• • Outdated or incorrect personal information - for example, when you're asked to enter your zip code at a gas station. Always alert your card issuer whenever you move.
• • Also, make sure you don't mistype your credit card number, expiration date, security code, address or other identifying information.
• • Expired card. Always check the card's expiration date. You should receive a replacement card several weeks beforehand. It's often mailed in a plain envelope, so be careful what you toss. If the new card doesn't arrive, contact the issuer to ensure it hasn't been stolen.
• • You've reached your credit limit. For the sake of your credit score, try to keep your overall and individual card credit utilization ratios (credit available divided by amount used) as low as possible - ideally below 50, or even 30, percent.
• • A temporary hold has been placed on your card - say for a rental car or hotel reservation - that puts you over your credit limit. Always ask whether a hold will be placed, how much and for how long, and factor that into your remaining balance calculations.
• • You miss a monthly payment. Card issuers may let this slide once or twice, depending on your history with them, but eventually if you don't make at least the minimum payment due, your card will probably be frozen.
• • The primary cardholder made changes on the account and forgot to tell other authorized users - for example, reporting his or her card stolen, lowering credit limits or removing you from the account.
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• On last thought: If your card is denied, don't shoot the messenger - he's only following instructions. Rather, call the card issuer and find out what happened. Embarrassment aside, it's nice to know that someone is trying to ensure your card isn't being used fraudulently.
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• Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney
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