Platinum card declined when booking BA flights over the phone

[hma11]

I booked BA open jaw return flights using 2 x companion vouchers over the phone yesterday. The booking was manually processed, Avios deducted immediately and I was told the payment would be taken within 24 hours. However, I received an email this morning to say there was an issue with the booking, so called them, gave them card details again but they’ve emailed again to say the cards are declining. I’ve checked with AMEX and everything on their end seems fine so not sure why they’re declining at the BA end. Has anyone else had problems making payments with the plat over the phone with BA?

[rdmlondon]

Are you giving the correct CVV number, the one on the front of the card?

[hma11]

Yes correct cvv shared. The way their back office team takes payments is so outdated! I’ve been on the phone twice today, both calls nearly lasting an hour as kept being put on hold. Got told that the payment will be taken out in the next 24 hours and the e-tickets will be issued shortly after so the waiting game is still on.

[kwisstan]

I’ve had a couple of issues with the card holder not present transactions on my platinum over the last week or so.

I put it down to using it online with a different country and then a hotel more locally (online too). Worked fine tapping it at the hotel

[hma11]

That’s exactly what I’m told now @kwisstan.

This has been the most bizarre experience with what seemingly should be straightforward payments. As we booked using 2 x companions vouchers, the payments had to be taken out separately for each booking. One booking has gone through and e tickets have been issued 2 days ago, but the second booking is still pending. Waited for 72 hours, as that’s what I was advised the last time I called, but have just called again and have been promised this will be done in the next 4 hours now

[kwisstan]

Hopefully they ticket ok for you. I’ve just had the another experience of Amex declining. I’ve got to ring the hotel tomorrow as it’s a prepaid rate I’m on. Wouldn’t be as bad if it was a Hilton and my card has been used for them lots of times before

[George K]

Just to say, I’ve had a similar story (documented here ) but in a nutshell, this sounds very much like a BA problem. Chances are their systems will recover shortly and you can call again and sort everything out.