This article explains when payments are attempted and how to update your payment method if something goes wrong when registering for an event hosted on the ClearEvent event management platform.
When Is My Card Charged?
Depending on the event, your card may be charged at one of two different times:
1. At The Time Of Registration (While You Are Present)
For standard online payments, your card is charged immediately when you submit your registration.
If the payment fails, you will usually see the error right away and can correct it immediately.
2. Later, When The Organizer Approves Your Registration
Some events use a Pay On Approval process. In this case:
You enter your card details when registering.
Your registration remains Pending.
The Event Organizer reviews your submission.
When they approve your registration, your card is charged at that time.
Because this charge may happen hours or days later, your card could fail even if it worked previously. For example:
The card has expired.
The card was replaced or cancelled.
The credit limit was reached.
The bank blocks the transaction for security reasons.
If this happens, your registration will remain Pending until you update your payment method.
How To Update Your Payment Method
If your registration is still Pending, you can update your card details:
Go to the event website and sign in.
Navigate to My Orders.
Locate your Pending registration.
Click Update Payment Method.
You will be securely redirected to a Stripe-hosted checkout page to enter your new card details.
After updating your card:
Your new payment method is saved securely with Stripe.
The Event Organizer can attempt the charge again.
Your registration can be approved once payment succeeds.
📝The Update Payment Method option is only available for Pending registrations that require online payment.
Why Payments Commonly Fail
Payment failures are usually caused by:
Expired card
Incorrect card number or CVC
Insufficient funds
Card declined by your bank
Card reported lost or stolen
Fraud protection blocks
Switching from a personal card to a corporate card
Best Practices To Avoid Another Failed Attempt
Double-Check Your Details
Make sure the card number, expiry date, CVC, and billing postal code are correct.
Confirm The Card Is Still Active
If your bank issued a replacement card, use the new one.
Contact Your Bank
If the card is declined:
Ask if there is a fraud hold.
Confirm online transactions are allowed.
Confirm the transaction limit is not exceeded.
Ensure Available Credit Or Funds
Verify you are not over your credit limit and that sufficient funds are available.
Ensure Spending Limits Are Not In Place (Corporate Cards)
Many corporate credit cards have spending limits put in place to restrict the type of purchases, the purchase amounts, or the country of purchase. In some cases, these restrictions may impact your ability to use the credit card to register and pay for your event. If this is the case, contact your finance department to request an affordance.
Use The Correct Card
If you need to switch from a personal card to a corporate card, or change the card, use the Update Payment Method option to enter the correct card.
When To Contact The Event Organizer
Reach out to the Event Organizer if:
You believe your payment succeeded but your registration is not approved.
You need help before a registration deadline.
📝 If your registration has been Approved, you will no longer be able to change the credit card details as it will have already been charged.
Security And Privacy
All payment information is processed securely through Stripe. ClearEvent, nor the Event you are attended stores your full credit card number.
If your payment failed, simply update your card using the Update Payment Method button in My Orders, and your registration can move forward quickly.