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My Purchase Was Declined: Common Causes and How to Fix It

Elaine Castanha
Updated

Find out why the decline happens and how to avoid future failed attempts.

Use this article when your purchase was denied or approved and then immediately canceled. Learn quick checks and how to prepare your card before paying.

Common Causes of Decline

  • Insufficient balance on the card (the app shows the balance in Card → Balance).
  • Balance synchronization still pending: you just loaded the card and tried to pay immediately; the network may take a few minutes to reflect the new balance.
  • Incorrect card details at checkout (number, expiration date, CVC, name).
  • Multiple attempts in the same minute (the acquirer may temporarily block).
  • Instability at the merchant/acquirer (faulty card machine or online gateway).

Step-by-Step: How to Fix It Now

  1. Confirm your card balance: Picnic App → Card → Balance.
  2. Just loaded the card? Wait 3 to 5 minutes and refresh the app (close and reopen) before trying to pay again.
  3. Review the card details at checkout (number, expiration date, CVC, and name should match the Picnic card shown in the app).
  4. Avoid repeating the attempt multiple times in a row. If declined, make the above adjustments, wait, and try only once more.
  5. If the purchase was charged and then canceled, wait for the automatic refund. Follow the article “Picnic Card Refund: How It Works and Where to See It” to locate the refund.

Tips to Avoid Declines in the Future

  • Load the card in advance and wait a few minutes before paying, especially for large amounts.
  • Update the app before going to the checkout and confirm your balance in Card → Balance.
  • Ensure the purchase amount (including any merchant fees) fits within your balance.

Quick Notes

1) I tried several times in a row and only one was approved. Why?
Consecutive attempts can lead to declines due to temporary acquirer blocking or pending balance synchronization.

2) It was charged and then canceled. Will I receive a refund?
Yes. When the merchant cancels, the amount returns as a new transaction (refund) in your Picnic card balance. See how to locate it in the Refund article.

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