If your card is being declined during sign-up or you're redirected to the **'Choose Your Plan'** page after logging in, a bank restriction or card verification issue is almost always the cause — and both are fixable.

## 🔄 Redirected to 'Choose Your Plan' When Logging In

If you're an existing Search Atlas user and find yourself redirected to the **'Choose Your Plan'** page instead of your dashboard, your bank is most likely blocking the recurring Search Atlas charge. This typically happens when:

- Your card was replaced due to fraud or expiration.
- Your bank flagged a recurring Search Atlas charge as suspicious.
- New security restrictions were placed on your card.

**To restore your account access:**

1. **Contact your bank** and ask them to whitelist the Search Atlas charge so it can go through.
2. **Update your payment information** in your Search Atlas account if you have a new card.
3. Once the charge processes successfully, your account access is restored automatically.

On your next login, you'll go straight to your dashboard.

## 💳 Why Is My Debit Card Being Declined During Sign-Up?

Search Atlas places a **temporary $1 authorization charge** on your card when you sign up for the free trial. This is not an actual charge — it's a standard step to confirm your payment method is valid. Debit cards are often declined at this step for two reasons:

- **Bank restrictions:** Many banks block debit cards from online pre-authorization holds, even temporary ones.
- **System compatibility:** Search Atlas's verification process is optimized for credit cards, which ensures smoother processing throughout the trial and any future billing.

The $1 hold is removed from your account automatically — you are not charged unless you continue with a paid subscription after the trial ends.

## ✅ Solution: Use a Credit Card for Sign-Up

To start your free trial, use a **credit card**. This allows the $1 authorization to complete and finishes your registration. The hold is removed automatically, and you are not charged unless you choose to continue with a paid plan after the trial ends.

## ❓ What If I Don't Have a Credit Card?

If you don't have a credit card, try one of these alternatives:

- **Use a virtual credit card** from a payment app or online banking service.
- **Contact your bank** and ask them to lift the restriction on your debit card for online pre-authorization transactions.

## 🛠️ Still Having Trouble?

If you're still unable to start a trial or regain access to your account, contact our customer support team. Click **"Talk to a Person"** to reach a live agent — we can verify whether your bank is blocking charges and guide you through the next steps.

**🎯 You now know the two most common causes of payment issues on Search Atlas — bank-blocked recurring charges and debit card pre-authorization restrictions — and the steps to fix each. If none of these steps resolve the issue, our support team is ready to help.**