how to fix a declined debit card

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There are 10 reasons why your debit card may have been declined. Here are a few ways to fix the problem and avoid it from happening in the future.

1. You've entered the wrong PIN

The personal identification number (PIN) you chose must be entered correctly in order for some transactions to be allowed. If you enter that number incorrectly, the transaction will automatically be declined.Should I press the credit or debit button?

How to avoid it:

Memorize your PIN and try not to confuse the cards if you have more than one account with a linked debit card. It's never suggested that you write the PIN on the card or keep it in your wallet. This will make it easier for a thief to access your account if your wallet or purse is stolen. If you've forgotten your PIN — or are locked out of your account because you've entered the wrong number too many times — call your bank to have it reset.

2. You've reached your transaction limit

To help protect your funds, most financial institutions won't let you withdraw more than $500 a day from ATMs or spend more than $5,000 a day with your card. Although these limits may vary by bank.

How to avoid it:

Be familiar with the daily withdrawal limits on your accounts. If you know you'll need to exceed them, inform the bank ahead of time. In most cases they will extend the daily limit. If your purchase has already been declined, try contacting your bank now to see if they can go ahead and raise the limit. Then, you can try your purchase again.

3. It's expired

Some debit cards also have expiration dates like credit cards. If yours has expired, it won't be accepted at ATMs or for purchases.

How to avoid it:

Check the date and know when the debit card is due to expire. Ask for your replacement card well in advance to avoid losing access to your account. Make sure you destroy the old card, as it does contain personal information you don't want others to get a hold of. If your card has already expired, contact your institution to see if you can get a replacement card expedited.

4. The information you've entered doesn't match your personal details

This is common with online purchases. The merchant takes extra precautions to verify your identity by asking for personal information such as the name on the card and your address. If you have entered anything incorrectly, you won't be able to make your purchase.

How to avoid it:

Before making a purchase online check that the personal information you entered matches that of the debit card you're using. If information doesn't match because it's outdated, you can update it by logging into your bank account or calling your institution for assistance.

5. Your bank was suspicious of the transaction

Most banks reserve the right to decline any transaction they deem to be out of character with your normal spending or withdrawal habits. In most cases, this can be cleared up at the register with a quick call to the bank, but it still could cause you some embarrassment. Some banks have security features in place and can be a little too safe and block authentic transactions.

How to avoid it:

If you have plans on making a large purchase, notify your bank beforehand to get preauthorization. If your transaction has already been declined, contact your bank now to see if they can approve it. Then, you can try again.

6. You've made an international purchase

Many accounts now offer Visa or Mastercard debit cards, which allow you to use them when traveling overseas. This is a convenient and secure way to make your overseas purchases and ATM withdrawals. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work the way you intended, and you could find yourself without access to your money if your debit card is declined.

Compare the best debit cards to use overseas

How to avoid it:

Familiarize yourself with the ATM networks that accept your debit card overseas. Inform the bank before making your trip so they won't flag your purchases as unusual activity. This should help to make sure your money is available. If you're currently overseas and have been locked out of using your debit card, call your bank. Let them know where you are and ask them to lift the freeze.

7. Technical issues

While there are many situations where you could be at fault for a declined card, that's not always the case. Merchants and banks sometimes have issues processing debit transactions, even when you've done everything right. It could be due to their Internet connection, too many transactions processed at once, a power failure somewhere along the network or a handful of other reasons.

How to avoid it:

While you can't avoid having your card declined when it's the bank's or merchant's fault, you can try again. Ask to try another terminal or consider waiting until the system is up and running again.

8. Your joint holder deactivated your card

If you've opened a joint banking account with your spouse, partner or other family member they're allowed to deactivate your debit card without permission from you. If this happens, you won't be able to make purchases or withdrawing cash.

How to avoid it:

With a joint account you can require that both account holders sign for any major changes, including adding or deactivating any debit cards. Call your bank to see if you can add this security measure to your account.

9. You're in a geoblocked area

Some financial institutions add geoblocking features to their debit cards, which prohibit you from using your card in certain countries or regions where fraudulent activities may be high.

How to avoid it:

Before visiting a new country, contact your bank to make sure you'll be able to use your card there. If you're visiting a geoblocked region, your bank may be able to temporarily lift the block while you're there.

10. You don't have enough funds

This is the most common cause of a debit card being declined, and one that you can easily avoid by keeping careful track of your spending money. Unless you have overdraft protection, most banks will not allow you to make a purchase or withdrawal that goes beyond your available balance.

How to avoid it:

See if your financial institution offers a mobile app that shows your up-to-date balances and transactions. Check this before making your purchases to ensure you have enough funds. If you frequently experience overdrafts in your account, consider looking into a checking account that offers overdraft protection.

11. You're attempting to withdraw too much

Along the same lines as having insufficient funds in your account is attempting an ATM withdrawal that exceeds your account balance. Trying to do this will automatically result in a declined transaction.

How to avoid it:

Get into the habit of checking your account balance before making a withdrawal. Most ATMs will let you view your balance prior to withdrawing cash, but there may be fees. To avoid such fees, check your balance using your bank's website or app. Many banks also provide automated balance information via 24/7 phone numbers.

12. You're purchasing a gift card

Some debit or credit card issuers prohibit the purchase of gift cards due to fraud and the increase of using stolen cards to purchase prepaid gift cards. Also, some retailers like Giant Food grocery stores, have policies put in place disallowing the purchase of gift cards with a credit or debit card to try to minimize potential fraud. Though it's more common for a credit card to get rejected.

How to avoid it:

First check with your bank to make sure that there are no issues with your card. If you're using a credit card, try using a debit card or cash instead.

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If you have questions about why your debit card was declined, the best thing to do is call your institution directly. In most situations, a customer service representative can help you reset your PIN, unfreeze your account, verify a purchase, increase your withdrawal limits and more. But make sure you have this information on hand before you call because you'll need to verify your identity:

Full name
Physical address tied to your account
Answers to any security questions you set up
Social Security number

Having your debit card declined can be frustrating and embarrassing. While some declines are out of your control, most can be avoided by taking some simple precautions. As always, compare your debit card options until you find one that suits your spending habits.

Peter Carleton is a writer that covers banking and investing, breaking down what you need to know about where you put your money. When Peter's not thinking about cutting-edge banking apps and robo-advisors, he runs a creative agency and spends his spare time cooking or reading.

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