Ensure secure payments and reduce risks by following these Visa and Mastercard guidelines when handling declined cards:

✅ Always Process the Full Amount

• Run the card for the entire amount owed.

• Splitting charges into smaller amounts increases the risk of delayed or incomplete payments.

🚨 Notify the Cardholder Immediately

• If a card is declined, inform the customer right away.

• Ask them to contact their issuing bank to resolve any issues.

🔁 Retry Only After Resolution

• Attempt a second charge only if the cardholder confirms that issues are resolved with their bank.

⛔ Limit Daily Attempts

• Do not try the same card more than twice in a single day.

• If it fails twice:

  • Ask for a different payment method, or

  • Wait 24 hours before retrying.

🕒 After 24 Hours

• If the card declines again on the third attempt, request a new form of payment.

🔒 Why These Steps Matter

Following these steps:

• Reduces the risk of false authorizations caused by multiple attempts.

• Improves payment security and reliability for your business.

📌 Tip for Merchants: Always be upfront with customers about declines—it builds trust and helps resolve issues faster.