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Tamara AydinyanContributor
Tamara Aydinyan has been traveling the world with the help of miles and points for over a decade and enjoys teaching others to do the same. When she's not on the move, you can find her in Los Angeles or New York City, or on Instagram @deadlytravel.
Tamara Aydinyan
Tamara AydinyanContributor
Tamara Aydinyan has been traveling the world with the help of miles and points for over a decade and enjoys teaching others to do the same. When she's not on the move, you can find her in Los Angeles or New York City, or on Instagram @deadlytravel.
Contributor
Jerod MoralesDeputy Editor
Jerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for his growing family. Now, as a dad to four sons, he and his wife enjoy introducing their kids to cultures and cities across the globe as often as they can.
Fact Checked
Jerod Morales
Jerod MoralesDeputy Editor
Jerod Morales is a deputy editor at Forbes Advisor and a travel rewards expert. He took a deep dive into points and miles in 2016, searching for a way to make travel both possible and affordable for his growing family. Now, as a dad to four sons, he and his wife enjoy introducing their kids to cultures and cities across the globe as often as they can.
Deputy Editor
Fact Checked
Published: Dec 12, 2023, 9:00am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
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Table of Contents
- Reasons Why a Capital One Credit Card Is Restricted
- How Do I Lift My Capital One Credit Card Restrictions
- Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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“Your credit card was declined” is not a sentence you want to hear, but it can happen to anyone and for many reasons. Knowing the reasons your credit card can be restricted may help you avoid the situation altogether, or understand what you need to do to protect your account.
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Reasons Why a Capital One Credit Card Is Restricted
When a Capital One credit card is restricted, the account is suspended—or temporarily locked or frozen—by the card issuer.
Why Is My Capital One Account Restricted
Your Capital One account can be restricted for several reasons:
- Old or new card: An old card that has expired will be restricted until the new one is activated. If a new card has yet to be activated, Capital One may restrict the account to protect the cardholder from potentially fraudulent use.
- Fraud: If Capital One flags any suspicious transactions, your account may be restricted to help avoid unauthorized charges. Triggers of potentially fraudulent activity can include unusual spending patterns like big purchases and international use.
- Credit limit: If a purchase would put your credit card balance over the available limit, the account can be restricted to prevent further use.
- Late payments: If you repeatedly violate the card’s terms with late payments, you will incur late fees, be charged interest on the unpaid balance, potentially see an increase in your interest rate and risk having your card be restricted.
How Do I Lift My Capital One Credit Card Restrictions
Upon discovering your Capital One credit card has been restricted, your first step should be to call the card issuer and confirm the reason why. Depending on the specific situation, Capital One can reactivate your account or inform you of any necessary actions needed in order to reactivate your card.
How To Avoid Capital One Credit Card Restriction
Ideally, you don’t want to experience a credit card restriction. By making timely payments, spending within your credit limit, setting up fraud and security notifications and notifying Capital One prior to traveling or making unusually large purchases, you are more likely to avoid a credit card restriction.
Bottom Line
There may be no need for concern if you find your credit card is suspended or restricted. On the other hand, your credit card information could have been compromised, so you’ll want to call the issuer as soon as possible to find out the reason for the restriction. From there, a representative should be able to guide you with steps to get your account back in good standing.
Find the Best Credit Cards for 2024
No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a suspended credit card be reinstated?
Yes, a suspended credit card is often temporary and can often be reinstated with a phone call to the card issuer. After learning the reason for the suspension, you should be able to confirm information or follow any steps required to get the card reinstated.
Does Capital One have restrictions?
Capital One may place a restriction on your credit card for reasons that include an unactivated new card, fraudulent activity, credit limit or late payments. A card could be flagged for fraudulent activity if you make an unusual transaction, even if it’s a legitimate charge.
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