“Can't link card — rejected”
Last verified 2026-10
Why this happens
Card linking rejects the card before you ever get to pay. Most often 3D Secure isn't enabled, the bank blocks international/online use, or the card type isn't supported (Amex, prepaid, virtual cards).
How to fix it
- 1
Enable 3D Secure (Verified by Visa / Mastercard ID Check) in your bank app first — this is the #1 hidden cause.
- 2
Call your bank: enable 'international transactions' and 'online transactions', and mention you'll use it on Alipay/WeChat in China.
- 3
Use a physical Visa or Mastercard, not a virtual card (Apple Pay numbers, Google Pay, bank-generated virtual numbers fail).
- 4
American Express, JCB, Discover, and prepaid travel cards (Travelex) frequently fail — switch to Visa/Mastercard.
- 5
Wise (Mastercard) and Revolut (Visa/Mastercard) are reliable fallbacks if your main bank card rejects.
Related
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