Overview
When you delete a MoonPay account, you may not be able to reuse the same payment card right away. This is due to MoonPay’s security cooldown, which helps protect customers against fraud. This article explains how the cooldown works, what issues you may encounter, and how to get your card working again.
Additionally, MoonPay enforces general payment method policies to ensure safe and compliant payment operations, including restrictions on sharing payment methods across accounts and bank-specific approvals for crypto transactions.
The 24-hour waiting policy
MoonPay enforces a security cooldown after an account is deleted. During this time, any payment method linked to the deleted account cannot be used on another MoonPay account. This policy is not limited to account deletion but applies broadly when unlinking or removing cards to maintain account security and prevent misuse.
Key points:
Payment methods affected: Debit cards, credit cards, and any other method linked to the deleted account
Timing: The 24-hour countdown starts the moment the original account is deleted
No immediate reuse: Cards will show as already in use until the waiting period expires
Spending limits: Cards exceeding daily or monthly limits may face temporary restrictions on usage
Bank rejections: Some banks may block transactions, particularly those related to cryptocurrency
Important: You won’t be able to add or reuse the card on any account until the full 24 hours have passed.
How to troubleshoot card reuse issues
1. Verify account deletion timing
Check that at least 24 hours have passed since your previous account was deleted.
If the waiting period hasn’t finished, wait until it ends and try again
2. Check for duplicate or active account usage
Your card may still be linked to another MoonPay account, such as one created with a different email address. MoonPay also does not permit sharing or transferring payment methods between duplicate accounts. Users are advised to update details on their original account to continue using the card.
To unlink the card:
Log in to the duplicate account
Go to Settings > Payment methods
Select the three dots (…) next to the card
Click Delete
Important: After deleting the card from the duplicate account, wait 24 hours before adding it to your active account.
3. Resolve pending or failed transactions
If a card is tied to a pending or unprocessed transaction, it can’t be reused. Additionally, cards may become unusable due to exhausted spending limits or repeated rejections by banks, especially for cryptocurrency transactions.
Check that there are no pending transactions connected to the deleted account before trying again
4. Ensure correct card details and configuration
Double-check the following:
Card details (CVV, expiration date, card number)
Billing address
Crypto authorization — confirm your bank allows cryptocurrency transactions
Bank authorization: Verify that your card-issuing bank supports transactions for cryptocurrency or related activities
Tip: Small typos in card details can cause the card to be rejected as “in use.”
Interim solutions: Use an alternative payment method
If you can’t wait for the 24-hour cooldown, consider another payment method:
A different debit or credit card that hasn’t been linked to a deleted MoonPay account
Other supported methods like PayPal, Venmo, or Apple Pay (availability varies by region)
Prepaid cards: Check if MoonPay supports prepaid alternatives issued by your region's financial institutions
FAQs
Why does MoonPay say my card is already in use?
Why does MoonPay say my card is already in use?
This typically means either:
The card is linked to a recently deleted account, or
The card is linked to another active MoonPay account
Follow the troubleshooting steps above to resolve this.
Can I reuse a phone number from my deleted MoonPay account?
Can I reuse a phone number from my deleted MoonPay account?
Yes. Phone numbers follow the same security cooldown before reuse.
What if I suspect my card is compromised?
What if I suspect my card is compromised?
If you’ve never used MoonPay before but see an already in use message, contact your bank immediately to block or replace the card.
Conclusion
MoonPay’s security cooldown protects customers by ensuring payment methods can’t be reused too quickly across accounts. By confirming timing, removing cards from duplicate accounts, clearing pending transactions, and exploring alternative payment options, you can resolve most issues efficiently. If problems continue, contact MoonPay Support for help via the chat button at the bottom right of this screen.