credit card decline help

Credit Card Declined? Here’s What To Do

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of having a credit card declined. It’s a rush of embarrassment followed quickly by fear. You start asking if you missed a payment or if someone stole your card. You wonder if you really don’t have enough money. If this has happened to you, here’s exactly what you need to do if you have a credit card declined. Additionally, learn how an installment loan can assist you.

Try Doing This If Your Credit Card Has Been Declined

Remain Calm

When your credit card declined, it is very important that you try to remain calm. Getting nervous, impatient, and then raising your voice or even yelling won’t do anything to address the matter at hand. Take a deep breath, don’t put pressure on yourself, and proceed calmly. If there’s a long line and you feel added pressure from that, step out of line and consider all of your options.

Use A Different Card Or Cash

If your credit card has declined, you need to start thinking of alternate forms of paying for your purchases. If you have another form of payment to use, go ahead and use it. Having this other card or alternative form of payment eases the anxiety of the situation and gives you some more time when you’re under less pressure to figure out what’s going on with the declined card.

Call Your Credit Card Company

Instead of jumping to conclusions when there’s a credit card declined, call the customer service number for the credit union or bank that issued you the card. Explain the issue and they will likely be able to tell you exactly what kind of issue is going on and how it can be fixed. This phone number is usually found on the back of the card.

When you have a credit card declined, most of the time there’s a simple explanation. Sometimes, it can happen when you’ve activated a new card and the company has not fully finished the activation process – this would require the customer service representative to manually activate it while on the phone with you.

Other times, a card is declined if the credit provider has instituted specialized protections in order to prevent purchases that are fraudulent – especially if you’re traveling abroad or making a very large purchase. In that case, you will need to verify your identity to the customer service representative to continue the transaction.

Set Limit Notifications

In other cases, your card may be declined if you are over your credit limit or the purchase you are making will then put you over your limit. Some cards let you exceed the limit; but with other cards, it triggers a credit card decline. You may also be a little behind in your payments. If so, some credit card providers may put a purchasing limit on your card.

There are steps you can take to avoid a declined credit card because of a credit limit issue. You can set up email or text alerts when you get near your credit limit or have reached a percentage of your limit. According to financial experts, your goal should be keeping a balance that’s less than 30% of your limit.

woman in store with credit card declined

Delay Purchases

While you’re having the issue with your card resolved, it’s good practice to hold off on using it to make any purchases. Trying to use a declined card may have an impact on your credit score and credit limit. So if you are still trying to resolve your card issues but have to buy things, either use another card or cash on your purchases.

Make Sure You’re Putting In The Correct Information

If your credit card is declined while making online purchases, double-check that you are putting in the right information. The information you’ll need to get right includes the type of card being used, the credit card number, and the expiration date. Any incorrect information could lead to it being declined.

Try An Installment Loan For Emergencies

Having a credit card declined may also be the result of someone going through a financial emergency, such as a vital home or car repair, an emergency room visit, or emergency travel. An installment loan is specially designed to help with such issues. Installment loans are short-term loans offering cash that is paid back over time, usually in easy monthly payments.

At Carolina Title Loans, Inc., it can take as little as 30 minutes to find out if you qualify for an installment loan of up to $1,500. To get through the process, all you need is a driver’s license or state-issued photo ID, a checking account statement in your name, and your most recent pay stub. To get started, simply fill out the short installment loan inquiry form on our homepage.

Once we receive the form, a loan representative from the nearest Carolina installment loan location will give you a call to walk you through the rest of the quick installment loan process. If you do get approved, you can get the cash you need the same day or the following bank business day.

Remember These Tips If Your Card Declined

Having a credit card declined can be frustrating, but it can be resolved with some of these simple steps in this guide. And if you’re having trouble making ends meet between paychecks and have an emergency, an installment loan is an option for relief. Fill out the online form to get started on our simple process today.

 

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Emma Frost

Emma Frost is a lifestyle and finance blogger with a talent for communication and a passion for financial literacy. She uses her writing talents to explore topics that help her readers gain financial stability and growth.