Stripe Decline Codes

When you use Stripe to collect payments through your payment processing software, you may see decline codes from time to time. These codes come directly from the card issuer. Understanding what they mean helps you guide your customers and keep payments running smoothly.

Below is a simplified list of common Stripe decline codes, what they mean, and what steps to take next. For Stripe’s full and most up-to-date list, visit their official Decline Codes documentation.

Decline Code	Meaning	Next Steps
authentication_required	The transaction needs card authentication.	The customer should try again and complete any prompts. If it still fails, they should contact their card issuer.
approve_with_id	The payment cannot be authorized.	Try the payment again. If it fails again, the customer should contact their card issuer.
call_issuer	The card was declined for an unknown reason.	The customer should contact their card issuer.
card_not_supported	The card does not support this type of purchase or currency.	The customer should check with their card issuer.
card_velocity_exceeded	The customer has reached a card limit.	The customer should contact their card issuer.
currency_not_supported	The card does not support the chosen currency.	The customer should verify currency support with their card issuer.
do_not_honor	The card was declined for an unknown reason.	The customer should contact their card issuer.
duplicate_transaction	A payment with the same amount and card was just submitted.	Check whether a recent payment already exists.
expired_card	The card is expired.	The customer should use a different card.
fraudulent	Stripe suspects the transaction may be fraudulent.	Present the decline as a standard “card declined” message. Customer should contact their issuer.
generic_decline	The payment was declined for an unknown reason.	The customer should contact their card issuer.
incorrect_number	The card number is incorrect.	The customer should re-enter the correct number.
incorrect_cvc	The CVC is incorrect.	The customer should re-enter the correct CVC.
incorrect_zip	The ZIP/postal code does not match.	The customer should confirm their billing ZIP.
insufficient_funds	The card does not have enough available funds.	The customer should use a different card.
invalid_account	The account or card is invalid.	The customer should contact their card issuer.
invalid_amount	The amount is invalid or not allowed.	The customer may need to check limits with their issuer.
invalid_expiry_month	The expiration month is invalid.	The customer should re-enter the correct expiration date.
invalid_expiry_year	The expiration year is invalid.	The customer should re-enter the correct expiration date.
issuer_not_available	The issuer could not be reached.	Try again. If it continues, the customer should contact their issuer.
lost_card	The card has been marked lost.	Show as a normal decline. Customer must contact their issuer.
merchant_blacklist	The payment matches a value in a blocklist.	Display as a normal decline without details.
new_account_information_available	The account or card is invalid.	The customer should contact their issuer.
not_permitted	The payment is not allowed.	The customer should contact their issuer.
offline_pin_required	The card needs a PIN to continue.	The customer should insert their card and enter their PIN.
pickup_card	The card cannot be used (may be lost or stolen).	The customer should contact their issuer.
pin_try_exceeded	The customer has entered the wrong PIN too many times.	The customer must use another form of payment.
processing_error	There was a processing error.	Try the payment again or try again later.
restricted_card	The card cannot be used (may be lost or stolen).	The customer should contact their issuer.
stolen_card	The card has been marked stolen.	Show as a normal decline. Customer must contact their issuer.
testmode_decline	A Stripe test card was used.	The customer must use a real card.
transaction_not_allowed	The card is not allowed to make this purchase.	The customer should contact their issuer.
try_again_later	The payment failed for an unknown reason.	The customer should try again. If it repeats, they should contact their issuer.
withdrawal_count_limit_exceeded	The customer exceeded a card limit.	The customer should try another payment method.

By understanding these decline codes, you can help customers resolve payment issues quickly and keep your billing process running smoothly.

For related help, see: How to View Failed Payments.