When you try to withdraw cash or check your balance at a convenience store ATM and an error message saying “This card cannot be handled” appears, it can be very perplexing. Especially if you are in a hurry, you might be at a loss as to what to do.
This article provides a detailed explanation of the main causes for the “This card cannot be handled” error at convenience store ATMs, what to check first when you encounter such a situation, specific troubleshooting steps, and preventive measures to avoid future errors.
- Main Causes for the “This card cannot be handled” Error at Convenience Store ATMs
- What to Check First and Actions to Take When an Error is Displayed
- Specific Steps to Address the “This card cannot be handled” Error
- Step 1: Contact the Card Issuer (Bank/Credit Card Company)
- Step 2: Dealing with Suspected Magnetic Stripe Failure or IC Chip Damage
- Step 3: Dealing with Issues Related to Usage Limits or Account Balance
- Contacting the ATM Operating Institution (Convenience Store ATM Operating Company) Can Also Be Effective in Some Cases
- 【By Error Cause】More Detailed Checkpoints and Solutions
- Preventive Measures to Avoid Card Errors at Convenience Store ATMs in the Future
- Proper Card Storage and Regular Condition Checks
- Regularly Track Usage Limits and Account Balances
- Advance Confirmation if the ATM Supports Your Card (Especially for Special Cards)
- Follow On-Screen Instructions and Operate Carefully at the ATM
- Don’t Miss Important Notices from Your Card Issuer (e.g., Suspension Warnings)
Main Causes for the “This card cannot be handled” Error at Convenience Store ATMs
There are various possible reasons why the error message “This card cannot be handled” might appear. Broadly, these can be categorized into problems with the card itself, problems with the ATM, problems with the account, and operational issues.
Cause 1: Problems with the Card Itself
There might be some trouble with the card itself.
Magnetic Stripe Failure, IC Chip Damage or Dirt
The magnetic stripes and IC chips on cash cards and credit cards are very delicate. If they are dirty, scratched, or if the information cannot be read due to strong magnetic interference (magnetic stripe failure), the ATM may not be able to recognize the card properly, and “This card cannot be handled” may be displayed.
Expired Card
Credit cards and some cash cards have expiration dates. An expired card cannot be used, resulting in an error at the ATM. Check the expiration date printed on the surface of your card.
Exceeding Card Usage Limit (Cash Advance Limit / Shopping Limit)
An error may occur if you try to use a credit card for a cash advance when you have already reached your cash advance limit, or if you attempt a transaction linked to a payment (shopping) that exceeds your account balance with a debit card. The same applies if you exceed the daily withdrawal limit for a cash card.
Card is Suspended (Reported Lost/Stolen, Suspected Fraudulent Use, etc.)
If you have reported your card lost or stolen to the card issuer, the card will be suspended. Also, if the card company detects suspected fraudulent use, the card’s use may be temporarily suspended for security reasons. If you try to use such a suspended card at an ATM, an error will be displayed.
Cause 2: ATM-Side Problems or Compatibility Issues
There might be a problem with the ATM you are trying to use, or it might have compatibility issues with your card.
ATM Does Not Support the Card Brand or International Network
Convenience store ATMs support many card brands (VISA, Mastercard, JCB, etc.) and international ATM networks (PLUS, Cirrus, etc.), but they may not support some minor card brands or specific overseas-issued cards.
Temporary ATM System Error or Under Maintenance
Since ATMs are machines, temporary system errors can occur, or they might be undergoing scheduled maintenance. In such cases, even a valid card may temporarily be unable to be processed.
ATM Does Not Support Specific Transactions (e.g., Some Transactions with Overseas-Issued Cards)
If the ATM does not support the specific transaction you are trying to perform (e.g., withdrawing in a specific currency with an overseas-issued card, some types of transfers), this can also cause an error.
Cause 3: Account-Side Problems (for Cash Cards)
If you are using a cash card, the status of the linked account can also be a cause.
Insufficient Account Balance
If your account balance is insufficient for the amount you are trying to withdraw, the transaction will naturally fail.
Account Itself is Restricted (Long-Term Inactivity, Frozen, etc.)
Transactions using a cash card may be restricted if the account has been inactive for a long period (dormant account) or if the account is frozen for some reason.
Cause 4: Operational Issues
It’s also possible that the user’s own operational error is the cause.
Incorrect Card Insertion Direction
Surprisingly common is inserting the card into the ATM in the wrong orientation (upside down or backward). Reinserting it correctly can sometimes resolve the issue.
Incorrect PIN Entry (Possibility of Error Display Before Locking)
If you enter the wrong PIN several times, some financial institutions may display a warning-like error such as “This card cannot be handled” before the card is completely locked.
What to Check First and Actions to Take When an Error is Displayed
If you encounter the “This card cannot be handled” error, first, stay calm and check the following points and take action.
Recheck the Card’s Condition (Dirt, Damage, Expiration Date, etc.)
First, check if there are any obvious problems with the card itself.
- Are there any dirt or scratches on the magnetic stripe or IC chip?
- Is the card significantly warped or bent?
- Has the card’s expiration date passed?
If it’s dirty, try gently wiping it with a dry, soft cloth.
Check ATM Guidance Display and Receipts (Error Codes, etc.)
The ATM screen may display an error message along with an error code or guidance indicating the specific cause. Also, if a transaction receipt was issued, check it for relevant information. This information will be helpful for later inquiries.
Try a Different Convenience Store ATM or Financial Institution ATM (to Isolate the Cause)
If time and location permit, trying the card again at a different convenience store ATM or, if possible, an ATM of your usual financial institution is one option. This can help determine whether the problem lies with the specific ATM or with the card or account itself. However, be cautious as trying too many times in a row could risk locking the card.
Consider Using the ATM’s Built-in Contact Method (Intercom, etc.)
If an ATM system error or maintenance is suspected, contacting the ATM management company via the built-in intercom or phone to check the situation can also be effective.
Specific Steps to Address the “This card cannot be handled” Error
While trying to isolate the cause, take the following specific steps to address the issue.
Step 1: Contact the Card Issuer (Bank/Credit Card Company)
The most reliable and important course of action is to directly contact the issuer of the card that produced the error (the bank for a cash card, or the credit card company for a credit card).
Information to Provide When Contacting (Error Message, ATM Used, Date/Time, etc.)
When contacting the card issuer, it’s good to have the following information ready to explain the situation smoothly:
- Personal information such as name, card number, and contact details
- The error message displayed (e.g., “This card cannot be handled”)
- Error code (if displayed)
- Location of the ATM used (e.g., XX Convenience Store, YY Branch)
- Date and time the error occurred
- The transaction you were attempting (cash withdrawal, balance inquiry, etc.)
Request Confirmation of Card Usage Status and Account Status
Once connected to an operator, explain the situation and ask them to confirm if the card is in a normal usable state and if there are any issues with the account. The cause might be information that only the card company can access (e.g., suspension measures, fraud detection).
Step 2: Dealing with Suspected Magnetic Stripe Failure or IC Chip Damage
Here’s how to deal with suspected physical problems with the card.
How to Clean the Card (Recommended Methods and Methods to Avoid)
If dirt on the IC chip or magnetic stripe might be the cause, try gently wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. Using alcohol or detergents, or rubbing too hard, should be avoided as it can damage the card.
Guidance on Card Reissuance Procedures
If cleaning doesn’t help or if there’s obvious damage, card reissuance will be necessary. Contact the card issuer for guidance on reissuance procedures. Reissuance can take several days to several weeks and may involve a fee.
Step 3: Dealing with Issues Related to Usage Limits or Account Balance
Here’s how to deal with issues caused by monetary problems.
Checking Usage Limits and Possibility of Requesting a Temporary Increase
If you have exceeded your credit card’s usage limit (cash advance limit, shopping limit, daily withdrawal limit, etc.), check your current usage status and limits on the card issuer’s website or app. Depending on the situation, it may be possible to request a temporary increase.
How to Deposit Funds into the Account
If your cash card account has insufficient funds, you need to deposit money into that account. Methods include transferring from another account or making a deposit at a branch.
Contacting the ATM Operating Institution (Convenience Store ATM Operating Company) Can Also Be Effective in Some Cases
If an ATM malfunction is clearly suspected (e.g., other people are experiencing errors at the same ATM, the ATM screen is frozen), contacting the management company listed on the ATM (e.g., Seven Bank for Seven Bank ATMs, Lawson Bank for Lawson Bank ATMs) can be effective. However, understand that the ATM operating institution cannot handle problems related to the card itself or the account.
【By Error Cause】More Detailed Checkpoints and Solutions
Depending on the error message displayed and the situation, there are more specific checkpoints and solutions.
For Errors Like “Magnetic stripe information cannot be read”
If this type of error message is displayed, there is a high probability of dirt, scratches, or corrupted magnetic data on the card’s magnetic stripe. Try cleaning the card as described earlier, and if there’s no improvement, contact the card issuer to consider reissuance. It’s also important to avoid storing the card with items that emit strong magnetic fields, such as magnets in smartphone cases.
For Errors Like “IC chip transactions are not available”
Poor contact or damage to the IC chip may be the cause. Try cleaning the IC chip area or inserting the card slowly and firmly. If the problem persists, consult your card issuer.
For Errors Similar to “Service is unavailable outside of business hours”
If this message or a similar one appears, it’s possible that you are trying to use the financial institution’s services outside of their operating hours. Be especially careful late at night, early in the morning, or during financial institution system maintenance periods. Check the transaction hours for convenience store ATMs on each financial institution’s website.
Specific Errors and Checkpoints When Using Overseas-Issued Cards
If “This card cannot be handled” is displayed when using a card issued overseas, check the following points:
- Supported Brands/Networks: Does the ATM you are using support your card’s international brand (VISA, Mastercard, etc.) or international ATM network (PLUS, Cirrus, etc.)?
- Overseas Usage Setting: Has overseas ATM usage been enabled by your card issuer?
- Withdrawal Limit: Are you exceeding the per-transaction or daily withdrawal limit set for overseas ATM use?
- Exchange Rate Fluctuations: In rare cases, transactions may be temporarily restricted due to sudden exchange rate fluctuations.
It’s most reliable to confirm these points with your card issuer.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Card Errors at Convenience Store ATMs in the Future
To avoid encountering the “This card cannot be handled” error, it’s good to pay attention to the following points in your daily routine.
Proper Card Storage and Regular Condition Checks
- Handle your cards carefully to avoid bending, soiling, or placing them near strong magnetic sources.
- Using a card case to prevent the magnetic stripe or IC chip from being scratched by other cards in your wallet is also effective.
- Make it a habit to periodically check the card’s surface and expiration date.
Regularly Track Usage Limits and Account Balances
- Regularly check your credit card’s available credit and cash advance limit, as well as your cash card’s account balance. Using online banking or card company apps is convenient.
- Make it a habit to always check your balance before withdrawing large amounts of money.
Advance Confirmation if the ATM Supports Your Card (Especially for Special Cards)
- Especially when using overseas-issued cards or less common types of cards, it’s advisable to check in advance on the card issuer’s or ATM operator’s website whether the card can be used at the desired convenience store ATM.
Follow On-Screen Instructions and Operate Carefully at the ATM
- Carefully check the card insertion direction and on-screen instructions, and operate calmly and carefully.
- Also, be careful not to make PIN entry mistakes.
Don’t Miss Important Notices from Your Card Issuer (e.g., Suspension Warnings)
- Always read important notices sent by mail or email from your bank or credit card company, such as changes to terms of use, service content changes, fraud warnings, or suspension notices.