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Why have you declined my transaction?

Sometimes your payments might be declined, this could be because of:

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


If you're still experiencing further issues, then you will need to contact us.
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