Ever tried to process a higher ticket transaction for a client and have it repeatedly come back as declined only to have the client tell you that they are positive they have a sufficient limit and funds on the card for the transaction, and are even somewhat offended by the fact you are telling them it was declined? Many merchants have experienced this frustration and are wondering what the right answer is.
The truth is the customer usually does have a sufficient limit and funds on the card for the transaction. However, because the transaction is outside of the customers “traditional” or “normal” spending habits or they are using a card they haven’t used for some time the issuing bank that gave the customer the credit card will automatically decline the transaction as a precaution against fraud. Customers will have to contact their credit card company and request that they authorize the transaction. They can then go back to the merchant and purchase the good’s or service’s with no problem.
A good message to have on your check out page or to read to your customers would be the following:
“If this purchase exceeds your regular purchasing pattern or you have not used the card you are about to use in a long period of time, please contact your credit card company or your issuing bank and inform them of this purchase. In doing so, you will avoid the possibility of your credit card company and/or issuing bank declining the card due to irregular purchasing activity or possible fraudulent activity.”
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