Credit Authorization Failed - What does it mean?

JackNoMore · #1 02-20-2007

If a card hasn't been activated and you attempt to put it on file and it comes back denied because the card doesn't work, does ebay log that information into their database so that any time you try to use that card ever again on a future suspended account, you can't? I had some problems earlier in activating a new card and it never actually got on file. This was with another suspended account BEFORE it was suspended, though I believe it was blocked. Now that I have a new ebay account and my credit card is now working, I wonder if it's safe to use that card or not? If you get an error that says "credit authorization failed" what does this most likely mean? Does it mean that they've banned that card even though it never ACTUALLY got on file? Does ebay keep a running log of EVERY card you've had on an account before AND after any suspension? Or just the last one associated with the problem at the time you were suspended?

Or is it simply that I need to change some of the information around to get it accepted? If it's the latter, what should I change to make closer to the actual details on my charge card? Country? State? Address? The card information and ebay account information are of course very different from each other for obvious reasons. Thanks!

JackNoMore · #2 02-20-2007

Modee, that's probably what happened. Like I said, I had some problems getting the card activated, and while in the middle of that, I tried to put the card on file a total of 5 times. Is there any way to get that block removed without much effort or risk, or is it going to mean a lot of extra attention coming my way from ebay that I don't want? The reason I ask is that I've already been down the replacement route as this is what I had to do before, but for some reason or another, the card just would not activate until I took a trip downtown to do it myself in person. Took way too long as even then I had to make an appointment and speak to a manager. I'm planning on ordering the virtual giftcard to avoid this in the future, but wanted to first see if this card was usable at all. This is a realatively new account so a little risk is ok as long as it's not a BIG risk. Funny thing, Paypal had NO problems with the card at all!

**aspkin** · #3 02-20-2007

Jack, I've been in the same switation you're in. And eBay linked me within a day. They do keep track of all cards and log them for the account you're logged into.

JackNoMore · #4 02-21-2007

Aspkin, when this happened to you, did you get that ""card authorization failed" with "credit card on file" at the bottom of the screen" message screen in bold italics or was it another type of screen? So far (cross fingers and knock on wood) the account is still there since yesterday. Would it make any difference if I lay off a couple days and don't try to put another credit card on file, just don't try to sell at all with that account, leave it alone? Or is the damage already done, nothing I do will change it, and that account is pretty much toast? I stopped this time at the second attempt. I'm also not 100% sure that the card I tried to use I originally tried to put on this account or the other now suspended account, as it's been a while. So this may all be for nothing if the attempts were made on the good account in the first place, but it's still good information nonetheless.

**aspkin** · #5 02-21-2007

Jack, something like that yes. But for some reason I was suspended quickly, within a day I believe.

JackNoMore · #6 02-21-2007

Modee, by "formula" do you mean Aspkin's steps to create accounts, or doing what I did that started this thread? I have no intention of logging back on the same IP (I have dialup anyway), so should I be safe to go ahead and add another card to this new account or am I probably living on borrowed time with it? I wish there was a way to definately find out if I tried to put that card on the other now suspended account or just this new one. My memory is playing tricks.

**aspkin** · #7 02-21-2007

It's hard to say jack. Theres nothing you can really do about it now. Only time will tell.

JackNoMore · #8 02-22-2007

Good thoughts. I'm going to do that now. Have you noticed Ebay keeps adding more safeguards to their accounts to make it harder for new users. Probably best to get those accounts in while they're still easy to make. Yeah I'm amazed at the amount of accounts out there I have targeted to buy something from, only to find they or their products are gone in a day. But I guess that's a good thing as I might not ever get the item if I did buy it.

**aspkin** · #9 02-22-2007

Just be careful not to link accounts when you're creating them, it would be a waste of time if you did. It's a good idea though, it cost nothing either; until you setup your seller account.

JackNoMore · #10 02-24-2007

Ready to add a new card to an account. Could we please go over this one more time guys? Should you be able to actually add a card with the info that ebay automatically pulls up under your account? (the part in the yellow highlights)? What if it's different from your "real" info? What--if anything--has to match exactly what you have on file with the card? Or should it match what you have on file with that username? Believe it or not, this is still pretty confusing. Maybe a sticky with that information would be helpful? Just an idea. Thanks!

JackNoMore · #11 02-25-2007

Just tried it, no luck I'm afraid. Something in the address is not passing. This is a brand new card, hasn't been used on anything yet, so it can't be already on file. What needs to be changed? I went with the default info that came up when I clicked to add a card like others have used.

JackNoMore · #12 02-25-2007

It's not passing verification, getting the same error as before, just that this time it does NOT say "credit card on file". I'm not entering anything different, just going with the default information there when I select to add a credit card. What should I change? And what should I change it to?

**aspkin** · #13 02-25-2007

When entering your card, enter an address closer to the one your registered the card with, but not 100% the same. Try to change a few numbers or letters.

JackNoMore · #14 02-25-2007

Aspkin, the "address" - which part? The street address/house/apt # line? Or the City/Province/County/State/Country/Zipcode part?

**aspkin** · #15 02-25-2007

Everything basically, try to keep it as close as possible to the real thing, except a few characters. Mostly the street numbers if any. If it's 123 ozarka street, call it 124 ozarka street.

JackNoMore · #16 02-25-2007

Thanks guys.

Wow, with everything having to be so close, I'm amazed anyone is able to put that past ebay for long. Are we sure that the reason accounts are suspended isn't so much about our own stupidity, but more that ebay just got around to researching the registration?

JackNoMore · #17 02-27-2007

Eh? I never said I was using the same card. I'm using a totally different card that has never graced any system let alone ebay's. I was only asking if I needed to change something on ebay's side to match closer to the card as it was issued so it'd be accepted. How can you change a "lost" card address entirely if you want it sent to your real address? I don't understand that. Unless you're talking about a separate real address you can receive mail, which I don't have at the present time. With a giftcard that would be easy I suppose, but with my present situation, I can't use them either. Maybe soon.

JackNoMore · #18 03-04-2007

Just wanted to update everyone on this case. I changed the alpha part of the address like Modee suggested and left the numeric alone. It took the rest of the address just by changing the zipcode. So it looks like the city and state don't have an affect after all! Thanks to your help Modee and Aspkin, I was able to successfully add a new card!