We’ve all been there – at the checkout, ready to pay, then your debit card declines. It’s frustrating and can be embarrassing, especially when you know there’s money in your account. But it doesn’t always mean something’s seriously wrong. These days, we tap our cards and enter our PINs without much thought, but there are a few common reasons your debit card payment might not go through.
The good news? Most issues are quick and easy to fix.
This guide covers why your debit card might be declined and what you can do to get it working again.
Why Was My Card Declined When I Have Money?
Sometimes your card is declined or your debit card doesn’t work even when there’s money in your account, and that can be confusing. Here are the most likely reasons:
Your Available Balance Might Be Lower Than You Think
It might sound obvious, but it happens more often than you think, especially if you use multiple accounts or move your money around after payday. Maybe you transferred money into a savings account or joint account and forgot to top up your main balance. Or maybe a subscription payment comes out just before your purchase. Either way, you’ve got less money than you thought in your account.
Tip: Open your Suits Me app to check your live balance before making big payments. It’s an easy way to avoid surprises.
You Entered The Wrong Information
Human error is one of the most common reasons a debit card is declined. It’s easily done – entering the wrong PIN at the shop, mistyping your card number online, or putting in your old billing address without realising.
If you enter your PIN or security details incorrectly several times, your card might be temporarily blocked for security. Double-check your details before confirming your payment – it’ll save you time and hassle later.
Tip: You can check your PIN in your Suits Me app straight from your phone.
Your Purchase Was Flagged as Fraud
Sometimes your bank’s fraud detection system steps in to protect your account. Your transaction might be declined if:
- You’re spending more than usual
- You’re buying from a new or overseas website
- You’re using your card somewhere unexpected
- You’ve tried to submit a payment several times in a row
This doesn’t mean anything’s wrong with your account – it’s just your bank being cautious. If you think a payment has been blocked in error, check your app or get in touch with Suits Me’s customer care team.
You Have a Large Pending Transaction
Pending payments (like hotel deposits or car hire bookings) temporarily hold a chunk of your available balance. If you forget it’s there, you might think you have more money than you actually do. That could lead to a declined payment if your remaining balance isn’t enough to cover the next transaction.
Your Debit Card Has Expired Or Is Inactive
It happens! If you’re using an old card that’s expired or never activated your replacement, your payment won’t go through. Check the expiry date and make sure your card is active in your app.
Your Debit Card Is Damaged
A cracked chip or scratched magnetic strip can stop your card from working, especially at ATMs or chip-and-PIN machines. If your card isn’t working physically but works online, that might be the issue. If your Suits Me card isn’t working, you can order another one through the app.
You’ve Exceeded Your Daily Limit
Suits Me accounts come with spending and withdrawal limits to help keep your money safe. If you’ve hit your limit for the day, your next transaction could be declined, even if the money’s there.
You’re Travelling
If you’re abroad or making a payment on an overseas website, your card might be declined because of security checks. It’s a good idea to let Suits Me know before you travel so we can make sure your account works smoothly while you’re away. If you need to withdraw money, find the nearest ATM to you with our ATM Finder.
Contactless Limit
Most banks set a limit on how many contactless payments you can make before needing to insert your card. This is a security feature to protect against fraud.
If your card is declined when tapping, it could be because you’ve hit this limit, even if you have money in your account.
What to do: simply insert your card into the reader and enter your PIN to reset contactless payments.
What to Do If Your Suits Me Card Gets Declined
Here’s what to do if your card isn’t working:
- Check your balance in the Suits Me app.
- Double-check your PIN in the app or online payment details.
- Look for any fraud alerts or pending transactions.
- Check your card status – is it frozen or inactive?
- Contact customer support if you’re still unsure. Our team is here to help, and we won’t judge.
How to Prevent Your Debit Card from Being Declined
A few small steps can help you avoid issues with your card in the future:
Review Your Account Regularly
Keep an eye on your balance and set up alerts so you always know what’s going in and out.
Notify Suits Me Before Travelling
Planning a trip? Let us know so your card works abroad without any hiccups.
Make Sure Your Card Is Unlocked
Use the app to freeze and unfreeze your card as needed, and check the expiry date while you’re there.
Use the App to Stay in Control
Our app gives you a real-time view of your balance, transactions, and limits, so you’re always in the know.
Need help? Having your debit card declined can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Most issues are minor and easy to sort with a quick check in your app or a chat with our support team.
FAQs
Why was my debit card declined?
Your card might be declined for a few common reasons, like entering the wrong PIN, hitting your daily spending limit, or your transaction being flagged for unusual activity. Most of the time, it’s something small and easy to fix using your Suits Me app.
Can my card be declined even if I have money?
Yes, it’s possible. You might have a pending payment holding some of your balance, or your account could be temporarily frozen for security reasons. Always check your balance and card status in the app first.
What should I do if my card is declined?
Start by checking your balance in the app and making sure your card isn’t frozen or expired. Double-check your payment details, then try again. If it still doesn’t work, contact our customer care team – we’re here to help.
Why is my card not working online but works in-store?
Some websites don’t accept prepaid or e-money cards like Suits Me, or you might have entered the wrong security details. Check your card info carefully and try again, or use another payment method if your card type isn’t accepted.
