid reoccurrence.
Do you have any other reasons why someone may experience debit card not working issues? Or maybe another tip on how to fix it? Share with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
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