Why are foreign transactions often declined when using Apple Card?

Question

Why are foreign transactions often declined when using Apple Card?

Recently tried to process a legitimate charge for about $150 to a foreign company, a custom case and luggage manufacturer. The charge was declined twice. So I just used Visa through PayPal. I contacted support wondering if this automatic decline of foreign transactions was policy. They were no help, just automated responses that were not relevant. Put me on hold for an agent. Gave up. There was a past thread about this in 2020, but no resolution. Seems to still be happening. Any thoughts?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Aug 11, 2024 9:07 AM

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Answer 1

Jeff Donald

Level 7

25,671 points

Aug 11, 2024 9:38 AM in response to bob from hill country

The issuing banks policies are their policies and third party can’t dictate otherwise. I travel a lot and my experience is that if I make a few smaller transactions first, a larger purchase later will not be an issue. GS also will send a text to confirm a transaction. However, many account holders may not have their texting/messaging setup when they arrive and attempt a transaction. This results in a decline because GS hasn’t received a response to their text. There may also be limits on the transactions permitted via Apple Pay. Merchants can also set limits on transactions as well.

About limits when using Apple Pay in stores – Apple Support

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Answer 2

Jeff Donald

Level 7

25,671 points

Aug 11, 2024 9:55 AM in response to bob from hill country

Algorithms can be tricky to figure out and nothing is published because it would alert fraudsters to potential ways to attempt to bypass the protections.

You’re welcome and I hope you have a great rest of your weekend.

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Answer 3

Aug 11, 2024 9:47 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Thanks. I have had large US transactions denied, but could resolve with a GS "is this a legitimate charge" text response. Got no text this time. Will probably stick with PayPal for foreign charges in the future. There's so much fraud out there, no wonder they have mysterious rules and procedures. Sigh! Thanks for the response.

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