Why is my debit card getting declined online but working in-store?

Answer 1

It depends on how the card details are entered. If you'tr typing the card number and other info manually - we all make mistakes. If you're using a 'one-click' system - then the card details must have been registered incorrectly. Automated systems can only work with the data they're given.

There are a number of reasons. EPOS systems in the main now have s "hot card file". This is a set of known stolen or suspect card numbers that are downloaded every time the system poles the bank to transmit its sales by card. It has been known for a bank to have the wrong number in the file which can cause rejection. However, this is unlikely as the retailer will normally get a "retain card" code (basically keep the card)

Next

- insufficient funds at the bank. It is a misconception that retailers that scan your card for a payment can see the account . What actually happens is that the card forces the terminal to dial out to a clearing centre. This will check that sufficient funds are available nothing else. If there are it will ring-fence the amount so keeping it for the retailer to be paid. It there is not then it will send a "decline transaction code back"

Or

If the card has been used multiple times in a short period (frequently happens ) the card may be declined as the clearing bank auto system thinks that the sales are suspicious and someone other that you is using the card for theft. - Whilst this can be an annoying thing to happen its a great security point that is trying to take care of your money.

Or

Some account have a "maximum daily purchase value" attached to them. Not everyone reads this terms and conditions of their debit/credit card. This might allow for a maximum of 250.00 per day to be spent on the card. This figure can be increased/decreased in discussion with your bank.

Or

You made have a magnetic or chip failure. This frequently happens and the cards swipe of chip facility is not getting through the card reader correctly and thus is decline.

It might be wise to check which retailer your having the issue with as even the retailers machines can cause a decline -

Those that use the magnetic swipe. The heads in the machine frequently need to be cleaned as debris, grease from hands etc gets on the magnetic strip and is spread across the internal magnetic reader. Chip readers inside the retail using can also become damaged through the process of pushing cards in and out

Finally but on occasion the land line used by the retail outlet has to dial out for a sale authorisation - this frequently is because the amount of the sale exceeds their "floor limit" i.e. A store might have a floor limit of 50.00 and sale over that will dial for authorisation. Many store have a random floor limit. This is to try and prevent thieves who steal a card and use it from purchaser just under that floor limit. I.e. a sale of 50.00 and the theft will purchase 49.00. The system if a fix floor limit will nit dial out. Those with random limits can change as much as hourly - This catches the bad guys

Finally - Traffic. In many occasions if the retailer is exceptionally busy the system struggles because of the outgoing line to get the call out and it times out. Black Fridays and the heavy build to Christmas is classic when phone lines are in overload as the retailers , online shopping, browsing and inventory communication hits the phone network all of which slows the system exponentially