Using Renfe's Site to Book Trains

I used the Renfe app and had cc issues too. I was able to use my PayPal account instead (that uses the same cc) and then purchase tickets.
Also used the iryo app to purchase tickets. All pretty straightforward- did some searches first using train line, but reddit suggested not using third party apps for train ticket purchases.

thetrainline.com is a perfectly good 3rd party site to consider using for train tickets.

The issues generally have to do with the security protocols the credit card providers
use vs what the Renfe site expects/wants to see. If you have different cards from
different banks, good chance one of them will work. You may also need to review
your settings for how security issues are handled.

As previous poster noted, there is more than one train provider in Spain, so you'll
want to do some comparison shopping. Also, buses in Spain are a very reasonable
alternative to taking the train for a short/medium hop, especially away from the major
cities.

I would avoid sites like Rail Europe, you can find comments related to this in various
sub-forums on this site.

If Iryo is an option on your routes, their website is generally much easier to use.

Don't know if the OP had an account with RENFE but I have an account with a linked credit card and use the app,never had any problems. Also had money refunded to my credit card when I couldn't use my booked reservations because I was in Valencia during the floods.

Firstly it is worth mentioning that whilst Renfe is the big operator, it isn't the only one. For example, for an important intercity route such as Madrid-Barcelona two other companies also run high speed services.

Accordingly, it is worth using an agency such as trainline.com to check choices since it will cover more options than simply Renfe, even if you don't then buy via trainline.

Secondly, the Renfe website is more than a little quixotic in terms of showing routes. For example, it isn't great at showing journeys that need a change, even if both trains are Renfe ones. Again, using a third party can be better.

Having noted all that, if you have picked a Renfe train then you might as well book on Renfe's website or app. Although the website is famously glitch-ridden when it comes to pay with non-European credit/debit cards. So it might just save your sanity to swallow the extra fee and use a reliable third-party. There are several, but trainline do send you the ticket on its app (or by email) and you can use that on board without needing to swap. And for mainline service, the trainline app gives real-time updates such as delays and platforms.

If you haven't already guessed - I'm a fan of trainline (which is also an agent for coach tickets, including Alsa, so gives bus options for when the railway service is rubbish or non-existent)

Trainline.com +1.

I’ve booked a lot of tickets directly with Renfe. Use PayPal; it works flawlessly.

If you are making multiple bookings, set up an account and load your passengers’ info. That way, you can pull it in to each booking rather than re-entering it every time.

Good point about Paypal. If you really want to put the tickets on a credit card that Renfe is not
accepting, you can put that card in your Paypal profile and then choose that card as the method of
payment (if you choose Paypal in the Renfe transaction, you will be prompted to log into Paypal
and can choose credit card from there).

I also endorse Trainline. It is very easy to use and has all the trains on it.

Thanks to all. I was able to connect my PayPal account with Renfe's app, and will prioritize that when purchasing. Most of our trips should be between cities that they should cover. I have looked into trainline, and it seems to be a useful tool, so will shop for trains and times when the trip gets closer.