Having a credit card declined is a common issue, but that doesn’t make it any less distressing.

But the issue may not be you. There are several credit card declined reasons ranging from a human error to the mere fact that you’re making purchases while traveling.

Here are just a few of the reasons a card may be declined — and some alternatives to credit cards you may want to consider 

Top Credit Card Declined Reasons 

1. You Reached Your Credit Limit

All credit cards come with varying spending limits depending on everything from your credit history and age to financial situations such as bankruptcy. One of the most common credit card declined reasons is just that you’ve gone over your card’s credit limit, the credit amount a card issuer provides to you.

Credit limits can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. But one consistency is that if a purchase puts you over the limit, it is likely to be declined.

2. You’ve Missed Payments

Paying a credit card bill on time is a must, even if you are just paying the minimum balance each month. While missing one payment is unlikely to be one of the reasons your card is declined, a long history of missed payments may be.

3. You’re Traveling 

The top credit card issuers create many safeguards tied to their cards in order to prevent identity theft and other forms of fraud.

That can also mean that if you are making several purchases that you don’t normally make in a place far from where you normally make them, your account may be flagged and locked. 

4. There’s Some Sort Of Technical Error

One of the most common credit card declined reasons has nothing to do with your creditworthiness. Sometimes you enter the wrong card information or use a card that has expired. Sometimes a merchant will make a similar input error. Everyone makes mistakes every now and then!

Other Options If Your Credit Card Is Declined

1. Talk With Your Issuer

Many credit card declinations may be resolved after a quick chat with the card company. If you’re traveling, you may greenlight the purchase verbally over the phone by confirming that it is indeed you who is making the purchase.

If a card is declined at a store, you may be able to make a payment over the phone as well.

2. Stick With A Debit Card

A card declining may also mean that you need to stop using your credit card frequently — or at all. A different approach is sticking with a debit card for the time being.

That way, you’re more likely to stick with purchases you can afford rather than putting expensive but non-essential items on a credit card with potentially high-interest rates. 

3. Use Cash

Here’s a crazy concept: Instead of using a credit or debit card, consider paying for items solely with cash. One popular approach to financial wellness is taking out just the cash you need for basics at the beginning of the month and using that cash for all purchases.

When you run out of cash, your spending is also done for the month. 

4. Try A Secured Credit Card 

If you are encountering a pattern of credit card declines or even trouble just getting a credit card in the first place, one alternative is a secured credit card. This means your card is issued only if you have a form of collateral that makes up the difference if you miss payments or make a purchase that puts you over a credit limit.

There are also credit cards that are more likely to extend credit if you have a co-signer that has better credit history than yours.

5. Get A Payday Advance

Those who are looking for a viable alternative to the stressful world of credit cards have any alternatives to choose from. One option that may fit in with your financial situation is a payday advance loan.

A payday loan is designed to help with paying for financial emergencies in between paychecks without having to rely on a credit card and adding to your overall debt. 

They’re short-term loans that are usually paid back when you get your next paycheck and should be used solely for financial emergencies. They can also take as little as 30 minutes to qualify for a loan of up to $1,000 at Fast Payday Loans, Inc. of Florida.

It all begins online. On our homepage, fill out the quick online inquiry form and one of our representatives will give you a call to discuss everything you need to know about payday loans, as well as walk you through the rest of the quick process.

Once approved, you’ll get the payday loan you need the same day or the next business day. 

Apply For A Payday Advance Today

There’s a lot to unpack when you’re talking about credit card declined reasons. If you are looking for an alternative when you face a declined card, a payday advance may provide just the help you need. Start on our homepage, call us, or visit a Fast Payday Loans, Inc. of Florida location near you 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.