About us
We're the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly.
Learn how the CFPB can help you
The content on this page provides general consumer information. It is not legal advice or regulatory guidance. The CFPB updates this information periodically. This information may include links or references to third-party resources or content. We do not endorse the third-party or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. There may be other resources that also serve your needs.
FAQs
There are a number of possible reasons why a purchase could be declined: You don't have enough money left on your card. You haven't activated or registered your card. The address you gave to make an online or phone purchase is different from the address you have on file with your prepaid card provider.
Why can't I use my prepaid card online? ›
You don't have enough money in your account to cover the purchase, shipping, and taxes. Your card has been flagged for suspicious activity, has a freeze on the account, or is subject to a security review. The retailer is having payment processing issues.
Why is my online purchase being declined? ›
Credit cards are declined for a wide variety of reasons, such as you've reached your credit limit, you're behind on payments or you have a large pending transaction.
What is the CFPB prepaid rule? ›
The Prepaid Rule requires prepaid account issuers to submit their prepaid account agreements to the Bureau. Issuers must make a submission whenever a new agreement is offered, a previously submitted agreement is amended, or a previously submitted agreement is no longer offered.
Why is a website saying my card is declined? ›
If the balance on your bank account is too low, or you get close to or go over your credit card's credit limit, your card may be declined. If your bank or credit union offers alerts to flag fraud on your account, sign up.
Why is my prepaid card being declined online? ›
There are a number of possible reasons why a purchase could be declined: You don't have enough money left on your card. You haven't activated or registered your card. The address you gave to make an online or phone purchase is different from the address you have on file with your prepaid card provider.
Why is my card being declined online when I have money? ›
Why might my debit card be denied even if I have money in the account? It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Your debit card may be denied due to overdrafting, reaching daily purchase limits, or your bank suspecting fraud.
What is the prepaid card consumer protection act? ›
Summary: The Prepaid Card Consumer Protection Act prohibits card issuers from charging fees or designating expiration dates. Background: The 2009 federal CARD Act restricted fees, prohibited expiration in less than five years, and imposed strict disclosure requirements.
What are the payment options for CFPB? ›
- Payment by electronic fund transfer. ...
- Payment methods promoted by creditor. ...
- Acceptance of nonconforming payments. ...
- Implied guidelines for payments. ...
- Payments made at point of sale. ...
- In-person payments on credit card accounts. ...
- In-person payments at affiliate of card issuer.
What is the CFPB 3 day rule? ›
Pre-consummation or account opening waiting period.
A creditor must furnish § 1026.32 disclosures at least three business days prior to consummation for a closed-end, high-cost mortgage and at least three business days prior to account opening for an open-end, high-cost mortgage.
You've reached your daily purchase limit. Your debit card expired or is inactive. The bank finds the purchase suspicious. Your card is suspended.
Why won't my online payment go through? ›
When a payment fails, it is likely due to filters the bank applies to certain transactions made online, or amount limitations applied to the card. If your payment is being rejected, please reach out to your bank to get additional information.
Why do websites not accept prepaid cards? ›
MANY sites will not accept prepaid debit cards as it provides very little security for the payment... Which company are you trying to pay with your prepaid debit card?
Why doesn't my prepaid Visa work online? ›
If you're unable to use your Visa gift card for online purchases, you might need to activate the card or register your card online prior to use. If the problem persists, it's best to contact the customer support team of your card provider.
How to make prepaid card work online? ›
However, if you purchased it online, you'll need to activate it once you receive it. This is typically done online or by calling the toll-free number listed on the card. Register—You'll also need to register your card if you want to use it online so that retailers can link the card to a billing address.
Can I use a prepaid card for online purchases? ›
Most prepaid cards have a network logo (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) and can be used anywhere that brand is accepted. Some examples include grocery stores, department stores, gas stations, hotels, and for online shopping. Prepaid cards can also usually be used for purchases over the phone.