- Insufficient funds
- If there isn't enough available credit or you are over your limit, then we may decline your transaction.
- Please check you have sufficient funds available to cover the transaction.
- Pending payments
- You could have pending payments which impact your available balance.
- An error with the merchant bank
- If there is an error with the merchant bank, this is something which we have no control over.
- If you've checked your available balance and there are sufficient funds available, then you'll need to query this with the merchant bank.
- A security measure after several Contactless payments
- If you've used your card for Contactless payments several times your card may be declined as a security measure.
- Please try using it with chip and PIN as this should resolve the issue.
- Incorrect card details
- If this is an online transaction, please check you have entered your card details correctly.
- If anything is entered incorrectly then your transaction will be declined.
- An incorrect One Time Access Code or not receiving a One Time Access Code
- If your One Time Access Code (OTAC) is entered incorrectly, your transaction may be declined.
- If you've not received your OTAC then please log in to Online Banking and check we have your up-to-date mobile number.
- Please refer to our existing FAQ 'How do I update my contact, address and additional details online?' on how to do this if you're unsure.
- If you believe your contact details are correct and you're still having issues with your OTAC, then please contact us as your Tesco Bank Secure account may be disabled.
- A fraud prevention measure
- Occasionally we can decline a transaction as a fraud prevention measure.
- If we do this, we'll send you a text asking you to reply.
- If this is a genuine transaction, you'll need to confirm this.
- We recommend allowing 5 minutes after sending your text before processing the transaction again.
- Arrears
- If you're in arrears and with our Collections team (due to outstanding payment), then we may decline your transaction.
- A damaged card
- Your card may not work correctly if it is damaged and you may need to order a replacement.
If you're still experiencing further issues, then you will need to contact us.
