First, make sure you activate your reward card before you use it. Your reward card will not work prior to activation or after it has expired. Another reason a transaction will be declined is if the purchase amount is greater than the balance on the Reward Card. The merchant does not know how much money is on your reward card, so make sure to keep track of your balance. Also keep in mind a tip/gratuity may have been temporarily added to your reward card. Finally, if you attempt to use your reward card in a manner that is prohibited by your Cardholder Agreement, your transaction will be declined.