In many circumstances, a declined card issue can be resolved with a few simple actions.
Knowing what can lead to a declined transaction
Here are a few reasons why your card may be declined and what you can do to proceed with your payment.
The transaction is unusual or large
If we notice an unusual or large purchase, we may send an alert to make sure it was made by you. If you recognize the purchase, let us know so you can continue using your card as normal.
We’ll use your contact info on file to send these alerts through text or email. Keep that in mind if you’re on a different device or if you’re not the primary cardholder.
The information entered is incorrect
Wrong card information: An online purchase can be declined if you enter the wrong card information, such as card number, expiration date or CVV number. Try going back to the form and re-entering your card information.
Wrong billing address: Your billing address is the one associated with your Capital One credit card account. If your shipping address is different from your billing address, make sure you entered the billing address associated with your Capital One account. If your address is incorrect, you can update it online or on the mobile app.
Your card expired, and you have not activated your new one
If you have not activated your replacement card, you will not be able to use it until you do. Be sure to update any automatic payments with your new card information.
Card or machinery has malfunctioned
Your card may be declined at a merchant location because of a malfunctioning chip reader or your card’s magnetic stripe not reading correctly when swiped. Try to insert your card or swipe again.
Your card is locked
Sign into your account and unlock your card, and then try the transaction again. You can conveniently and quickly lock and unlock your card on the Capital One Mobile app.
The primary cardholder may have locked the card, so if you are an authorized user, check with them.
You have reached your credit limit
The transaction may be declined if the amount will put you over your credit limit. Your credit limit is reduced by any pending transactions. When you make a payment on your card, your available credit typically updates within one to two days, but in certain circumstances may take longer.
You can ask Eno for your balance or set up automatic alerts to avoid going over your credit limit.
You are behind on payments
Payment issues may cause your card to be restricted and transactions declined. Make any past due payments as soon as possible.
You can also enroll in Autopay to help avoid missed payments.
Your account has been closed
This could be because of inactivity on the account, a request you made, or some other reason. To verify your account is open, sign in to your account.
Why was my credit card declined if I haven’t exceeded my credit limit?
When a transaction amount will put you over your threshold, it may be declined. Your available credit also includes any pending transactions.
If you decide to make a payment, keep in mind your available credit usually updates in 1-2 days, but may take longer in certain circumstances.
With Capital One, you can set up SMS and online alerts to help keep you updated on your available credit.
Should I let Capital One know I’ll be traveling?
Because of improvements in fraud detection technology and security, you don’t need to tell Capital One about your travel plans—even if you’re traveling abroad.
Add your mobile phone number to your account to automatically get alerts if Capital One notices potential suspicious activity.
If your Capital One card is lost or stolen, you can lock your credit card to prevent it from being used for purchases.
You’re also covered by Capital One’s $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges policy. If your card is lost or stolen, even while traveling abroad, you won’t be responsible for charges you did not authorize.
How do I validate a credit card charge?
You’ll likely receive a two-way fraud alert through text or email asking, “Was this you?” Respond “yes.” Then retry the transaction if it was declined.