Cursor AI payment not going through — how to fix
Cursor AI is a popular AI code editor powered by Claude and GPT-4. The Cursor Pro subscription is $20/month, but users from certain countries see their card declined before even entering an SMS code. This is not a problem with your card — it is a block at the payment processor level on Cursor's side.
Why the payment is rejected
- Cards from sanctioned countries are blocked by Stripe, the payment processor used by Cursor. This restriction has been in place since 2022.
- A VPN with a restricted-country IP can also trigger rejection — Stripe checks not only the card's country code but also the IP address.
- Virtual cards from certain banks may also be blocked due to the BIN code being associated with a restricted region.
Working ways to pay for Cursor AI
Option 1: Via App Store (iPhone/Mac)
- Buy an App Store USA gift card on Marix.
- Top up your Apple ID balance using the code.
- Download the Cursor app from the App Store (if available) or subscribe through any compatible iOS app with Apple billing.
- Complete the subscription via iOS.
This method only works if Cursor offers an In-App Purchase via the App Store. Check the current availability inside the app.
Option 2: Via Google Play (Android)
- Buy a Google Play Gift Card on Marix.
- Top up your Google Play balance.
- Open Cursor on Android and subscribe through the app.
Option 3: Cryptocurrency
Cursor accepts cryptocurrency payments directly for some plans. Open the Billing section in your account settings — if a crypto option is listed, select it.
Option 4: A card from an unrestricted country
If you have a bank card from an unrestricted country (Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, etc.), it will almost certainly work without issues.
What will not work
- Changing your IP via VPN without changing the card — the processor still sees the restricted BIN.
- Virtual cards from restricted-country banks — the BIN is blocked regardless of how the card is presented.
FAQ
Will Cursor ever enable payments for restricted countries? That depends on Stripe's sanctions policy. As of 2026 restrictions are still in place. Monitor Cursor's official announcements for updates.
Is Cursor Free enough for real work? The free plan offers a limited number of AI completions per month. For intensive development, Pro is necessary.
Can I buy a Cursor Pro subscription through another person? Technically no — subscriptions are tied to individual accounts and account sharing violates Cursor's terms of service.
App Store and Google Play gift cards for paying for international services are available on Marix. Instant delivery, local payment methods accepted.