# Anti-Embarrassment Mode

> Prevent payment card declines with Curve's backup payment solution. Set up automatic retry cards for seamless transactions. Learn more →

Source: https://help.curve.com/en_gb/anti-embarrassment-mode-Bk0fBO3IO

Last updated: 2025-11-24T14:46:23.513Z

With Curve's Anti-Embarrassment mode, say "bye" to payment declines and embarrassment at the till and say "hi" to your improved spending experience. Turn it on to save yourself from awkward card declines, and awkward smiles with the cashier. If your selected payment card doesn't go through, we'll automatically try the backup card you choose, so you can pay without panic. Every time.

**In this article**

*   [What is Anti-Embarrassment Mode?](#what-is-it)
*   [How do I set my backup cards up?](#setup)
*   [How do I turn this feature off?](#turn-off)
*   [What if both my cards are declined?](#troubleshooting)

## **What is Anti-Embarrassment Mode?**

Anti-Embarrassment Mode is Curve's automatic backup payment solution that prevents card decline embarrassment at checkout. Setting up backup payment cards within the Curve app allows you to avoid declines on your selected primary payment method.

**You can select up to 2 backup cards in your Curve app, but we'll only charge one.**

When you try to pay and your selected payment card gets declined, we'll automatically attempt another payment using an alternative card from your backup payment cards. This declined card solution works seamlessly—it all happens within seconds while you pay. Result? Less stress and smoother transactions.

Also, any backup payments can easily be moved onto a card of your choice by using the **Go Back in Time** feature. We've got your back.

## **How do I set my backup cards up?**

Setting up payment failure backup protection is simple and takes just a few steps:

**Step 1:** Open your app and head to the "**Anti-Embarrassment**" applet within the "**Launchpad**" tab, third row down.

**Step 2:** Add the desired cards as your backup payment cards. You can drag and drop the cards to rearrange the order in which they'll be used in case of a decline.

![Anti-Embarrassment Mode setup screen showing backup card selection](https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfxDLzClFsCbLOUuMdeY9H0EX4nZ4BtEgUH6lW1ouIE-sx81s2DJ5MgEmkLP3PfSEddtMWcF71-5Q8x78fOH9Ps4g8xwFTHbxXs_TWuTjyF5w84SmTMNuwsWqeQ0kOFNCk1_GnMgQ?key=t2Sv4JIr38fNGqixGJsCHg)

**Step 3:** Press "**Confirm Changes**" to save your new settings.

Your backup card selection will apply for every payment card you've added to Curve, no need to set different cards for each one.

Have the Curve Pay app installed? Tap [here](https://link.curve.com/bBFbD847QJb) to go straight to **Launchpad**.

## **How do I turn this feature off?**

Anti-Embarrassment Mode is an opt-in feature so **you can turn it on and off whenever you want.**

Just follow the same steps as above, and remove any payment method that you've set as a backup card. Don't forget to "**Confirm Changes**" at the bottom of the screen once you're done!

## **What if both my cards are declined?**

You still might experience payment declines, even with multiple backup cards active in your Curve app. There's [**a number of reasons**](/declines-B1VBXyrLgl) why card declines might happen, including insufficient funds, security blocks, or merchant restrictions.

Drop us a message if you'd fancy more details on a specific decline and we'll investigate it for you.