The error indicates that the card is being declined by the card issuer, even though it supports international transactions. For Microsoft and Azure-related payments, the most common causes and resolutions in this situation are:
- Verify that the card type and region are supported
- Ensure that the card is not a virtual or prepaid card. Prepaid and virtual cards are not accepted for Azure and many Microsoft Marketplace payments.
- Confirm that the card is issued in the same country/region as the account/tenant being used for the purchase. Cards from a different country/region can be rejected.
- In India, only Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards are supported; American Express is not accepted.
- Check with the bank/card issuer again
- Ask the bank to specifically verify:
- The card is active and not blocked for online or high‑risk transactions.
- International and recurring/online payments to Microsoft/Pearson VUE are allowed.
- No fraud or risk rule is blocking transactions to Microsoft or Pearson VUE.
- Validate card details and billing information
- Ensure that the name, billing address, and CVV entered on the payment page exactly match what is on the card and the bank statement. Any mismatch (including city, state, and ZIP/postal code) can cause a decline.
- Try a different supported card/payment method
- Use a different physical credit or debit card issued by a traditional bank in the same country/region as the account.
- Avoid Revolut or similar fintech cards, as they may be rejected even when they are physical Visa/Mastercard cards.
- If the issue persists
- Since the decline is at the payment processor/card‑issuer level and not something that can be overridden from the portal, contact Microsoft or exam support (Pearson VUE) with the error details so they can check whether there is any block or restriction on the payment flow and advise on alternative payment options.
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