My payment was declined. What should I do?Updated 2 months ago
Quick Answer
If your payment was declined, first verify your card information is correct and your card has sufficient funds. Contact your bank or card issuer to ensure they're not blocking the transaction. Then retry your purchase. If problems persist, contact CENTR support at [email protected] for assistance.
Common Reasons for Payment Declines
Payment declines can happen for several reasons. Understanding the cause helps you resolve the issue quickly:
Insufficient Funds
- Card doesn't have enough available credit or balance
- Pending transactions have reduced available funds
- Credit limit is lower than order amount
- Solution: Check account balance, pay down balance, or use different card
Incorrect Card Information
- Card number entered incorrectly
- Expiration date wrong or card expired
- CVV/security code incorrect
- Billing ZIP code doesn't match card on file
- Solution: Double-check all card details and retry
Bank Security Block
- Bank flagged transaction as suspicious
- Unusual purchase amount triggers fraud alert
- Transaction from unfamiliar merchant
- Geographic mismatch (online purchase from different location)
- Solution: Contact bank to authorize transaction
Card Restrictions
- Card not activated
- Card reported lost or stolen
- Card blocked for missed payments
- International transaction restrictions
- Online purchase restrictions
- Solution: Contact card issuer to resolve restrictions
Address Verification Failure
- Billing address doesn't match card on file with bank
- Address entered incorrectly
- Recent move not updated with card issuer
- Solution: Use exact address on file with your bank
Technical Issues
- Payment processor temporary error
- Internet connection interrupted
- Browser issues
- Solution: Wait and retry, use different browser
Steps to Resolve Payment Decline
Step 1: Verify Your Card Information
Check that you entered everything correctly:
- Card number: All 16 digits correct, no spaces
- Expiration date: Month and year (MM/YY format)
- CVV code: 3-digit code on back (4 digits for Amex)
- Billing ZIP code: Matches address on file with card issuer
- Cardholder name: Exactly as it appears on card
Even small typos cause declines. Double-check every field.
Step 2: Check Your Account Balance
- Log into your bank or credit card account
- Verify available balance or credit
- Check for pending transactions reducing available funds
- Ensure order amount is less than available balance/credit
If insufficient funds, either add funds or use a different payment method.
Step 3: Contact Your Bank or Card Issuer
Many declines happen because banks block transactions for security. Call the number on the back of your card:
- Ask if they blocked a transaction to CENTR
- Request they authorize the transaction
- Confirm online purchases are enabled
- Verify there are no holds or restrictions on your card
Banks can often approve the transaction immediately while you're on the phone.
Step 4: Try Again
After verifying information and contacting your bank:
- Return to checkout
- Re-enter card information carefully
- Ensure billing address matches card exactly
- Submit payment again
Most payment issues resolve after correcting information or getting bank authorization.
Step 5: Try an Alternative Payment Method
If your card continues to decline:
- Use a different credit or debit card
- Try a card from a different bank
- Use an alternative payment method if available (PayPal, etc.)
Specific Decline Messages
"Card Declined" or "Do Not Honor"
- General decline from your bank
- Contact bank to determine specific reason
- May indicate security block or insufficient funds
"Insufficient Funds"
- Not enough available balance or credit
- Add funds or use different card
- Check for pending transactions reducing balance
"Invalid Card Number"
- Card number entered incorrectly
- Card may be expired
- Carefully re-enter card number
"Incorrect CVV" or "Security Code Error"
- CVV code wrong or missing
- Check back of card (front for Amex)
- Re-enter 3-digit code (4 for Amex)
"Address Verification Failed"
- Billing address doesn't match bank records
- Use exact address on file with card issuer
- Update address with bank if you've moved
"Card Expired"
- Expiration date has passed
- Use updated card from your bank
- Verify expiration date is entered correctly
After Successful Payment
Once your payment goes through:
- You'll see order confirmation on screen
- Order confirmation email sent immediately
- Charge will appear on your card statement
- Order number assigned (format: #XXXX-C)
Save your order confirmation for tracking and reference.
Preventing Future Payment Issues
Keep Card Information Updated
- Update expiration dates when you receive renewed cards
- Notify bank of address changes immediately
- Activate new cards before using online
Notify Bank of Large Purchases
- Alert bank if making unusual purchase
- Give heads up for higher-than-normal transaction
- Confirm online purchases are authorized
Use Reliable Payment Methods
- Use cards you've successfully used for online purchases
- Avoid cards with frequent restrictions
- Keep backup payment method available
When to Contact CENTR Support
Contact our support team if:
- You've verified all card information is correct
- Your bank confirms no blocks or issues
- You have sufficient funds
- Payment continues to decline after multiple attempts
- You receive unusual error messages
- You need assistance with payment options
How to Contact Us
Email [email protected] with subject "Payment Decline Assistance"
Include:
- Type of card being used
- Last 4 digits of card
- Error message received
- Steps you've already taken
- Whether you've contacted your bank
Our team can investigate payment processing issues and provide assistance.
Common Questions
Will multiple declined attempts lock my account?
No, but your bank may temporarily block the card after multiple failed attempts as a security measure. Contact your bank if this happens.
Why did my card work before but not now?
Cards can be declined even if previously successful due to insufficient funds, security blocks, expiration, or account changes. Verify current card status.
Does CENTR store my card information?
Card information is processed securely through our payment processor. We don't store full card numbers.
Can I pay with multiple cards?
Our system typically accepts one payment method per order. Contact support if you need to split payment.
What if my bank says the charge went through but I got a decline message?
You may see a pending authorization that will drop off in 1-3 business days if the payment was declined. Contact support if charged without order confirmation.
Need Payment Help?
If you're experiencing payment issues and need assistance, contact our support team at [email protected].
Include details about the error message and steps you've tried. We'll help troubleshoot and ensure you can complete your equipment order successfully.