Under 18 debit card not being approved

[Jenny29]

Hi 

we are a rugby league club and use the square for our canteen and bar. The problem is because we sell alcohol, kids can’t use their under 18 debit cards at the canteen! Is there something we can do to make them work? Any help is appreciated 

[Laurie_ · Accepted solution]

Hi @Jenny29!

I actually answered a similar question from another Australian Seller over in this thread. Their setup was very similar to yours — a club that also served alcohol — and they ran into issues processing payments from under-18 debit cards. We found that some of these cards come with built-in restrictions, often set by the card issuer, which can block transactions at certain types of businesses based on the merchant category.

I’d be curious to know what type of cards the kids at your canteen are using. If they’re different from the ones already mentioned in the previous thread, feel free to include the card brands in your reply, and I’ll be happy to take a closer look. 

[HM4M]

Hi Jenny,

I was told by my bank that the restriction is set by them and it is based on the account that the under 18 has. Something in the payment system tells them what kind of business you are and that you serve alcohol. The bank then limits their ability to pay. The rule also applies to casinos and pokies, the under 18 card won't work there either as they are under age.