If your payment is not going through, it is usually due to a bank restriction, incorrect payment details, or a temporary issue.
Follow the steps below to identify the issue and understand what to do next.
Jump to:
- Check why your payment is not going through
- Check if your parking session started
- Fix Apple Pay or Google Pay issues
- Understand Strong Customer Authentication in the UK
- Read frequently asked questions
Check why your payment is not going through
Follow these steps to identify the issue.
1. Check if your parking session started
- Open the app and look for a confirmation screen.
- Close and reopen the app to see if a countdown clock appears.
- Check for a receipt in your email inbox.
It is possible that the app was closed before 'Pay' was tapped.
2. Check your payment details
- Go to Account Settings and select Payment methods.
- Remove and re-enter your payment method.
- Make sure your postal or ZIP code matches your card billing address.
3. Try another way to pay
- Try a different card.
- Try paying on mobile web.
- Try paying through the automated phone line shown on the parking sign.
4. Check if your bank declined the payment
- Open your banking app or contact your bank.
- Look for declined or blocked transactions.
- Check if you have available funds.
Your bank may block payments for security reasons, even if your card works elsewhere.
5. Complete any required verification
Some payments require extra approval from your bank.
- Check for a one-time passcode sent by SMS.
- Approve the payment in your banking app if prompted.
If this step is not completed, the payment may be refused.
6. Check your connection and app
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Restart the app or your device.
- Update the app to the latest version.
- If you have network issues, try the automated phone line instead.
7. Decide what to do next
- Contact your bank to check for restrictions.
- Try paying at the meter if one is available.
- Contact the parking operator or move your vehicle if you cannot complete payment.
Please note that your vehicle may receive a fine if it is left unattended without a valid parking payment.
Check if your parking session started
Before trying again, make sure your original payment did not go through.
- Check for a confirmation screen in the app.
- Look for an active countdown timer.
- Check your email for a receipt.
- If you used the automated phone line, listen for the verbal confirmation.
Fix Apple Pay or Google Pay issues
If you are using Apple Pay or Google Pay, try the steps below.
- Make sure your card is active and verified.
- Complete any authentication prompts from your bank.
- Check that this payment type is accepted at that parking location.
- Try using your card directly instead of your mobile wallet.
- Remove and re-add your card if the issue continues.
Note: Some locations accept Apple Pay or Google Pay only with specific card types. For example, a location may accept Apple Pay with Visa and Mastercard, but not Apple Pay with Amex.
Understand Strong Customer Authentication in the UK
Some UK payments require Strong Customer Authentication (SCA).
You may need to approve the payment using:
- A one-time passcode sent by SMS
- Your banking app
If authentication is not completed or enabled, your bank may decline the payment.
You can check your bank’s security guidance here:
Read frequently asked questions
Why is my payment being declined?
Most declined payments are caused by bank security checks, insufficient funds, incorrect postal or ZIP code details, or incomplete verification.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Check for a confirmation screen, an active parking session in the app, or an emailed receipt. If you used the automated phone line, listen for the verbal confirmation.
Can I try the payment again?
Yes. You can try again or use another payment method. Please note that parking payments are processed in real time and cannot be backdated.
Does PayByPhone approve payments?
No. Your bank is responsible for approving or declining the transaction.
Why does my card work elsewhere but not here?
Your bank may block certain mobile or online transactions for security reasons.
Do all locations accept Apple Pay or Google Pay?
No. Accepted payment methods vary by parking location.
What should I do if nothing works?
Try another payment option, pay at the meter if available, or move your vehicle. You may also want to keep a record of your payment attempts, including screenshots or videos.
My account is suspended and I cannot pay. What should I do?
You can continue to pay as a guest user if you cannot sign in or create an account. Contact PayByPhone support so we can review your account.