My debit card was declined...

[Deleted]

The apocalypse is neigh!

[constanz22]

I'd guess just a basic computer glitch, as well as probably super busy network due to holiday. I wouldn't worry about it too much...

[milee]

I wouldn't spend any time worrying or guessing. Just call and find out.

Could be something minor like two charges within 5 minutes of each other creates a fraud alert or any number of harmless but annoying things. Don't waste your worry on stuff like this.

[Sam_2.0]

If it went through as a credit, I would think something with the store's network may be busy/down due to the holidays. Just use your card as credit or try another store. Don't worry

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

I had mine randomly declined once. Turns out I had a "pattern of unusual activity" for me so tehy shut it down thinking it was fraud. I had ordered all my textbooks to teh tune of $600 and I ordered them all at once so they'd arrive at the same time. I hadn't used the card for a few weeks because I was saving up. I told the bank fine I'll be sure to buy a pack of gum before hand so you know it's me.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Quick call to the bank to ask what's up and that's all it should take.

[Apple]

I've had it happen twice.

First time was because a store I used it at a month earlier reported they had a computer or something stolen (when I was in Virginia I used it at TJ Maxx or someplace a few years ago, affected a lot of people! The one week I was there *sigh* )

The second time it was an issue at my credit union, they had numbers possibly stolen.

It will go through as a credit sometimes because that is a more delayed process. Have your husband called and get it figured out, otherwise you may have to go through the weekend without it.

ETA: if the card has your name on it (or if you're on the account as a user), they should be able to talk to you about the card. If not, I'd switch banks, but I don't take crap from them at all (which is why I went to just my credit union).

[TheOtherMe]

I've had it happen and when they run it as a credit it's fine. I wouldn't worry about it.

[alabamagal]

It happens to me quite a bit, more than it should. It is just processing errors, usually within the store that you are using it. Mine gets declined at Dollar General about half the time. I also had it happen a few times at a local Chinese store and a small supermarket chain. This is all when there is PLENTY of money in my account. I have even used the card at other places right after it is declined.

Just always have a backup plan for paying.

[Deleted]

We had a problem with our BofA card several times about 5 years ago. The Bank's computer detected a weird pattern.

Small purchase (less than $10) at hardware store

Tank of Gas

Large $300-$400 (at Costco).

Turns out this is a really common pattern with a stolen card. First they test the card with a small purchase. Then the first thing they do is fill their car with gas, then a multi-hundred dollar purchase.

I think this happened to my DH 3 or 4 times over a 6 month period and always before he was ready to go overseas (and would need the debit card for cash at a foreign ATM). We got it squared away but I wouldn't be surprised if you are having a similar problem.

[TheOtherMe]

My DS and DN both attempt to use their debit card to buy gas at Sam's Club. As a debit card, it declines. As a credit, it works. Both talked to credit union. They were aware of the problem and said to run it as a credit card.

[busymom]

Wrongside, I used to work retail. Credit cards & debit cards seem to overwhelm the system around the holidays, & it's not unusual to be declined when everything is actually just fine. Go ahead and call your financial institution on Monday, but most likely there's no real problem.

[kgb18]

The last time I had that problem it turned out I put my debit card by my iPhone, and it demagnetized the strip on my card. My card was running through and coming up declined for insufficient funds when there was plenty of money in the account. I had to get a new card.

[Ombud]

Dec 21, 2012 11:07:37 GMT -5 @wrongsideof30 said:

I can't call the bank because DH is the main person on the account and they won't ever tell me anything....Any ideas?

Just one: change banks or find out why it isn't a joint account

[Deleted]

Dec 22, 2012 22:32:08 GMT -5 Ombud said:

Dec 21, 2012 11:07:37 GMT -5 @wrongsideof30 said:

I can't call the bank because DH is the main person on the account and they won't ever tell me anything....Any ideas?

Just one: change banks or find out why it isn't a joint account

Exactly. When you got married he should have been able to switch it to a joint account.

[suesinfl]

I had bought gas and then went to the grocery store within a half hour and my card was declined. Received a call and an email from the bank within the hour that there was a problem with my acct. Seems that someone in Switzerland tried to make a purchase with card number. They had the correct number but not the pin or the code on the back. I had to wait a week for the bank to issue a new card, but could access the money from my account at the bank. What a pain, but I'm so glad that they flagged my card.

[raeoflyte]

My banks debit card will be declined at petsmart, home depot, and shell gas stations unless I run it as credit. Totally freaked me out the first couple times it happened too. I'm not sure if its on the banks end or the retailers or just a random combination of the 2.

Total freaking pita.