Purchase authorization failed

Simon Thread

Hello there.

I’m trying to buy tickets for us and bicycles (2+2) for 31 July in SBB app.

Every time I’m getting the “Purchase authorization failed” error. No matter the card I use and even Citi card is getting this error.

There is a correct 3D authorization first.

Could you help me, please? It’s the only way of buying bicycle reservation in advance.

Thank you

Szy.

RolandP

Hello Simon Thread

You could try via the SBB Contact Center if you have a credit card: +41 51 225 78 56 (24/7, waiting times may be possible).

There must be a problem with your card. Did you contact your bank?

Kind regards,
Roland

Nicole_B

Hello Simon Thread
The message “Purchase authorisation failed” appears if the card provider does not authorise payment for the tickets. This can have various causes:

Are the cards still valid? -> Please check the expiry date.
Are the cards authorised for online payment in Switzerland? -> Depending on the card provider, individual countries can be blocked/enabled in the e-banking app.
Has a daily/monthly limit been utilised? -> Depending on the card provider, this can be defined independently in the e-banking app.
What does it mean “There is a correct 3D authorisation first”? -> Have the 3D Secure Code registrations been completed correctly with the card provider? -> Was a browser window available for code entry/confirmation? SMS and/or Access app confirmation received from the card provider during the order process (process varies depending on the card provider) and could be entered in the browser window?
Is a proxy, VPN and/or virus scanner solution used? -> If yes, deactivate this solution or exclude SBB Mobile from it.
Will the latest app version be available from the official stores (Apple App Store & Google PlayStore)? -> possibly download update from store.
Is the latest version of the default browser being used? -> possibly download update from store.
Was the purchase attempted as a guest or as a logged-in user? -> We recommend the purchase with login.
If the payment method (card) does not work in the app -> enter it on sbb.ch with the same login under “Profile” -> will also appear on the app thanks to profile synchronisation.
Restart the smartphone if none of the above points have led to a solution.

Kind regards.
Nicole

Simon Thread

Thank you very much. Three days later there was no problem in buying our tickets, so it must have been an issue with a credit cards authorization center.

Thanks for your help 🙂

Szy.