Causes of Do Not Honour at ATM
The “Do Not Honour” message at an ATM means that the transaction has been declined by the card-issuing or authorization system. It is a general decline message rather than a precise explanation of the problem.
Seeing this message does not automatically mean that your account has been blocked. Several different issues can produce the same response, including card restrictions, security controls, incorrect PIN attempts, insufficient available funds, transaction limits and temporary banking-system problems.
What Does Do Not Honour Mean?
“Do Not Honour” is commonly associated with a generic card decline response. The ATM receives a decision that the requested transaction should not be authorized, but the message shown to the customer may not explain the exact reason.
Because the ATM may not know the underlying cause, the most reliable way to determine the problem is to check your account and contact the card-issuing bank if necessary.
Insufficient Available Balance
The account may appear to contain enough money while the available balance is lower. Pending transactions, holds, charges or other restrictions can reduce the amount available for withdrawal.
Check the available balance rather than relying on an old balance displayed elsewhere.
ATM Withdrawal Limit
You may be trying to withdraw more than your permitted daily or per-transaction limit. Banks and cards can have withdrawal limits, and these may differ between ATM channels.
If a smaller withdrawal succeeds, the problem may be related to the amount requested rather than the card itself.
Card Expiration
An expired card may be rejected by an ATM. Check the expiry date printed on the card and confirm that you are using a valid card.
Card Block or Security Restriction
A bank may restrict a card after suspicious activity, repeated incorrect PIN attempts or other security events. If the card has been blocked, repeated ATM attempts are unlikely to solve the problem.
Incorrect PIN
Entering the wrong PIN can result in a decline. Multiple unsuccessful attempts can lead to additional security restrictions depending on the bank’s card controls.
If you are unsure of your PIN, stop guessing and use the bank’s official PIN-reset or card-support process.
ATM Network or Bank Downtime
Temporary technical problems can affect ATM transactions. A problem may exist at the particular ATM, the card network or the issuing bank.
If another ATM works with the same card, the original ATM may have been the source of the problem.
International or Card-Usage Restrictions
Some cards have controls over where and how they can be used. If the card is restricted for a particular type of transaction, an ATM or merchant may decline it.
Damaged Card
A damaged chip or card can cause transaction problems. If the card repeatedly fails at multiple ATMs, ask the bank whether a replacement is required.
What to Do When You See the Message
- Cancel the transaction.
- Check your available account balance.
- Confirm that the card is valid.
- Try another ATM if appropriate.
- Do not repeatedly enter an uncertain PIN.
- Check whether the amount requested exceeds your limit.
- Contact your bank if the problem continues.
What If Your Account Was Debited?
If the ATM declined the withdrawal but your account was debited, keep the ATM receipt or transaction details. Do not assume the money is permanently lost.
Report the disputed cash withdrawal to your bank and provide the ATM location, amount, date, time and transaction reference if available.
ATM Safety
Do not allow strangers to assist you by entering your PIN. If an ATM appears suspicious or retains your card, contact the bank through an official channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Do Not Honour mean my account is blocked?
No. It is a generic decline message and can result from several different causes.
Can insufficient funds cause Do Not Honour?
Yes. The transaction can be declined when the available balance is insufficient, even if the displayed account balance appears higher.
Should I try another ATM?
You can try another trusted ATM if you suspect a machine or network problem, provided your card has not been blocked and you are confident about your PIN.
What if the card works at POS but not at ATM?
The issue may be related specifically to ATM withdrawal settings, limits, the ATM network or the particular machine.
Conclusion
“Do Not Honour” does not identify one specific problem. Check your available balance, withdrawal limits, card status and PIN, then contact the issuing bank if the problem persists. If your account was debited despite the failed withdrawal, report it immediately and keep the transaction evidence.