Complete List of the Credit Card Declined Codes for 2022

Mar 30, 2022
List of Credit Card Declined Codes, featured image, illustration.

Your credit card got denied when you attempted to use it?

By using this list of credit card declined codes, you can determine what caused the issue.

In this article We'll help you figure out exactly what's going on regarding your (or the customer's) credit card and explain why it didn't work. This article will cover the most commonmore uncommon -- credit card declined codes in detail, including their meaning and the way to do regarding every one of them.

Let's go!

Check Out Our Video guide With a Complete List of the Credit Card Declined Codes Explained

What is What is a Credit Card Decline Code?

A decline code for credit cards is the number that shows on the processor of a credit card whenever a transaction, or payment, has been declined.

In the event that you're in a retail store but are unable to obtain your credit card be accepted, the store and you will encounter an error which could help you figure out the issue.

Example of a online credit card purchase being declined (Source: SmarterQueue.com)
Example of a declined credit card transaction made on the internet (Source: SmarterQueue.com)

It can occur when a transaction has to be stopped by the seller bank, the card issuer.

If you're experiencing this issue and you're experiencing this issue, you'll receive a brief error message that ranges from one to three figures (or letters, in some instances).

The error message that you receive is known as an error code for credit decline. The code can explain what it is that's causing the issue... so long you are aware of the meaning behind it.

First, we'll cover some of the most common reason why a card gets declined -- and the codes that are related to them before diving into the various possibilities of credit card decline codes.


The Most Common Reasons for Which a card is declined

We'll begin by covering a few common reasons that a transaction might be declined.

Some of the most common reason for a card to be declined are:

  • Error in verification of your credit card (Code CV): There could be a problem either with the chip of your credit card or magnetic strip. It could render it ineligible for transactions.
  • Insufficient funds (Code 51):You don't have enough money in the accounts associated with your card (both debit and credit cards).
  • Excessive credit limit (Code 65):Even if you have money in your accounts, you need to reduce it when you've reached the credit limit for the account before you are able to use it again.
  • Card that is expired (Code 54):All credit cards have expiration dates and trying to use the card post the expiration date, you will receive an error message.
  • Transaction not permitted (Code 55): This occurs when you attempt to use your card to perform a transaction that is not allowed (for instance, in the event that you've blocked online transactions or international payments).
  • Unusual card number (Codes 14 & 15): There are two ways that you can enter the correct card number. If the first number is incorrect, you'll see error code 15 to indicate "no such issuers" because the initial digit indicates the bank that issued the card. If you encounter any other incorrect numbers, you'll receive error code 14for entering an incorrect card number.
  • Unsafe security code (Code 63):This occurs when you type the three-digit CVV (or CVC code at the back of your card, or enter your four-digit CID code on the front of your card .
Examples of where to find your CVV, CVC, or CID number (Source: LendingTree)
Where to locate the CVV, CVC, or CID number (Source: LendingTree)

In the case of many of these problems it is possible to see errors 12or error code 85. They are simply a sign of an unapproved transaction. Credit card issuing banks often use these two errors as catch-all response codes that make it more difficult to know what's wrong.

You might have mistyped a credit card number, used an incorrect verification code, entered an invalid expiration date, or even attempted to do something completely impossible for example, such as trying to make a refund.

If you aren't able to find your error message in the above section You can look through the following table, which has more than 50 credit-card decline codes, arranged numerically and also details on the reason each code happens and how to fix the problem.

Full List of Codings for Credit Card Declinations

The table contains a listing of all credit card errors, the exact meaning of they mean (the exact issue), and how to fix them.

Code Label The issue The Fix
01 Refer to issuer The issuing bank (Mastercard, Visa, Discovery and so on.) blocked the transaction with no specific reason. Ask the bank to call and get them to explain the issue.
02 Refer to the issuer (special conditions) The customer's bank blocked the payment (similar to code 01). Utilize the phone number printed from the card to contact the bank, and request an explanation.
04 Call card to pick up Hold call (no fraud implied) The client's bank has blocked the transaction and is also asking the merchant to retain the card. This doesn't imply fraud, instead it's a result of overdrawn or expired ones. Contact the bank and ask what the reason is for why the notice to pick up shows up on your credit card.
05 Do not honor The customer's bank stopped the transaction and informed the merchant to "not accept" the credit card (not to take payment). Ask the bank for an explanation.
06 Other error The issuer bank doesn't know the cause of the reason for the error, however something went out of the transaction. If you have a second attempt, contact the bank if you are still having trouble.
07 Card to pick up, extra conditions (fraudulent) The bank of the customer stopped the payment because the card or the bank account have been flagged as fraudulent. If you're a customer contact the bank right away to address any potential issues. If you're a merchant keep the card in your possession until you've received confirmation from both the bank and client regarding the identity of their customer and the legitimacy of the card.
10 Partial approval The issuer bank will accept a portion of the transaction but refuses the remainder usually due to the excess of credit limit or funds in the account. Call the bank to clear the problem (and pay down your credit in the event that the credit limit is the cause).
12 Invalid transaction The payment attempted is not valid. It could be because of the occurrence of any one of several errors such as trying to issue the amount. When you contact the bank, you must restart the transaction from scratch, be sure that the data entered is accurate.
13 Invalid value The value you entered for the transaction was not valid generally because of an unnumerical symbol being entered with the transaction amount (e.g. the dollar symbol). Simply start the transaction over in the same manner and be careful not to use symbols when entering the amount.
14 The card is not valid. The credit card's number is not valid, and the credit card processor isn't able to locate the account that is associated with it. Begin the process over Make sure you make sure you enter the numbers correctly. If the problem persists, call the issuing bank.
15 This issuer is not in existence. The first digit, which identifies the institution that issued the card wasn't correct. (Credit banks that issue credit cards each have their own distinctive code which starts with the initial digit- 3 for American Express, 4 for Visa 5, 5 for Mastercard and 6 to identify Discover.) Be sure to enter the number of your credit card again and make sure you include the initial digits in the correct order.
19 Re-enter Unknown error has occurred. Restart the transaction Be sure to input all the information correctly. If you are still having issues you should contact the issuer of the card.
28 I have not received a response. A mistake occurred in the transaction, but without motive being specified. Start the transaction again Be sure to input all of the data correctly. If the issue persists you should contact the issuer of the card.
41 Lost card, pick up The owner of the card who is legitimately responsible for it is reporting it as missing or stolen, therefore the issuer of the card has refused the transaction. If you have your own credit card it's important to contact immediately the bank. If you're the merchant you can ask your customer to make use of an alternative card or contact the bank they have used to make contact with them.
43 Stolen card, pick up (fraud account) The real owner of the card has reported the card as stolen and the issuer refused to process the transaction. If the card is yours it is imperative to contact the bank ASAP with the contact number that appears that appears on the back of your card. If you're the seller, ask them to use an alternative card or to contact the bank that they are using.
51 Insufficient funds The card issuer is blocking this transaction as the card has already exceeded the credit limit or the pending transaction would cause the card to go over. Contact the bank by using the information that appears on the back of your card, use internet banking to transfer money into the card or use an alternate card.
54 Card that is expired The date for expiration has been passed. Utilize a credit or debit card that is still valid. (If there is only one card, the one you want to use will likely have been delivered by mail before your expired one, so ensure you notify the bank.)
57 Transaction not permitted - Card This code shows up in the event you attempt to make an activity that isn't allowed, like transferring funds to a foreign merchant account. You can use an alternative card that does not have such limitations, or call the issuing bank to clear out whether or not you are able to accept such transactions.
58 The transaction is not allowed - Terminal When the account of the merchant linked to the terminal or processor isn't properly set up the error will be displayed. The merchant needs to call their bank to clear things for them. If you're the customer you should consider a different option for payment such as money or checks.
62 Invalid service code, restricted The invalid service code may be used to refer to two particular situations.1: You're trying to make payments with the payment for an American Express or Discover card however the system does not allow these card issuers to operate.

2. You attempted to pay for online purchase with a card that doesn't allow online payment.

Try a credit card from an alternative issuer such as Visa. If the business advertises to accept transactions from the card issuer, it is important to speak with your bank whether your card's settings are suitable for online payments.
63 Security breach The three-digit CVV2 also known as CVC or the four-digit CID security code was incorrect or didn't work properly. Start the transaction again and make sure you type in the correct security code.
65 Activity limit overrun The cardholder is in excess of the credit limit (or the transaction could make them over). Try another credit card. If you don't have any alternative cards, make use of online banking or phone banking to settle the balance on your card before you try to use it again.
85 or 85 or Issuer system unavailable This error message is displayed when there's a temporary communication error between the seller and the bank that issued. Take a moment and then begin the process starting from scratch.
85 No reason to decline The issuer bank hasn't been able to identify a specific problem, but the transaction still didn't go through. Start the transaction again beginning from scratch. If there is still a problem, you should contact the issuing bank.You can also try using another credit card in order to determine whether the problem is in fact a merchant issue.
91 Switch or issuer is not available The processor, or the terminal was unable to complete the authorization for payment. Start the transaction from scratch In case the issue persists, contact the issuing bank.
92 Unable to route transaction The terminal cannot reach the card issuer to complete the transaction. Wait a few minutes and try another time. If you are still having issues you should call your bank.
93 Violation, cannot complete The issuing bank has recognized (or has been informed of) the existence of a violation in law on the part of the cardholder and the bank's assets were frozen. If you happen to get this error message, you should call immediately the bank that issued you with this error code to resolve any problems.
96 System error Restart the transaction. If the issue persists you can try a different credit card.If you're not able to resolve the issue then it's most likely a problem with the merchant's payment processor.
RO or R1 The customer requested that a specific per-payment Your customer has specifically asked to stop the recurring payment you're trying to process.
CV Card type verification error The reader for the card experienced an issue checking the validity of the card. It could be a problem with the microchip or the magnetic strip. Try the age-old trick of rubbing the credit card with your clothing and then carefully wiping it again.If that doesn't work then enter the credit card number of the credit card or get in touch with the bank.
W1, W2, W9 Bank error: Error connecting It could be due to power outages or other service interruptions. You should wait for power to come back on Or, look out for announcements of local outages that might be affecting you.If there's not a clear reason, contact your merchant bank.

Error Codes to Identify Fraud

If you're a merchant, or cardholder, the worst-case scenario is when you get an error message for fraud.

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However, credit card fraud is much more prevalent than you may believe. There were 271,823 cases of credit card fraud in the US alone.

2019 US credit card fraud cases (Source: The Ascent)
2019 US fraud on credit cards in the United States. (Source: The Ascent)

With hundreds of thousands of cases of fraud on credit cards every year, it is essential to be on the lookout for customers who aren't the actual owners of the credit cards they're using. You also need to be vigilant and aware of how your own cards are being used.

Here are all the debit codes for credit cards that are associated with fraud

  • Code 7 Pick up the card, special condition (fraud accounts): The card issuer has identified the account as fraudulent activity and thus denied the transaction.
  • Code 41 Loss of card, pickup (fraud account): The real owner of the card reported it as stolen or lost, and the issuer of the card has blocked the transaction.
  • Code 43 Card stolen, picked up (fraud account): The owner has reported that the card was stolen the bank that issued it has stopped the transactions.
  • Code 215 Stolen or lost card:The real cardholder has reported the card as stolen or lost and the issuer of the card blocks the transactions.
  • Code 534 -Do not respect, high fraud: The transaction failed PayPal or Google Checkout risk modeling.
  • Code 596 -- Suspecting fraudulent:Again, the card issuer is suspecting fraud and has blocked the transaction.

What should I do if My Credit Card Is Declined?

Then, check if the issue with your credit card/account or with the merchant's terminal.

Then, take the appropriate action required in order to fix the problem. It could involve restarting the transaction, typing in everything carefully making a call to the bank or trying another account.

Troubleshooting boils down to three simple steps:

  1. For the declined code, ask for it.
  2. Find out the meaning behind the code.
  3. You should take the necessary action (usually calling the issuing bank or trying another credit card).

It's possible that you think you've received your money up to date or that your credit card's limit hasn't been met, but it never hurts to check with your bank.

Many of us carry many cards. It can be hard to track them all. The number of credit cards is more than one billion credit cards being used across the US just in the United States alone.

Graph of the number of credit cards in the US and in the world (Source: Shift)
The graph below shows the total number of credit cards in the US and around the world (Source: Shift)

You don't want to get charged for an unnecessary overdraft, late payment charges as well as a hefty shock bill when you're victimized by scams.

The Credit Card Declined Code FAQ

Are you confused by the error codes? Take a look at these frequently asked questions.

What is the reason why my credit card gets declined when I have money?

There are a number of reasons why your credit card could be declined, even though there is money in your account.

  • You could be trying to make use of a credit card to pay for something that isn't approved, like online payments or payments in a foreign nation.
  • Your credit card's number could have been flagged as fraud.
  • There is a chance that you have entered your credit card number, CVV2 code or PIN incorrectly.
  • It could be a problem at the merchant's terminal, and not your credit card .

What does Credit Card Code 51 Mean?

The credit card declined code "51" indicates you've gone over your credit limit (if it's a credit card) or run out of money (if using a debit or credit card).

What is the reason my card was declined when I place an order online?

Credit card transactions could be denied due to three reasons, including account settings, lack of funds, and inaccurate information.

  1. The credit card you use may not be set-up for online payment transactions. Check with your bank to determine that this is indeed true.
  2. There is a possibility that you entered the correct credit card number CVV2, CVC, CID PIN, name, or CVV2 incorrectly.
  3. There may be a shortage of funds remaining in your account or may have overdrawn your credit limit.

Summary

Whether it's your own credit card or the client's credit card which is declined, knowing the exact basis is vital to determine what the best option.

I hope this guideline has helped you figure out what was going on in your credit card, and has given you the knowledge needed to make the appropriate decisions to resolve the problem.

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