Payment failed – How to enable your credit card for online payments
The problem
You're trying to add your credit card as a payment method for PACE Drive Business, but the payment is being declined or the process is interrupted? This is usually because your credit card isn't enabled for online payments.
Business credit cards in particular often come with online payments disabled by default. Your card may work just fine at in-store terminals or fuel stations, but can't be used for payments on the internet.
Why is my card being declined?
There are two common reasons why adding your credit card to PACE Drive Business sn't working:
1. Online payments are not activated
Many banks issue credit cards – especially business cards – with online payments disabled. This is a security measure by your bank. As long as online payments are not activated, your card cannot be used with any online provider, including PACE Drive Business.
2. 3D Secure is not set up
Under the EU Payment Services Directive (PSD2), online credit card payments require strong customer authentication. This is handled through 3D Secure (also known as "Visa Secure" for VISA or "Mastercard Identity Check" for Mastercard).
During a 3D Secure check, you'll be asked to verify your identity – for example via:
- Push notification in your banking app
- SMS one-time code
- Fingerprint or Face ID
If 3D Secure is not set up for your card, the verification cannot be completed and the payment will automatically be declined.
How to fix it
Step 1: Activate online payments
Contact your bank or log in to your online banking portal. Depending on your bank, you'll find the setting under:
- Card settings → Enable online payments / e-commerce
- Card limits → Set an online spending limit (must be greater than 0)
- Security settings → Authorize internet payments
Tip: For business credit cards, the activation often needs to be done by your company's card administrator. Contact your finance or accounting department if you can't change the setting yourself.
Step 2: Set up 3D Secure
If you haven't activated 3D Secure yet, set it up through your bank:
- Download your bank's app (if you haven't already)
- Register your credit card for 3D Secure / Visa Secure / Mastercard Identity Check
- Choose a verification method (e.g. push notification, SMS, or biometrics)
The exact name and activation process varies by bank. If in doubt, contact your bank's customer service.
Step 3: Try again
Once online payments and 3D Secure are active, go back to PACE Drive Business:
- Log in to your PACE Drive Business dashboard
- Go to Subscription → Add payment method
- Click Add credit card
- Enter your card details on our payment provider Fiserv's page
- Complete the 3D Secure verification (e.g. via app or SMS)
- Done – your card is stored and your subscription is active
Which cards are accepted?
PACE Drive Business accepts the following credit cards:
- VISA (Debit & Credit)
- Mastercard (Debit & Credit)
Still not working?
If the payment is still being declined after activation, check the following: Your online spending limit must be high enough – some banks set it separately, and it may default to €0. Also, the 3D Secure verification must appear during the payment process. If no verification prompt shows up, 3D Secure is most likely not active yet – contact your bank in that case.
Prepaid credit cards generally work, but must also be enabled for online payments and 3D Secure.
Good to know: The 3D Secure check only happens once – when you first add your card. After that, fuel payments are automatically charged to your stored card without any further verification.