China Handbookby Mobi & Toro

If a payment fails — quick fixes

Card declined at the till? Work down this list. It's usually fixed in a minute.

Last checked · reviewed quarterly

Don't panic — and don't let the queue rush you. Step aside and try these in order.

  1. Check your connection. No data, no payment. Ask the shop for Wi-Fi if you need to.
  2. Check your bank app. Many "declined" payments are your bank's fraud check. Approve the payment in your bank app, then try again.
  3. Switch cards. If you added a second card, choose it on the payment screen.
  4. Switch apps. Try WeChat Pay instead of Alipay, or the other way round.
  5. Finish any verification. If the app shows a message asking you to verify your identity, follow it with your passport — it can unlock payments.
  6. Ask about other ways to pay. Some shops accept international cards directly, or cash.

If it still won't work, open the show card that asks the cashier for another way to pay.

Later, when you have time

Open the app's help or customer service section from inside the app and describe what happened. Note the time, the shop and any error message — a screenshot helps.

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