What to do
- Try the card again — one-off network declines are common.
- Try chip instead of tap, or swipe instead of chip.
- Ask for a different card.
- Take cash.
Common causes you can't fix
- Not enough funds
- The customer's bank flagged it as unusual
- An expired card
- A travel or fraud hold
When every card declines
That's your side, not theirs. Check Get paid for a green "charges enabled". If it isn't green, payouts setup isn't finished.