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Credit Card Decline Codes: What They Mean and How to Resolve

Published January 8, 2025

6 min read

Table of contents

Key Points:

A credit card decline code is an error message that happens when a transaction fails.
You may get declined credit card codes if you reached your credit limit, have an error in your mailing address, or you have an expired card.
You should always ensure that you have enough money to make a purchase and monitor your credit account to avoid declined transactions.

What is a credit card decline code?

A credit card decline code is a message that appears when a credit card transaction does not go through. The declined code helps the card issuer or the issuing bank to communicate the reason behind the decline to both the merchant and the cardholder. These codes provide valuable information about the nature of the decline and can help in resolving the issue.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, decline codes can have different meanings, from an expired card or insufficient funds to suspected fraud or an invalid transaction. Each code signals a specific problem that blocked the transaction from going through. By understanding the decline code, you can take the steps you need to fix the declined transaction (like contacting your credit card company, updating your payment information, or trying a different card).

Did you know?

When you make a purchase using your credit card, it goes through a process that involves multiple parties, including the merchant, the payment processor, the card issuer, and the issuing bank. If an issue pops up at any stage of this process, an error code is generated to explain what went wrong.

Knowing credit card decline codes may help you have smoother credit card transactions in the future. Remember, each code has its own meaning and solution, so don't hesitate to reach out to your card issuing bank for assistance when encountering a decline.

Common reasons for a declined credit card

There are several common reasons why your credit card issuer may have declined your most recent purchase.

Insufficient funds

One of the main reasons for a credit card decline is insufficient funds in your account. This can happen if you have reached your credit limit, and you don’t have enough money available to cover the transaction. You should keep track of your spending and ensure that you have enough funds before using your credit card. To resolve this issue, you can try using a different payment method or contacting your card issuer to discuss increasing your credit limit.

Expired cards

Another reason for a declined credit card is an expired card. Credit cards have expiration dates to ensure their security and validity. If your card has expired, you won't be able to use it for purchases. To resolve this, you simply need to request a new card from your card issuer. They will typically send you a replacement card before your current one expires, but it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the expiration date.

Address verification issues

Address verification failure is also a frequent cause of credit card declines. When you make an online purchase, the merchant may verify your address as a security measure. If the address you provide does not match the address on file with your credit card issuer, the transaction may be declined. To resolve this, double-check the address information and ensure that it matches the address on your credit card statement. If the problem persists, reach out to your card issuer for assistance.

By understanding these reasons and following the suggested solutions, you can quickly resolve any issues and continue using your credit card for seamless transactions. Remember to keep an eye on your finances, update your card before it expires, provide accurate address information, or use a different card to avoid any unnecessary declines.

A list of common declined credit card codes

This code indicates that there are not enough funds available in your account to cover the transaction. It could be due to a low account balance or reaching your credit limit. To resolve this, you can try using a different payment method, contacting your bank to inquire about increasing your credit limit, or ensuring that you have sufficient funds in your account for future transactions.

This code suggests that the credit card number you entered is incorrect or invalid. Double-check the card number and make sure you haven't made any typos. If the problem persists, contact your card issuer for assistance. They may need to issue you a new card or provide you with the correct card number to use.

If your card expiration date has passed, you may encounter this decline code. Check the expiration date on your card and make sure you're using a valid card. If your card has indeed expired, contact your card issuer to request a replacement card with a new expiration date.

This code indicates that the transaction has been flagged as potential credit card fraud by the card issuer's security systems. If you believe the transaction is legitimate, contact your card issuer immediately to verify the transaction. They may ask you to provide additional information or take security measures to protect your account.

This code suggests that there was an issue during the verification process. It could be due to an incorrect address or security code (CVV) entered during the transaction. Double-check the information you provided and try again. If the problem persists, contact your card issuer to ensure that your card information is up to date and accurate.

Remember, these are just a few examples of common declined credit card codes. Each code represents a specific issue that needs to be addressed. If you encounter any of these codes or others not mentioned, it's always best to contact your card issuer or bank for assistance. They can provide you with more information and guide you through the resolution process. Stay informed and keep these codes in mind to minimize any stress when your credit card gets declined.

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