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When I went to use my credit card the store told me the charge was not "authorized". What does that mean? What can I do?

If a charge is not authorized, it usually means that there is a problem with the account or that you are at, near, or over your credit limit.

Usually, when you use your credit card at a store the merchant obtains authorization from the card issuer. This authorization tells the merchant that your account is valid and that sufficient credit is available to cover the purchase.

However, sometimes the merchant is unable to connect with your card issuer because of a technological glitch. You should call the card issuer to find out the reason the charge was not authorized.