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Declined Transaction at Point of Sale (POS)

If your card is declined at a POS terminal, there may be several reasons.

This guide helps you identify the issue and fix it before retrying the payment.


Before you retry


  • Make sure your wallet or company wallet has enough balance
  • Confirm the POS terminal is connected to the internet
  • Check that the card is not damaged or wet


Some declines are related to the card itself.


Card issues


  • Chip is scratched or damaged
  • Card is expired or blocked
  • Card was swiped instead of inserted


What to do:


  • Clean the chip gently
  • Insert the card and enter the PIN
  • Request a replacement card if the issue continues



Other declines happen due to incorrect usage or limits.



PIN, balance, and limits


  • Incorrect PIN was entered
  • Wallet or company wallet balance is low
  • Daily, monthly, or per transaction limit is reached
  • Merchant category or time restrictions apply


What to do:


  • Check your PIN in My Card
  • Review card limits and status in the platform
  • Contact your company administrator if needed



In some cases, the issue is external.



Network or merchant issues



  • Temporary banking partner issues
  • POS terminal not properly connected
  • Wrong payment mode used


What to do:


  • Wait a few minutes and try again
  • Ask the merchant to use Card Present mode
  • Insert the card and enter your PIN


If the card cannot be read, it may be demagnetized.



Muted or demagnetized card


  • POS shows Muted card
  • Card was exposed to phones or metal


What to do:


  • Wipe the chip gently and retry
  • Cancel the card from the platform
  • Request a replacement card



Always complete your first transaction using your PIN. Keep your card away from phones and metal objects. Check your balance before making a payment.


Updated on: 05/02/2026

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