1. Your Special Gift Card has insufficient funds.

When’s the last time you checked the balance in your checking account? If there’s not enough money in the account to cover the purchase, the card will be declined. Also be sure to check that surcharges don't cause the value of the transaction to go over the value available on the card, as this will then cause a decline.

2. You're trying to complete your transaction using the Gift Card option, rather than the Payment Card option.

All Special Gift Cards are Prepaid Mastercard products and must be used like a bank debit or credit card when paying for your purchase. Please note that a split transaction may be required if your purchase exceeds the Gift Card's available balance.

3. The card type is not accepted.

Despite Special working with hundreds and even thousands of merchants, not every single merchant will accept Special Gift Cards. Special Gift Cards usage is prohibited within merchants selling pornography or illicit substances.

4. Your card was flagged for suspicious activity.

Special may simply be trying to protect you by declining the card. If you’re trying to make an international purchase or spend large amounts of money, your card could be flagged.

5. Your card has expired.

Special Gift Cards have no expiry; however, for our branded Special Gift Cards, it is important to check the brand's T&C's for the expiry date.

6. The purchase exceeded the value on the Special Card

It is important to ensure that when purchasing in-store, surcharges on the card don’t cause the total value amount to exceed the amount on the Special Gift Card, as this will cause a decline.