Avoid Declined International Transactions with These Handy Tips
24 May, 2023
International transactions and purchases in foreign currency are the most common causes of declined card transactions. Most of the time, international transactions are declined for your benefit only. For the card company or bank, a sudden international transaction may seem suspicious. For you, a declined international transaction can mean unnecessary hassle and concern. But such rejections can be avoided with a few simple corrective measures and by keeping a few things in mind.
Reasons for declined international transactions
Overseas transactions using Credit Cards may be declined for reasons such as,
Not informing the bank / Card Company - Before using your card overseas, you must inform your Bank / card company This can be easily done through NetBanking or Mobile Banking. If not done, it is very much possible that the bank will decline the transaction.
Foreign currency - If you always spend in your domestic currency, a sudden foreign currency transaction will break the pattern. The card company may decline the transaction as a precaution. This generally happens when a series of domestic transactions are followed by an international transaction. It is one of the many risk rules that are in place to ensure a safe banking experience.
False positives
False positives in card payments are transactions made by a real customer that are flagged as suspected fraud transactions. For instance, you have been mostly using your credit card in and around Delhi NCR and sometimes in other parts of India. When you swipe it for the first time in, let’s say, New York City, it will appear as a suspicious transaction. This happens because the bank’s risk rules are designed to identify and flag unusual transactions. In most cases, the bank tries to contact the cardholder by phone. If the customer is not reachable, which is quite likely at international locations, the international transaction gets declined.
This can be avoided at the time of card selection and later before leaving for an overseas trip.
While selecting a Debit Card, always go for an international one if you plan to use it overseas. The same goes for Credit Cards as well. Further, check that your Credit Card offers a low conversion rate and other benefits on foreign travel. Besides, as mentioned above,you can avoid international transaction declines at any time by using NetBanking and Mobile Banking and informing your bank about your international travel.
HDFC Bank travel plan update
You can ensure that your genuine international transactions using HDFC Bank cards are not declined by following the simple steps,
Through HDFC Bank NetBanking:
In your NetBanking profile, select the “Credit Card” section,
Expand and choose your Credit Card,
In “International Travel”, click on the “Manage” link,
Provide your emergency contact details in India, name of the destination country, from and to dates, and destination country contact number,
In case of multi-country travel, add “destination” and required details,
Click on “Confirm”.
Through HDFC Bank mobile banking:
Login to HDFC Bank Mobile Banking app using your PIN or touch ID,
Tap on “Menu”,
Under “Pay”, select “Cards”, and then choose your card,
Tap on “Show More” to expand the panel,
In “International Travel”, tap on the “Manage” link,
Provide your emergency contact details in India, name of the destination country, from and to dates, and destination country contact number,
In case of multi-country travel, add “destination” and required details,
Tap on “Confirm”.
Flying away with HDFC Bank
Activating international transactions on your HDFC Bank Credit Card can be done on the go. Doing so will whitelist all your Credit Card transactions in the destination country(s) for the period of your stay. To ensure a safe banking experience, the risk rules become applicable as soon as your declared travel period ends.
HDFC Bank offers various cards that can be of great utility on your overseas trip. This includes minimal charges, relaxed withdrawal limits, rewards and travel offers. However, you must follow the aforementioned guidelines to ensure that your Credit Card is “travel-ready”.
With HDFC Bank, spending on your overseas trips becomes a breeze, and you can continue to sample interesting cuisines and pick up souvenirs and artefacts on foreign shores.
Click here to get your Credit Card now!
Read more about these Credit Card mistakes to avoid when travelling abroad.
*Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. Credit Card approvals at the sole discretion of HDFC Bank Limited. Credit Card approvals is subject to documentation and verification as per Bank's requirement. Interest rates are subject to change. Please check with your RM or closest bank branch for current interest rates.
