Fix Payment Error: Transaction Declined by Your Bank

For a complete guide, click: Ultimate Guide to Paying in China

Problem: Your payment on Alipay or WeChat Pay fails with an error like Transaction Declined by Issuer, C6, or Card doesn't support CNY transactions (-1011).

First, Don't Panic. This is a Common & Fixable Issue.

It's NOT your fault, your card is FINE, and your money is SAFE.

Sometimes, the issue isn't your bank, but the card itself. If you're seeing an 'Unsupported Card' error, check our dedicated guide to fixing that issue.

Why It Happens

This is the most common error. It means your own bank stopped the payment. It is not a problem with Alipay or WeChat.

• Bank Security: Your bank's security system thinks the payment from China is a risk.
• No 3D Secure: Your bank did not use the required "3D Secure" identity check.
• Account Limits: Your bank account is not set up for online payments in a foreign country. For more on payment limits, see Foreign Card Payment Limits Explained.

How to Fix It: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Contact Your Bank (Most Important!)

   This is the fastest and most effective solution. Calling your bank might feel stressful, but it's a very common request for travelers. You can do it!

   What to say to your bank:

   What to Say When You Call Your Bank
   "Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I am currently traveling in China and my card ending in [Last 4 Digits] was just declined. I can see the transaction attempt in my app. Can you please confirm that you see it and approve all future transactions from merchants in China for the duration of my trip, which ends on [Date]?"

   They can usually fix this in a few minutes.

   For name mismatch issues when adding your card, see our Name Mismatch Fix Guide.

2. Step 2: Check Your Banking App

   Open your mobile banking app. Look for settings like:

   • Card Controls
   • Security Settings
   • Online Payments or E-commerce
   • Overseas or International Transactions

   Make sure these options are turned ON.

3. Step 3: Try a Small Payment First

   After contacting your bank, first try to pay a small amount, like 10 RMB. If it works, your card is now active for larger payments.

   If you encounter other error codes, try our Payment Error Code Lookup Tool.

   If all else fails, you may need to use a different card. Fintech cards like the Revolut Card or the iFast GB Card often have more travel-friendly security systems.

Backup Plan

• Use a different card: If you have another card from a different bank (e.g., a Visa instead of a Mastercard, or a Chase card instead of a Capital One card), try that one One of the best ways to set up a travel-ready card is by using a multi-currency account like Wise card, which we recommend for its ease of use。
• Prepare in advance: Before your trip to China, call your bank and tell them you will be traveling and making payments there。
• For more on cash and backup options, see Do You Still Need Cash in China?.

How to Prevent This Error Before It Happens

To avoid this issue on your next trip, take these proactive steps:

• Set a Travel Notice: Before you leave, log into your online banking or call your bank to set a travel notice for China for your specific travel dates.
• Make a Small Pre-Authorization: Some users report success by making a small online purchase from a Chinese vendor (like AliExpress) before their trip, and authorizing it. This "teaches" your bank's system that transactions from China are legitimate.

For a beginner's guide, see Alipay for Foreigners and WeChat Pay for Foreigners.