As you probably know, credit card issuers use a variety of codes to communicate the status of your account to merchants. These codes are meant to provide information about why a particular transaction was declined, so that the merchant can take appropriate action.
However, if you’re not familiar with the various codes used by credit card issuers, they can be quite confusing. In this article, we’ll explain what some of the most common credit card decline codes mean, so that you can better understand why your card was declined and what you can do about it.
01: Refer to the Issuing Bank
This code means that the card issuer is unwilling or unable to approve the transaction. This could be for a variety of reasons, including suspected fraud, insufficient funds, or a problem with your account. If you see this code, you’ll need to contact your card issuer to resolve the issue.
02: Invalid Account Number
This code indicates that the account number you provided is invalid. This could be due to a typo, an outdated card number, or a closed account.
03: Invalid Card Number
This code indicates that the card number you provided is invalid. This could be due to a typo, an outdated card number, or a closed account.
04: Invalid Expiration Date
This code indicates that the expiration date you provided is invalid. This could be due to a typo or an expired card.
05: Do Not Honor
This code means that the card issuer is unwilling or unable to approve the transaction. This could be for a variety of reasons, including suspected fraud, insufficient funds, or a problem with your account. I
06: Error
This code indicates that there was an error processing the transaction. This could be due to an issue with the card, the merchant’s account, or the payment processor.
07: Pick Up Card
This code means that the card has been reported lost or stolen and should be returned to the card issuer.
08: Honor With Identification
This code means that the transaction was approved, but the cardholder will need to provide additional identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) to the merchant before the purchase can be completed.
09: Request In Progress
This code means that the issuer is currently processing a request for this cardholder. This could be for a variety of reasons, including suspected fraud or account review.
10: Approved For Partial Amount
This code means that the transaction was approved for a lower amount than what was originally requested. This is typically due to insufficient funds in the account.
11: Approved VIP
This code means that the transaction was approved because the cardholder is a VIP customer of the merchant.
12: Invalid Transaction
This code indicates that the transaction is invalid. This could be due to a number of reasons, including an incorrect account number, expired card, or insufficient funds.
13: Invalid Amount
This code indicates that the amount requested is invalid. This could be due to a typo or an incorrect amount.
14: Invalid Cardholder Name
This code indicates that the name of the cardholder is invalid. This could be due to a typo or an incorrect name.
15: No Such Issuer
This code indicates that the card issuer does not exist. This could be due to a typo or an incorrect issuer number.
16: Approved, Update Track 3
This code means that the transaction was approved, but the cardholder’s account information (such as the expiration date or account number) has changed. The new information should be updated in the merchant’s system.
17: Customer Cancellation
This code means that the cardholder canceled the transaction. This could be for a variety of reasons, including suspected fraud or a change of mind.
18: Customer Dispute
This code means that the cardholder is disputing the transaction. This could be for a variety of reasons, including suspected fraud or a change of mind.
There are a variety of other credit card decline codes that are used by credit card issuers, but these are some of the most common. If you have any questions about a particular decline code, you should contact your credit card issuer for more information.
