Finally, your long-awaited overseas trip. Beautiful scenery, delicious food, exciting shopping… or so you thought—until the cashier says: “This credit card cannot be used (Card Declined).” In an instant, the blood drains from your face, sweat pours down… This nightmare scenario can happen to anyone.
“Why? It worked just a moment ago!”
“My credit limit should be enough… Why won’t it work, even though it’s a Mastercard?”
“If I can’t use my card abroad, what am I supposed to do…?”
This article is a complete guide for those who face such overseas credit card troubles, filled with anxiety, and for those about to embark on a trip to avoid falling into the same situation. We thoroughly explain all possible causes, solutions, and perfect pre-departure preparations.
By reading this article to the end, you will understand the following:
- 10 specific reasons why your card might not work overseas and how to identify your situation
- A step-by-step emergency manual for when you are already in trouble abroad
- A perfect pre-departure checklist to avoid future troubles
- The truth about “Mastercard not working” and the importance of the IC chip
No more freezing up at the cashier. With the right knowledge and preparation, your credit card will become your strongest travel partner. Let’s gain the knowledge here to make your journey as safe and comfortable as possible.
Why? 10 Major Reasons Your Credit Card Suddenly Stops Working Abroad
First, let’s start by identifying why your card stopped working. There may not be just one cause—it could be multiple factors. Check which ones apply to you.
[User-side Causes] Basic Oversights
Surprisingly common are your own mistakes or lack of checking.
Cause 1: Exceeding the Credit Limit
When traveling abroad, it’s easy to overspend on souvenirs and meals. Many cases occur where you unknowingly hit your credit limit.
- Checkpoint: Check your available balance via your card issuer’s app or website.
Cause 2: Late or Missed Payments
If your account has insufficient funds on the payment date, your card may be suspended. Sometimes, while abroad, the payment date passes and your account balance runs out.
- Checkpoint: Always confirm sufficient funds before departure.
Cause 3: Expired Card
Credit cards have an expiration date (VALID THRU / GOOD THRU). If your new card has arrived but you still carry the old one, this trouble can occur.
- Checkpoint: Double-check the expiration date of the card in your wallet.
Cause 4: Incorrect or Forgotten PIN
In Japan, signature-based payments are common, but in many countries—especially Europe—entering your PIN is mandatory.
- Multiple incorrect attempts: Too many errors will lock the card.
- Don’t know it at all: Some don’t remember their PIN since they usually sign instead.
[Physical Card Issues] Problems with the Card Itself
Your card may have physical defects or damage.
Cause 5: IC Chip or Magnetic Stripe Damage
- IC chip dirt/damage: Scratches or dirt can prevent proper reading.
- Magnetic stripe deterioration: Proximity to magnets or phones can corrupt the stripe.
- Checkpoint: Wipe the IC chip gently. If unresolved, consider magnetic stripe failure.
[Card Issuer/System Causes] Protective Functions
Sometimes the card issuer suspends usage intentionally to protect you from fraud.
Cause 6: Fraud Detection System Triggered
Issuers monitor 24/7. If unusual usage is detected, they may temporarily stop your card.
- Card normally used in Japan is suddenly used overseas.
- Multiple countries or cities in a short period.
- Unusually high-value purchases.
- Buying items with high resale value.
This is a temporary lock for identity confirmation, not your fault. Contact your card issuer if this happens.
[Merchant/Local Causes] Issues on the Store Side
Sometimes neither you nor your issuer is at fault—the store is.
Cause 7: Unsupported Brand
Each shop supports only certain brands (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, etc.).
- Example: A shop only accepts Visa/Mastercard, so your JCB won’t work.
Cause 8: Terminal Malfunction/Communication Error
If the terminal is outdated, broken, or has poor internet, payments may fail.
Cause 9: Old Non-IC Terminals
Rarely, small shops may still use magnetic swipe machines, requiring a signature instead of PIN.
Cause 10: Clerk Error
Store staff may make mistakes when operating the terminal.
