Why is my debit card being declined when i have money in my account

Payment declines happen from time to time, and when they do - it is important to understand the reason so that the purchase can be finished successfully.

In short

To resolve a declined payment, you'll need to figure out why the payment was declined. 
Usually, this involves contacting your bank or credit card company to fix the issue.

1. Figure out the reason for the decline

Once the declined payment happens, your credit card company or bank may share the reason for the decline with us. If this is the case, we show the reason to you in the form of an error message.

Keep in mind that Swimmo doesn't decline your payment - your credit card company or bank does. If there's no reason listed, we don't have the details, and you'll need to contact your credit card company or bank for the reason.

2. Contact your credit card company or bank

If you couldn't figure out why your payment was declined, or if you can't solve the issue, contact the bank that issued your credit card. Swimmo support can't help you with any declines. This is because your bank, not Swimmo, is the one that declines your payment.

Here's how to contact your bank:

1. Call the support phone number that's shown on the back of your credit card.
2. Tell the representative that you were trying to pay for Swimmo, it was an online transaction, but that your payment was declined. Let them know the date, amount and the currency of the decline.
3. The representative will give you the exact reason for the decline and help you resolve the issue.
4. What may help is mentioning is that transaction was made online (MO/TO), merchant comes from the United States and transaction description is "SWIMMO".
5. Once the issue has been fixed, try your payment again using Swimmo Checkout. 

Solutions for the most common declined payment reasons

The issuing bank doesn't allow the use of the card for internet or international transactions. 

1. Talk to your bank to allow these types of transactions, then retry the payment.
2. What may help is mentioning is that transaction was made online (MO/TO), merchant comes from the United States and transaction description is "SWIMMO".
3. Or, enter a new card that does allow internet or international transactions.
4. Or, you can try alternative payment methods described below. 

You've exceeded the card's credit limit or single transaction limit. (or You exceeded the maximum number of charges the card can receive in a period.)

Talk to your bank to increase the limit, then retry your payment. Or, enter different card or use alternative payment methods described below. 

The account doesn't have sufficient funds. 

Make sure there are enough funds in your account, then retry your payment. 

Alternative payment methods? 

If there are still issues or you are not comfortable paying via debit/credit card, you can pay via the following alternative methods: PayPal payment or (SEPA) EUR Bank Transfer (European Union) or International Bank Wire Transfer. In case of any other questions, please contact us.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase or sign up through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclaimer for more info.

Have you ever had your debit card declined? What ran into your mind at that moment, and did you find out the reason why? Here is a list of 13 possible reasons why you can have your card declined and how you can fix the problem.

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Why was my debit card declined? I know that having your debit card declined can be one of those embarrassing and frustrating events that many wont want to recall.

Someone will ask, why is my debit card declined but I have money in the bank? Well, lets find these answers together.

We will look at the different declined debit card scenarios and common tips to avoid these debit card declines.

There is no doubt that debit cards provide one of the most convenient ways of making purchases at any point of sale. Unlike credit cards, using a debit card incurs no interest payments.

Ive used Personal Capital to manage all my bank accounts and cash flow planning.

Its a completely free app that I use to better my financial future.

However, just like when using credit cards, sometimes the merchant can decline your transaction when you swipe your card.

• Reasons Why Your Debit Card Declined
  • 1. Insufficient Funds
  • 2. Multiple Incorrect PIN Entries
  • 3. You've Reached Your Daily Withdrawal Limit
  • 3. The Card has Expired
  • 5. The Information You've Entered Doesn't Match Your Personal Details
  • 6. Your Bank was Suspicious of the Transaction
  • 7. You’ve Made an International Purchase
  • 8. Technical Issues
  • 9. Your Joint Holder Deactivated Your Card
  • 10. You Haven't Activated the Card Yet
  • 11. The Card Type is not Acceptable
  • 12. Vendor Issues
  • 13. Damaged Card
  • How to Avoid Declined Debit Card Cases
  • Credit or Debit Card, Which is Better?
  • Conclusion on Why You May Have Your Debit Card Declined
  • Related Reviews
  • Related Resources

Let us look at the most probable reasons why your debit card can get declined and how to fix a declined debit card.

1. Insufficient Funds

Having insufficient funds in the bank account is one of the most common reasons why your debit card can get declined. If you do not keep consistent track of your spending, you may run out of cash and not be aware of it.

Nonetheless, you may still be able to proceed with the transaction if you have overdraft protection. Overdraft protection ensures that your transactions or withdrawals go through despite having less amount in your account. But, youll be charged overdraft fees for that.

In some instances, you will have your debit card declined but charged.

What is the reason? Well, in most cases, this represents a pending authorization.

It means that there is an unprocessed payment, and the pending charge will disappear after the payment is processed.

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How to fix it:

Keeping track of your bank balances is the best way to fix an insufficient balance issue. Find quick ways to get up to date with the current balances after every transaction through mobile or online banking.

If your financial institution has a mobile app, then you can download it on your smartphone. This can help you to quickly check your balance when shopping and know what you can be able to pay with your debit card.

Also, you can make sure that you always have enough money in your checking account by using apps like Personal Capital to manage your personal finances.

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2. Multiple Incorrect PIN Entries

Do you know your debit card PIN off the head? A PIN is a 4-digit number that is usually added as an extra security feature. When you have your debit card declined, but money in the bank is enough to complete the transaction, an incorrect PIN might be the reason.

The PIN helps to ensure the person using the debit card is the real owner of the checking account. And, if you have not memorized your pin number, you may end up making wrong PIN entries.

When you enter the wrong PIN multiple times, the card provider may block the card. This is because entering the PIN incorrectly multiple times sends the card issuer a fraud alert.

The card provider then blocks it if they suspect that your card has been stolen or is with an unauthorized person.

How to fix it:

Memorize the PIN to avoid entering the wrong one or making multiple wrong entries. If you have more than one bank account linked to that specific card, memorize each PIN and avoid confusing them.

Never write down the PIN on the card or keep it together with your card in your wallet. This could make it easier for a mugger to access your account if they steal your wallet.

If you have forgotten your PIN, you can contact your card issuer to reset it.

3. You've Reached Your Daily Withdrawal Limit

Most financial institutions have imposed a 24 hours withdrawal limit on their customers accounts. This helps to protect the customers funds from fraudulent activities.

Sometimes your debit card may be declined because you have reached your daily withdrawal limits.

How to fix it:

You can familiarise yourself with the daily withdrawal limits on your account. If you plan to make huge purchases or withdrawals, you can talk with your card provider to extend the daily limit.

If you inform your bank ahead of time, they may allow you to transact beyond your daily spending limit.

See Related: Can You Cash a Damaged Check?

3. The Card has Expired

Debit cards have expiry dates. If you transact with an expired card, it wont be accepted when making purchases or ATM withdrawals.

For instance, so many people flock to the internet with questions on why they got their Chase, or Wells Fargo debit card declined.

And although people may think of all the other possibilities, the cards expiry date doesnt normally click in their minds.

Its never on the first list of possibilities.

How to fix it:

Keep track of your card expiration date. When you are aware of the date the card is due, you can request a replacement from your card provider in time. You will not lose access to your account, and your card wont get declined if it has not expired.

Destroy all the old cards after replacement because they may still contain some personal information that can be misused by unauthorized people.

5. The Information You've Entered Doesn't Match Your Personal Details

Entering incorrect information might be the reason your debit card was declined. This mostly happens when making an online purchase.

Most merchants request you to enter some personal details, including the name on the card or your address.

If you have made any wrong entries or have submitted the wrong information, then your purchase wont go through. When shopping online, you may be required to enter your zip code.

Your billing and shipping address sometimes may be the same. Make sure that you provide the correct billing information as per the financial institution.

How to fix it:

Always ensure that the information you have entered matches what is on the card or what the bank recognizes before hitting the submit button.

If you relocate or need any information about your changes, make sure that you update the information on your financial accounts.

6. Your Bank was Suspicious of the Transaction

When issuing debit cards, most financial institutions have a clause where you agree that they reserve the right to decline any transaction if they notice anything suspicious. Sometimes that can include surpassing your daily spending limit.

Such a security feature could cause delay, but this keeps you safe in case your debit card ends up with someone who wants to steal from you.

How to avoid it:

When planning to make a huge purchase or want to withdraw huge amounts of money, let your bank know beforehand for preauthorization.

7. You’ve Made an International Purchase

Your debit could be declined if some transaction was unusual. For example, if you have done some international transactions.  Nowadays, you can use your debit card, such as a Visa or MasterCard, anywhere in the world.

However, this also means that someone can steal and transact with your card from anywhere in the world.

Most banks can flag international purchases as unusual activities to keep you safe from fraud across the borders.

How to avoid it:

Inform your bank when you are planning to travel.  This way, the bank will not withhold the money when traveling.

Also, when traveling, make sure that you are acquainted with the ATM networks that can accept the card you have overseas.

This way, you wont swipe your card in the wrong place, and your card wont be declined.

See Related: Personal Financial Plan Template

8. Technical Issues

Sometimes you could have some delays due to technical problems. The banks or merchants systems may be having issues processing the transactions even if youve done everything else right.

For example, they could be experiencing things like:

• Slow internet connection,
• Power failure along with the network for wireless card readers, or
• Transactions overload.

How to fix it:

Since the fault is with your bank or merchant, you may not have control and cant avoid getting your card declined. However, you can always:

• Try again later,
• Consider using a different terminal, or
• Wait until the systems get back up and running.

See Related: Pocketsmith Review

9. Your Joint Holder Deactivated Your Card

If you have a joint account with your spouse, family member, or any other partner, you lose the authority to use the card if the other party deactivates it.

Most banks allow either partner to deactivate a debit card without the other partys consent if they suspect fraudulent activities or for any other reason.

This can be a good thing when one card has been stolen because you can ask the other person to go and deactivate the account.

If one party deactivates your debit card, you wont make any purchases or withdrawals.

How to fix it:

If youre operating a joint account, make sure you have informed the other party of your intention. Also, you can create a clause that you sign for any major changes, including deactivating or adding debit cards.

10. You Haven't Activated the Card Yet

Most banks require card users to activate their debit cards before they start using them. Some instructions include calling a certain phone number or withdrawing some amount of money through the ATM.

Every cardholder must follow these particular instructions to avoid getting their card declined.

How to fix it

To avoid having your debit card declined, make sure that you follow each and every instruction given by your bank for activation. You can also contact your bank for assistance.

For example, if you got your PNC debit card declined due to non-activation, you can call 1-888-PNC-BANK (1-888-762-2265) at any time for assistance.

See Related: How to Ask for Money

11. The Card Type is not Acceptable

Not all checkouts and ATMs accept all types of debit cards. If you swipe your card at any checkout or an ATM that does not accept the kind of card that you are using, it could get declined.

Does your debit card have a magnetic stripe or EMV chip? Debit card declined at any point of sale or ATM could be as a result of not using the payment method that the ATM or POS is asking for.

How to fix it

Before you swipe your card, always be sure that they accept the card that you are using, including American Express, VISA, and MasterCard.

See Related: What Does Independently Wealthy Mean?

12. Vendor Issues

Sometimes, you might get your card declined for no reason. You try to figure out why but cant find the reason. This might be because the vendor is not in good standing with their banking services.

For example, some time back, a friend had her Chase debit card declined for no reason. She was sure that her account had enough money and was shocked to see the card declined.

When she contacted the Chase customer service representative, she learned that the problem was not the card; the vendors card reader machine was. This means that your card is okay, and everything else is also okay, but the swiping machine cant detect or initiate a transaction with your card.

If you find yourself in such a situation, dont panic. You can try another outlet or contact your bank if the problem persists.

See Related: How to Save Your Money with a Purpose

13. Damaged Card

Thats right! Your card might be damaged, leading to a declined transaction. The most common damage that happens to a debit card is with the magnetic strip. If the magnetic strip is damaged, the card wont work.

Also, you might also notice some physical damage on your card that might render the card inactive. For instance, if the card is too bent.

How to fix it:

Avoid these issues by keeping your card safe and away from too much heat.

How to Avoid Declined Debit Card Cases

Now that we know why a debit card might be declined, how can you avoid the scenario before it happens? Well, this is pretty easy! Just follow the solutions for a declined debit card as offered above.

For instance, ensure that you have sufficient funds in your bank account. This will prevent card declines due to insufficient funds. Also, if you are planning to make a large purchase, why not talk to your bank or credit union first?

Overdraft protection is also a great option to consider. The option ensures that you can use more money that is currently in your account.

However, the overdraft can only be up to a certain limit; thus, you might want to link your card to another account. For instance, you can connect it to your savings account. Better still, you can apply for a line of credit.

Credit or Debit Card, Which is Better?

Its not uncommon for anyone to wonder which of the two cards is better; credit or debit card. And, its also not a straightforward issue.

Each of these cards has its merits and demerits. And, its upon you to decide which one works for you best. But my advice is to keep both cards in your wallet! Why?

A credit card is an excellent option when you want to make certain purchases without any money in your account. It allows you to spend money you dont have and repay it later with some interest. When you use this card properly, it helps grow your credit score.

On the other hand, your debit card gives you access to the money you have in your account. It prevents you from overspending, but it has no effect on your credit score.

Therefore, having both cards seems like the right thing to do.

Conclusion on Why You May Have Your Debit Card Declined

Getting your debit card declined with no backup option could spoil your plans for the day. To rectify the situation, you need to make timely changes or contact your bank beforehand.

The bank will help you resolve the issue and help you to make a purchase or withdrawal successfully.

Also, you can consider carrying your credit card to fix and cater to emergencies if the debit card situation is unresolvable.

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