This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the common reasons why cards are rejected and offers practical steps to efficiently resolve these issues.
Insufficient Funds
The most common cause for a card being declined is insufficient funds in your account. This is particularly relevant when a higher balance is required for preauthorizations at places like hotels, gas stations, restaurants, or car rentals.
Incorrect PIN
Entering the wrong PIN will result in the transaction being rejected. Make sure you enter your PIN correctly. Remember, the PIN is different from the code used to access your MAJORITY app.
Expired Card
Transactions will be declined if your card has expired. Check the expiration date on your card and request a new one from your bank or card issuer as the date approaches.
Card Not Activated
New cards must be activated before use. Follow the activation instructions provided in your app.
Damaged Card
Physical damage to your card, such as a scratched magnetic stripe or a malfunctioning chip, can prevent it from being read by terminals. Request a replacement if this is the case.
Card Blocked
If your card is blocked, it will be rejected at point-of-sale terminals. Check the status of your card through your app.
Check for Merchant or Service Issues
Occasionally, problems with the merchant’s payment system or a network outage can affect card transactions. Ask the merchant if others are experiencing similar issues and try using another payment terminal if available.