Substack Payment Declined When Subscribing

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Recheck and retry

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   1. Re-enter card number, expiry and CVV
   2. Complete the 3-D Secure prompt in your bank app if it appears
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Ask your bank

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   1. Call the issuer and ask why the Substack charge failed
   2. Request they approve the merchant and any foreign-currency charge
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Update the card on the web

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   1. Open substack.com/settings, go to Subscriptions and choose the publication
   2. Click Edit next to Payment method and enter a new card
   3. Card changes cannot be made inside the app
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Use another method

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   1. Try a different card, or a digital wallet if it is offered
   2. On iPhone you may be offered an Apple in-app subscription instead
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Subscribing shows your card was declined, or an existing subscription is marked past due.

Why it happens

• Wrong card number, expiry or CVV
• Bank blocks online or foreign merchants or asks for 3-D Secure
• Insufficient funds or expired card
• Currency mismatch with the publication's billing currency

This guide also covers

• substack payment declined
• substack card declined
• substack payment failed
• substack past due

Other Substack errors

• Substack Emails Going to Spam or Promotions
• Not Receiving Substack Emails
• Substack Login Link Not Arriving or Not Working
• Substack Paywall Showing for Paid Subscribers
• Substack Stripe Payout Not Arriving
• Substack Custom Domain Not Working
• Substack App Crashing or Not Loading
• Substack Can't Publish or Editor Page Unresponsive