Kids cards declined - eg GoHenry or Revolut

[Harvey3]

Hi

We are having trouble in our care with lots of Kids cards declining, like GoHenry or Revolut.

Some online research suggested that if an "0ver 18" merchant code was assigned to the cafe, that could cause the problem. We do sell alcohol  obviously not to kids !

Could that be the cause ?

If so - how do I find out my merchant code

If not are they any other reasons the cards get declined. We know there is money on the card as we are able to process them through a non square terminal we have non cafe sales.

Thanks

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi, @Harvey3 ! Welcome to the Square Community!

Yes, your merchant category code could be affecting youth payment cards. 

Why This Happens:

→Cafes selling alcohol often get coded as "Bars/Pubs"

→This can trigger automatic blocks on youth cards

→Some cards restrict purchases at venues with alcohol sales

How to check your MCC: 

→ Dashboard

→ Business Settings
→ Payment Methods
→ View merchant details

Solutions

Short Term:

→Inform customers about potential youth card issues

→Suggest alternative payment methods

Long Term Options:

→Contact Square UK Support to review MCC (0800 098 8008)

→Request recategorisation if incorrectly coded

→Consider separate Square account for non-alcohol sales

Other Common Decline Reasons

Card Restrictions:

→Daily spending limits

→Merchant type restrictions

→Location restrictions

→Time-of-day limits

Technical Issues:

→Card reader connectivity

→Weak internet connection

→Outdated Square app

→Card reading errors

I hope this helps!