Two different credit cards declined when making online gun purchase

[seeker1321]

I thought I would make a post in case this has happened to anyone else recently.

Rural King got me with their Cyber Monday sale and I ordered a couple of things. I went to go check out with the credit card I normally use with them and the transaction was declined. So I tried a different card it was also declined. I checked my email and I had a fraud alert email from the first card. I called them, and told them it was a legitimate purchase. The rep unlocked my card, and I ran the transaction through again while on the phone. This time it went through.

It could have been something with my accounts, I did open a new card this morning with another bank, but I just found it interesting that all my other holiday purchases have gone through find, but when I went to purchase a couple of firearms it gets declined.

 

[JCSR]

Guns are bad. Your bank is trying to save you from yourself.

 

[WebSnyper]

I thought I would make a post in case this has happened to anyone else recently.

Rural King got me with their Cyber Monday sale and I ordered a couple of things. I went to go check out with the credit card I normally use with them and the transaction was declined. So I tried a different card it was also declined. I checked my email and I had a fraud alert email from the first card. I called them, and told them it was a legitimate purchase. The rep unlocked my card, and I ran the transaction through again while on the phone. This time it went through.

It could have been something with my accounts, I did open a new card this morning with another bank, but I just found it interesting that all my other holiday purchases have gone through find, but when I went to purchase a couple of firearms it gets declined.

I'd think more likely it was just outside or your normal purchase patterns and the bank's algorithm for fraud detection. The obvious answer is buy more guns so it doesn't think it is out of your normal spending habits.

 

[PRasko]

If the headquarters for the site is out of state from where you live, it's an auto decline from 90% of banks as it looks like fraud.

I had the same thing happen while using walmart.com and hobofreight.

 

[Tactically Fat]

I'd think more likely it was just outside or your normal purchase patterns and the bank's algorithm for fraud detection.

This is 100% it.

We need not look for boogie men where there aren't any boogie men.

I recently had an online purchase be declined with Allegiant Airlines because it was outside the "norm" for me. (But my purchase with Delta earlier this year went through just fine...)

 

[Cameramonkey]

I'd think more likely it was just outside or your normal purchase patterns and the bank's algorithm for fraud detection. The obvious answer is buy more guns so it doesn't think it is out of your normal spending habits.

FIFY

 

[seeker1321]

This is 100% it.

We need not look for boogie men where there aren't any boogie men.

I recently had an online purchase be declined with Allegiant Airlines because it was outside the "norm" for me. (But my purchase with Delta earlier this year went through just fine...)

I can see that, but I have also made 4 similar transaction with the same card in the last 18 months to the same vendor. All those transactions went through without a problem. Two of them were larger then this purchase.

You're probably right and I am just over thinking it, but in today's climate you never know. I'm just glad I got some good deals.

 

[Chalky]

FWIW, I have had random Amazon purchases declined on the card I always use. Like mentioned, must be something that was thought to be out of norm or suspicious based on some "algorithm". Had to approve the transaction on card then cancel order on Amazon and do it over again per Amazon chat. Was a pain and am sure with the proliferation of "AI" things will improve.

 

[Hopper]

Just a thought, but I've had trouble with a fairly recently issued/upgraded card from my credit union. Tried paying an online insurance bill through their portal as well as an online rental, declined both times, yet the card worked everywhere else. Turns out I had my "approved purchase categories" set a little strict, and anything that fell into the category of "other" was the problem. Easy fix through my CU's online banking portal.

Again, just a thought. As others upthread have stated, algorithms based on your purchasing patterns would also catch potentially fraudulent activity. Having had my card skimmed in the past, I take these occasional hiccups as exactly that... minor inconveniences vs. waiting for funds to be put back right from digital thieves.

 

[firecadet613]

Just a thought, but I've had trouble with a fairly recently issued/upgraded card from my credit union. Tried paying an online insurance bill through their portal as well as an online rental, declined both times, yet the card worked everywhere else. Turns out I had my "approved purchase categories" set a little strict, and anything that fell into the category of "other" was the problem. Easy fix through my CU's online banking portal.

Again, just a thought. As others upthread have stated, algorithms based on your purchasing patterns would also catch potentially fraudulent activity. Having had my card skimmed in the past, I take these occasional hiccups as exactly that... minor inconveniences vs. waiting for funds to be put back right from digital thieves.

Always use a credit card vs a debit card, then your money is never tied up.

 

[Hopper]

Always use a credit card vs a debit card, then your money is never tied up.

Agreed. I wasn't clear above, but I was referencing a credit card in my scenario(s), not a debit card.

 

[BigMoose]

Happens every time I make a phone purchase from the Cabelas Gun Library.

I must plead the fifth on details in case the wife is reading this.

 

[Bassat]

I've had Discover card decline a few sales for me. It is just policy, however seemingly-randomly applied. As the credit issuer is on the hook for fraudulent charges, they must protect themselves. I get it. I always call Discover ahead of time when travelling. "From 6/12/23 - 6/19/23 I'll be in LVN.", is all it takes. A while back, I got a charge declined for an ammo seller in Wyoming. I called Discover and informed them, "Yes, I buy ammunition, and a lot of camera gear on-line, from all over the country." Haven't had a problem with them in forever. You have a dog in this fight; help yourself.