Are you trying to use your Capital One credit card only to find out that it is restricted? This can be a frustrating experience especially if you’re trying to make an important purchase or paying a bill that’s already due.
You’re probably reading this because you can’t find any answers on why your Capital One account is currently restricted. Did you do something wrong? Or is it the fault of the bank? Is lifting your restricted Capital One account possible?
If you want to know more about why your credit card account is restricted, read on. A lot of people end up having their accounts restricted due to a variety of reasons.
This article will explain the possible reasons why your Capital One account is restricted and how to get it unrestricted as soon as possible. We will also discuss some tips that you should follow so that your account does not become restricted again in the future.
1. You’ve gone over the maximum credit limit of your Capital One account
When you open a credit card with any bank, you will be given a maximum credit limit. This means that you can only spend up to the amount allowed by the bank.
Many banks, however, will let you spend a certain amount over the limit and only charge you a fee whenever this happens. However, when you exceed your limit multiple times, this could be a reason for your account to be restricted.
If your Capital One credit card is currently restricted, one reason could be that you’ve spent over the limit. You can check your credit card activity if you have access to online banking or call customer service.
You can scroll down towards the end of the article where we will place links on how to contact Capital One so you can restore your account.
2. You have late payments on your Capital One account
If you have been delinquent with your credit card payments, this is another reason why your account may be restricted. Have you paid your last credit card bill? How long ago did you last pay your credit card?
Maybe you missed paying your bill because it slipped your mind or you forgot that the bill was due. It’s also possible that difficult financial times made you unable to pay the minimum payment.
Whatever that reason is, Capital One could restrict your account because of unpaid bills. If you have missed paying for several months, your credit card may also be charged off.
This means it was closed, turned over to the collections department, and you may need to pay the entire amount and close it off.
3. You’re using your card in stores or places where you’ve never used it before
Another reason why your Capital One account may be restricted is if you are using the credit card to purchase from a store or platform that you’ve never purchased from before. New shopping activity could cause the system to recognize the transaction as a suspicious or fraudulent activity.
For example, you are in a different country and you’re trying to use your Capital One credit card for purchases. If you have never used your card in that establishment before, Capital One may restrict your account to protect your card.
This could also happen if you are using your card on an online payment platform that you have not used before.
4. Capital One suspects fraudulent activity on your account
What if you’re not using your credit card on a new payment platform or store, yet your credit card is still restricted? What could have been the reason? Another possible reason that Capital One restricted your account because it detected suspicious activity on your account.
Some examples include multiple or consecutive purchases on a single establishment, unusually large purchases, and multiple changes to your Capital One account. Capital One might see these as red flags and may restrict your account to prevent unauthorized purchases.
5. Capital One is experiencing a system error
Maybe you’re a diligent payer when it comes to your credit card bills, you’re 100% sure that you’re not over your maximum credit limit, and you’re not using your card on any suspicious or new platform –so why is your card still restricted. Believe it or not, it might not even be your fault.
System error is another possible reason why your Capital One account is restricted. Capital One could be experiencing problems or issues on their system and that may be a reason why you can’t use your card.
What to do if your Capital One account is restricted?
Now that we’ve ticked off the different possible reasons why your account may have been restricted, the next step is to take action. You might be wondering: Will Capital One reopen a restricted account?
The answer is yes, it is possible for a restricted account to be opened again. When an account is restricted, it means that it is suspended and if you take the necessary actions, then you can have it opened again.
So what do you need to do if you find out that your account is restricted?
The easiest and simplest way is to immediately contact Capital One’s customer service department. You have to confirm with the bank the reason why your account was restricted.
Even if you may have a suspicion on what the reason is, it is best to contact the bank to know the specific actions that you need to take.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through this process.
Step 1: Prepare important account details before contacting Capital One
Before you contact Capital One, prepare your account details that may be required during the call.
Examples of details that you may need to prepare are your account number, your PIN or password (if you’re required to log into your online account), the date of your last purchase, and the amount of your last purchase. Usually, these things are asked by the agent or by the voice prompt to verify your identity.
Step 2: Contact Capital One by phone
Calling the Capital One customer service department is usually the quickest way to resolve an issue. Below are the current contact numbers from their website:
Capital One Credit Card Support
- Capital One Customer Service
1-800-CAPITAL (1-800-227-4825) (For servicing of existing accounts only) - Outside The US, Call Collect
1-804-934-2001 - Online Banking Support
1-866-750-0873 - Fraud Protection
1-800-427-9428 or 1-800-239-7054 - International Collect Calls To Report A Lost Or Stolen Card
1-804-934-2001 - Capital One General Customer Service Phone Support
1-877-383-4802
Step 3: Explain to the customer service agent your concern
Once you have been connected to a customer service agent, you have to explain your concern. Tell the agent that you have tried using the credit card but it was restricted.
This is the opportunity for you to check with the agent the reason why your account is restricted.
At this point, the agent may ask you questions about your account and account activity to get to the bottom of the issue. The agent may need to take time to check the system and your account activity to find out the answer.
The agent will either give you one of the reasons listed above or another reason entirely that is relevant to your unique situation.
Step 4: Confirm with the agent the actions you need to take to remove the restriction on your account
Once you determine the reason why your account is restricted, confirm with the agent what you need to do to remove the restriction.
For example, if the restriction was due to late payments, ask the agent whether paying the minimum payment will remove the restriction. Or if it was due to a system error, ask the agent whether you need to do anything from your end to fix the issue.
Don’t forget to ask the agent about the time frame on when your account will be fixed.
How to avoid having your Capital One account restricted
Getting a restricted credit card account can add a lot of stress and anxiety to your financial life and perhaps cause you great embarrassment if you were on a date, for example. To avoid having your card restricted again, you can follow these recommendations below.
1. Keep track of your account online
Having access to your account through online banking makes it easier for you to track your account activity. This way, you can easily see if there are unusual activities in your account that may have caused the restriction.
This will also help you see whether you’re already spending over the limit or if you have late payments. Indeed regular proactive checks to ensure there is no fraud on your account is a habit worth cultivating in this day and age of cybercrime.
2. Don’t spend over the limit
Spending over the limit can be unavoidable sometimes, but doing so can cause more problems including having your account restricted. If you have a habit of maxing out your credit card limit, try to constantly monitor your usage to avoid going over.
3. Pay the minimum amount on or before the due date
If you are always missing your payment due date, one way to prevent this from happening is by downloading a personal finance app like Mint to notify you when your credit card bills are due.
4. Inform the bank before making an unusually large purchase or traveling to another country
If you are planning to make a purchase that costs higher than what you normally use your card for or you’re planning to use it in another country, it may be a good idea to call your bank beforehand to inform them. This way they can take note that the purchase is an authorized purchase and you can prevent your account from being restricted.
Wrapping It Up
Finding out that your Capital One account is currently restricted should not be a cause for panic. There are various reasons why your credit card account was restricted and it might not even be your fault.
The best way to solve the issue is to follow our guide on how to contact customer service so you can clarify and lift the restriction of your Capital One account.