How to Fix Cannot Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (Credit and Debit Cards Declined)

Cannot upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (Credit and Debit Cards Declined)?

As if the OpenAI ChatGPT technology wasn’t making enough headlines, the company has released its Plus version that demands monthly subscriptions. The GPT-Plus membership provides advanced versions of AI technology at just $20/month. 

A groundbreaking update in the form GPT-4 changes how users interact with the AI bot with faster response generation and enhanced reliability, creativity, and efficiency. Unfortunately, many people reportedly cannot purchase the membership due to an unknown card declined error.

So let’s take a quick look at its causes and fixes!

1. Ensure Your Bank Allows International Payments. 

When ChatGPT Plus declines your card, your first step should be to check with your bank and ensure they allow international payments in the first place. You can visit a local branch or contact their remote customer service.

Also, check your account details and ensure the necessary features are enabled to make an international payment. For some banks, you need to contact your bank and have them open a 24-hour window for making international transactions.

While you’re at it, also confirm the payment methods your bank allows, as some only allow wire transfers.

2. Ensure ChatGPT Plus is Available in Your Region.

While ChatGPT is accessible in almost all countries, the availability of its features or overall service may be restricted depending on the laws and regulations of individual countries. It may also be influenced by the language requirements of the region and the business considerations of OpenAI.

Go to their official page to check if your country made it to the list of supported regions.  

Cannot Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (Credit and Debit Cards Declined)


3. Check the IP Address of Your Device.

After ensuring the two methods above, if you’re still getting the payment error, check your device’s IP address. If it’s set to a location that’s not supported by the ChatGPT Plus service, your transaction will not be processed. To resolve this issue, change the IP address to a location where the Plus membership is available.

Moreover, some browsers, like Safari, may hide your location, resulting in a declined card error. If so, switch to another safer browser, like Edge, to avoid the issue. 

microsoft edge

If, however, you are connected to a VPN due to the unavailability of the service in your region, simply ensure that your billing address is in the same country as your VPN connection. This resolves all conflicts between your apparent location and the payment method. 

4. Disable VPN. 

As mentioned above, an IP address from a blocked region will fail to make payments for the ChatGPT Plus subscription. But if the service supports your country yet you still have a VPN enabled, immediately disable it to prevent any conflicts. 

Follow the steps below to do so:

  1. Launch the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + i from your keyboard.
  2. From the left pane, go to Network & internet.
  3. Now click on VPN on the right pane of the window.
  4. Finally, click on the Disconnect button next to the connected VPN service.
Windows 11 disconnect VPN

Most of the time, using a VPN doesn’t work when purchasing the GPT Plus membership. In that case, your only chance is to enter the correct address and zip code closest to your location.

5. Update Card Information Correctly.  

Most of the time, you may unconsciously enter incorrect information such as card number, expiration date, CVC, OTP, security code, etc. This could cause your card to be declined. Continuous failed attempts can even block the whole process entirely. So double-check your input details before finalizing for safety.

Cannot Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (Credit and Debit Cards Declined)

If you suspect any fraudulent activity on your account, immediately contact your bank to cancel or block your card and request a replacement before proceeding further.

6. Use a Different Payment Method. 

In case you still cannot upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (Credit and Debit Cards Declined), don’t fret. You don’t have to have a physical bank to avail of most online services, including OpenAI’s advanced chatbot. This includes ACH payments for customers based in the United States, Paypal, a virtual US credit card, and so on.

7. Clear Browser Cache. 

There could also be a glitch within your browser, possibly due to a cache build-up. In this situation, simply clear the cache and cookies to resolve the card declined error. Refer to the instructions specified for your browser below to clear its cache.

For Google Chrome

  1. Click the three-line menu icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
  2. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
  3. Next, click on the Privacy and security tab and select Clear browsing data.
  4. Choose a time range for the cache you want to clear.
  5. Lastly, click Clear data to clear the cache.
Google Chrome clear data

For Microsoft Edge:

  1. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
  2. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
  3. Then, click on Privacy, search, and services.
  4. Under the Clear browsing data section, click on Choose what to clear.
  5. Check the box next to Cached images and files.
  6. Click Clear now to clear the cache.
Cannot Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (Credit and Debit Cards Declined)

For Mozilla Firefox

  1. Click the three-line menu icon in the top-right corner of the browser window.
  2. Select Library from the dropdown menu.
  3. Now, click on History, then Clear Recent History.
  4. Choose a time range for the cache you want to clear.
  5. Select the Cache option.
  6. Click Clear Now to clear the cache.

For Safari:

  1. Click Safari in the top menu bar, then click on Preferences.
  2. Then, go to the Advanced tab.
  3. Check the box next to Show Develop menu in the menu bar.
Cannot Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (Credit and Debit Cards Declined)
  1. Click on the new Develop menu in the top menu bar, then select Empty Caches.
  2. Finally, click Empty to clear the cache.

Be sure to quit the browser and relaunch it afterward.

8. Reconnect Your Wi-Fi and Re-Login to ChatGPT. 

The card declined error isn’t always associated with your bank, browser, entered details, etc. At times, ChatGPT can stop responding due to issues in your internet connection or a network error on ChatGPT. Simply restart your Wi-Fi router, switch your network type, re-login to ChatGPT, or enter incognito mode to fix the issue.

9. Contact Open AI Support. 

When nothing else seems to resolve the issue, your last resort is to head over to the OpenAI Help Center and look for your problem. You can also contact their support team and directly state your concern by clicking on the chat icon at the bottom right corner of your screen. 

openai help center

Though the company has not officially resolved the stated issue, they may be able to provide additional information related to the card declined error or suggest alternative payment methods. You can also email the team at [email protected]

That was all on how to fix Cannot Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus (Credit and Debit Cards Declined). For feedback, tips, or suggestions, do not hesitate to head over to the comment section below. We’ll be happy to hear from you.

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Author

  • Aimen Choudhry

    Aimen Choudhry is an architecture student who has always been fascinated by science. She now finds her therapy researching and writing about the latest technology and the issues that come alongside. Otherwise, you’ll find her playing video games, listening to music, or watching fantasy/sci-fi movies.

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