Declined Payments with a Credit or Debit Card

Did your payment get declined when you tried to pay your WIPO or UPOV fees? Learn about the possible reasons behind it and how to resolve each issue.

Why isn't my credit or debit card working?

Start investigating the issues. Do not try to pay with the same card multiple times in a row, as it might block your card.

Reason 1: Your card has expired

Double-check the expiration date of your card.

Reason 2: Payment information entered incorrectly

Double-check that all your payment details have been entered correctly:
  • card number,
  • expiration date,
  • CVV

Reason 3: Not enough balance on your card

  • Log in to your online banking or mobile app
  • Check the credit or debit card balance
  • Top up your card
  • Try again with the payment

Reason 4: Credit limit reached

  • Log in to your online banking or mobile app
  • Navigate to your credit or debit card settings
  • Increase your credit limit from there
If you cannot increase your credit limit from your banking app, we suggest you contact your bank.

Reason 5: Your card is not activated

If you're using a new card for the first time, make sure to activate it before making any payments. Contact your bank for instructions on how to activate your card.

Reason 6:  You did not complete the verification process (3D Secure)

When you pay a transaction online by credit card, you may be redirected to your bank to verify your payment.
The payment experience may vary depending on credit card issuers. This is an additional step that is being introduced as a result of an EU regulation to enhance your security when paying online.
To maintain high security standards, your bank may give you instructions to verify your online payment, or ask you to enter a unique security code to finalize your payment.
To verify your card payment:
  1. Follow the instructions on the bank’s website.
  2. One of the methods used by banks includes a unique verification code. Check your phone or inbox for your code.
  3. Enter the code as prompted.
  4. Alternatively, your bank may ask you to verify the purchase using facial recognition or fingerprint technology if you already have this in place.
What to Do If the Verification Process Fails?
If you receive an error message or if you can't perform the verification, contact your bank or local branch, as they may be able to explain why your verification has failed.

Reason 7:  Your card is blocked

If you had a fraudulent transaction or your bank believes that a purchase could be fraudulent due to an unusual payment pattern, your card might have been blocked by your bank.

A transaction would also be blocked if you have reported your card as lost or stolen.

To unblock your card, contact your bank’s helpline.
If your credit card is still not working, please contact your bank or card issuer for assistance.

I would like to change my payment method

Discover other payment methods available in WIPO Pay.