What Do I Do If My Bank of America Card Was Declined?

In a nutshell: If your Bank of America card is declined, it could be due to reaching your credit limit, incorrect information, unusual activity, an expired card, not activating your card, or making a large purchase. To resolve the issue, check the expiration date and request a replacement if necessary. Log in to your online banking to get a new card. Set up your digital wallet for temporary use. Verify the card details and credit line, activate the card if necessary, and contact customer service if needed.

Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Jan 2, 2024

Introduction

There are several reasons your Bank of America card may be declined. You might have hit your credit limit or not provided the correct information. Most credit card companies can also detect unusual activities, so your transaction may be declined if you're in another country and didn't inform your credit card company that you'll be traveling. Other reasons include using an expired card, not activating your card or if you made a large purchase. If you made a purchase using your Bank of America card and it was declined, use this guide to know what to do next.

Check the Expiration Date

You may have overlooked this. Get your card and check the expiration date. It's usually on the front of the card, where the name and credit card number are located. Look for it just below the credit card number. Contact Bank of America for a replacement if your card has expired.

Bank of America will send a replacement card before your card is set to expire. If you didn't receive this, log in to your online banking to get a new card. Follow the instructions to successfully get a new card.

Log In to Online Banking

Sign in to your account to get started with the card replacement process. You can do this online or via the app.

What Do I Do If My Bank of America Card Was Declined? (Step 2)

Select Order a New or Replacement Card Link

If you're using the app, open it and scroll to the Card Management section. Tap Replace Credit Card link.

Follow the On-Screen Instructions

Set Up Your Digital Wallet

While waiting for the replacement card, set up your debit card online or via the app to start making purchases in-store, online or via the app.

Log Back In to Your Bank of America Account

Tap Manage Card Settings

Tap Get My Digital Card

Tap the card image to get the card number, expiration date and CVV code. You can use this card temporarily while waiting for the replacement card.

Check Credit Card Details

If your credit card hasn't expired yet, but the transaction was declined, the problem could be with the information you provided. Depending on the store, you might need to click Back or scroll up to check the details. Review that all the information is correct before proceeding to the next step.

Check Your Statement

You need to also check your credit line as you might be over your limit. You'll find this by checking your credit card statement. You may also call Customer Service to get this info.

Activate Your Card

If your credit card is new and the transaction has been declined, you might need to activate your card first. Follow the steps below to activate your credit card with Bank of America. You need to add your credit card and social security number to enroll your card.

What Do I Do If My Bank of America Card Was Declined? (Step 11)

Enter Your Card or Account Number

Just enter the last six digits of your card.

Enter Your TIN or Social Security Number

Click Continue

Just follow the on-screen instructions.

Conclusion

When traveling, inform your bank to avoid problems with your credit card transactions. Your account may also be closed if you haven't used your credit Bank of America credit card in a while. Check your account online to see if it is still active or contact Customer Service. If you have other questions about your account with Bank of America, please contact Customer Support.

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Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.
What Do I Do If My Bank of America Card Was Declined?

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