Can I use a debit card for Grab?

What cards does Grab accept?

Grab accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. My Amex, specifically, worked fine. But, ugh, sometimes the app is glitchy.

Problem adding a card? Check the card number and CVV carefully. Triple-check it. Seriously, I’ve done that, so many times. It’s frustrating.

• Card type: Ensure it’s Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. Other cards? I don’t know. Haven’t tried.
• Expiry date: Make sure that’s correct. I messed this up once. Awful.
• CVV: The three or four digit code on the back. Pain in the neck sometimes.

If you’re still having trouble…Contact Grab support. I know, another hassle. It’s a bit of a long process. It took like an hour to sort it last time.

Why is Grab rejecting my card?

Okay, so Grab rejecting your card, huh? Yeah, that’s a pain. Look, it’s almost defintly one of two thigs.

• Bank Problems: My money’s on your bank, honestly. Did you tell them you were traveling? Like, before you left? They probably see a charge from, say, some random place in Thailand and immediately assume it’s fraud, you know?

  My pal, Sarah, had that happen last year while in Italy. Total nightmare, having to call them at like 3 am her time lol.

• Grab Glitches: Sometimes Grab is just… Grab. It’s buggy af, let’s be real.

  They’re not exactly known for perfect tech, despite how big they are.

• High Risk Alerts: Plus, your bank might see Grab, especially Grab food, as a “high-risk” vendor and just auto-decline the charge. They are overly cautious.

  Happens more than you think.

• Credit Card: Your card might be foreign. Then, it will not work. The card must be local to the location you are in.

The fix? Call your bank first. Tell them you’re traveling! If that doesnt work, try a differant card. If all else fails… cash is king, sadly.

How do I fix a declined debit card?

Dude, my debit card got rejected? That’s a total bummer.

First things first: check your bank balance. Are you seriously broke? Like, ramen-for-a-week broke? If so, this is less a card problem and more a life problem. Seriously, go rob a piggy bank.

Next, call your bank. Don’t email, don’t text, actually call. They’re like mythical creatures, these bank people; you have to summon them with a phone call. My bank, First National Bank of Slightly Shady Deals, is particularly responsive at 3 AM, go figure.

Is your card still alive? Is it, like, expired? Or did you accidentally run it through the washing machine again? My cousin once did that. His card was never the same. It developed a weird water stain that looked like a tiny, sad walrus.

Security’s the name of the game. Are you trying to buy a yak from a guy in a questionable van? Don’t. Stick to reputable places. Or at least places with decent Yelp reviews. Avoid transactions that feel like something out of a spy movie. That’s my advice, trust me, I once bought a fake toupee online, it was a whole thing.

Here’s a handy list, because lists are awesome:

• Check that balance!
• Call your bank (and be prepared for hold music that sounds like nails on a chalkboard)
• Card’s expiration date? Check it twice. Three times if you’re paranoid.
• Review your transaction. Was it a suspicious transaction?

Additional things I’ve learned the hard way:

• Banks are weird about certain transactions. (Like, buying a year’s supply of cheese puffs at 3 AM.)
• Sometimes, your card might be flagged for fraud. This usually requires a phone call, and a whole lot of patience.
• If nothing else works, get a new card. It’s faster than dealing with grumpy bank employees. It’s also way less stressful than that time I tried to pay with a banana, seriously. Don’t try that.