Mastercard Declined Codes

Mastercard Declined Codes: Understanding the Reasons Behind Rejection

As a cardholder, receiving a Mastercard declined code can be frustrating and confusing. What does it mean, and how can you resolve the issue? In this article, we will delve into the world of Mastercard declined codes, exploring their meanings, causes, and solutions.

Introduction:

A Mastercard declined code is an error message displayed on your cardholder statement or during a transaction when your Mastercard account is rejected. The decline code provides crucial information about the reason behind the rejection, helping you identify the root cause of the issue.

Key Points:

1. Card Not Present: This decline code indicates that the merchant did not verify your card details or could not process the transaction due to insufficient funds. When you receive this decline code, it’s essential to check your account balance and ensure there are sufficient funds available for the intended purchase. 2. No Account Linked: If you’re using a shared account or someone else’s card, this decline code suggests that the account linked to your Mastercard is not valid or does not exist. In this scenario, contact your bank to verify the account information and resolve the issue before making future transactions. 3. Card Expiration or Validity: This decline code signifies that your Mastercard card has expired or its validity period is over. Make sure to renew or replace your card as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience during transactions. 4. Transaction Limit Exceeded: If you’ve reached the daily transaction limit, this decline code indicates that further purchases are not allowed until the next business day. Check your account for available transaction limits and wait until the limit is lifted before proceeding with additional transactions. 5. Pin or Security Code Mismatch: This decline code suggests that the security code (CVC) or PIN entered during the transaction does not match your account details. Double-check your security code or PIN to ensure it’s accurate and matches your card information. 6. International Transaction Restrictions: Some Mastercard accounts may be subject to international transaction restrictions due to geographical or account-related issues. Verify with your bank that you have the necessary permissions for international transactions before attempting to make purchases abroad. 7. Merchant-Related Issues: In some cases, decline codes can be caused by technical issues at the merchant’s end, such as system failures or network connectivity problems. If you receive this decline code frequently, try visiting another store or using a different payment method to see if the issue resolves itself. 8. Account Lockout or Suspension

: This decline code indicates that your Mastercard account has been locked out due to suspicious activity or excessive transactions. Contact your bank immediately to resolve the issue and regain access to your account. 9. Authorization Failure: If your card is declined during an authorization request, this decline code suggests that the merchant was unable to verify your card details or could not complete the transaction. Check with the merchant to see if they require additional verification or have specific requirements for processing transactions. 10. Card Reissue Required: In some cases, a decline code may indicate that you need to reissue your Mastercard due to outstanding issues or account maintenance. Follow up with your bank to understand the reason behind the decline and initiate the necessary steps to resolve the issue.