My Credit Card Declined...so...Does This Mean My Payment Won't Go Through?

[baileysinmycoffee]

Another part of my lovely call-center job involves processing payments from customers for their bill. Set forth below, you shall see a conversation that I had the privilege of being a part of recently:

Me: Thank you for calling ______ my name is _________ how may I help you?
SC: I would like to make a payment on my account
Me: *Asks for account number, verifies caller identity, etc, etc*
Me: Would you like to pay with a credit card, or checking/savings account?
SC: Credit card
Me: *takes info, processes payment*
Me: Sir, the payment was unable to process. The payment method was declined.
SC: I have $5,000 on that card!!!
Me: I'm sorry sir. You would need to contact your bank/card company. Is there another payment method you would like to use?
SC: NO! Why are giving me the runaround? I just want to make a payment.
Me: The payment was declined.
SC: So does that mean my payment will not go through?
Me: Yes that is correct.

*facepalm*

The SC ranted and raved for another minute or so. Our billing system tells us either one of two things: "Payment successful", w/confirmation number, or "payment declined."

I don't have any information as to *why* it was declined. The payment either authorizes or it doesn't!! The SC's argue with me as if I am their bank or something!

[Aethian]

My prepaid won't go through certain sytems because it's a pre paid.

[Mr Hero]

Don't you know that when a SC's CC declines it's your fault and you're supposed to run it 4 or 5 more times until it goes through?

[baileysinmycoffee]

That's too bad about the prepaid cards. Around here, you can get your tax refund on those prepaid visa cards. I know we've had customer call in to pay their bill with that money, and the cards were unable to authorize.

Many times they will ask me to run the card again. Usually I'll manually key the card # and expiry date in one more time, and it'll decline. Then I'll say "was there anything else I could help you with today?" So they get the hint to get off my freakin' phone!!

[fireheart]

My prepaid won't go through certain sytems because it's a pre paid.

I don't have a prepaid credit card (I really wish I did, but I'll be settling for a Visa/Mastercard debit sooner or later-quick explanation at the bottom), however those cards aren't accepted at most of the Big Box stores, meaning that if I wanted to use it, it'd only be good at uni for food, drinks etc.

Quick explanation:

Going from the number of posts where people ask "credit or debit", in Australia, you're more likely to be asked one or two things at the checkouts:

"Cheque, Savings or Credit?"

OR

"Would you like any cash out?" (if the customer is paying by credit, they just say no)

A Visa/Mastercard Debit card works like one of the two credit cards mentioned, but has lower fees per month and uses your own money. The main function of them is in situations where a credit card would be required, but the cardholder doesn't have one for various reasons. My boyfriend has one and uses it to shop online-it's great

[Aethian]

Darlin...I know what a debit is. I mostly use my prepaid for car items (gas, oil changes, registration) except there are a few gas stations around here that don't accept the very card for payment, that they sell/reload.

[MadMike]

That reminds me of a conversation I had with my ex back when we were first living together, one that should have told me there was serious trouble ahead.

Her: I don't feel like cooking tonight. Why don't we go out to eat?

Me: I don't have money for that.

Her: Just use your credit card.

Me: I can't. It's over the limit.

Her: Can't you just use it anyway?



Seriously, did she think "over the limit" means? It means YOU CAN'T USE IT!!!