You finally got around to getting your Christmas shopping done. You managed to get everything on your list and then some. You get up to the check out lane, the checker checks the mound of toys, clothes and other miscellaneous objects you managed to pick out. All that’s left to do is swipe your credit card and you’re out the door. You swipe your card only to have the checker tell you it’s been declined. There must be some mistake. Trying not to panick you swipe your card again, and again it’s declined, your credit card won’t work. Why? Well there’s a lot of reasons why your credit card won’t work. Some may be small, some may be a little more difficult to fix than others. Let’s go over some of those reasons.
[Read: Which One Is Better: Credit Card Or Cash?]
1. Activate It.
Did you just recently get the card? If so, did you activate it. Often times when some people get new cards, especially if you’re forgetful, they forget to active the card when they get it. To do this, it’s simple really, all you have to do is call the number on the card, they will ask for your billing address and ask you to create a pin and viola, your card activated and ready to use at your disposal. So why don’t you check and see if you’ve activated the card in your quest to see why your credit card won’t work. If you have lets move on and see what else could be the problem.
2. It’s Dirty.
Do you work in a dusty environment? Could the reason your credit card won’t work be because it’s dirty? Alot of the time when someone who’s in a dusty construction zone, or in some other dirty environment goes to use their card they find it gets harder and harder to use it because the dust or dirt gets into their wallet, when that happens it creates a dusty film over the part that needs to be scanned, sometimes the little particles even scratch it, permanently damaging your card. In this case you may need a new card, but first try dusting it off and see if that helps.
3. Not Enough Funds.
Okay this is often the reason your credit card won’t work if it’s linked to your account. This is inconvenient and very unfortunate. But nonetheless, it needs to be considered. Did you balance your check book right? Did you miss something? I’d look everything over again to see if maybe you missed something, if not unfortunately you are going to have to wait to pay for your things or use another form of payment.
To avoid this issue in the near future before you go to the store, or make any purchase, even if you have done it already, I’d check your check book and check it again. You can never be too precise with something like this, you don’t want to stand in the check out lane, embarrassed, holding up the line because of a mistake that could have easily been avoided in the first place.
4. Problem With Credit Card Company.
Have you called the company to see if there’s issues in their end. As advanced as our civilization is there’s always room for error. If you haven’t called them I’d find the customer service number, it’s usually a toll free one eight hundred number, and give them a call. If there’s not they might be able to help you find out why your credit card won’t work. After all they are there to help you. It’s worth a shot, right?
5. Fraud.
Yes, I know it’s the last thing you want to consider. Nobody in their right mind would ever not consider fraud as an option when your credit card won’t work. If your company suspects you are a victim of fraud they will put a hold on your account. They only do this if there’s
- Frequent charge, or more charges than usual.
- Usually large purchases.
- Purchases in various locations.
[Read: Things to Consider Before Applying for a Credit Card]
Some banks require you to get a travel pass in order to spend out of your area. If you suspect this could be the issue it’s best to call your company to see what the issue is or to let them know it’s been you making the purchases. They only do this for your safety, yes it’s inconvenient, but it’s best to be safe rather than be sorry and have a bunch of debt you didn’t accumulate yourself.Hopefully by now you have figured out what is wrong and are well on your way to getting the problem fixed.
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