What are card brand max decline rules?

Card brand max decline rules refer to the maximum number of times a card can be declined for a transaction before it is considered invalid. These rules are put in place to prevent fraudulent activity and protect both the cardholder and the merchant.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover all have their own set of card brand max decline rules. For example, Visa's rules state that a card can be declined up to three times before it is considered invalid, while Mastercard's rules allow for up to six declines.

It is important to note that these rules apply to both online and in-person transactions. Additionally, these rules are based on the total number of declines across all channels, not just one specific channel (such as online or in-store).

It is also important to note that these rules are not meant to be a guarantee of approval. They are simply a way to prevent fraud and protect both the cardholder and the merchant.

If a card is declined a number of times that exceeds the card brand max decline rules, the cardholder should contact their issuer for more information. The issuer may be able to provide additional information about the decline and help the cardholder resolve the issue.

As a merchant, you should always follow the card brand max decline rules in order to prevent any potential issues with the transactions. And in case of any confusion or issues, reach out to the card brand or acquirer for clarification.