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

6 min read

Last Updated: May 2, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

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.

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 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.

Each decline code has a different meaning. Decline codes include an expired card, insufficient funds, 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. Credit card processing fixes can involve 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: the merchant, payment processor, card issuer, and the issuing bank. If an issue pops up at any point, an error code is sent to explain what went wrong.

Remember, each code has its own meaning and solution. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your credit card company for assistance.

Common reasons for a declined credit card

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. To resolve this issue, you can try using a different payment method or contacting your card issuer to discuss increasing your credit limit. Going forward, it’s recommended to keep track of your spending and to check your funds before using your credit card.

Expired cards

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. Your credit card issuer 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. If you haven’t received your new card before the expiration, request a new card from your card issuer.

Address verification issues

You might need to verify your address as a security measure. If the address you provide doesn’t match the address on file, you may see this code. To resolve this, double-check the address information and make sure it matches the address on your credit card statement. If the problem persists, reach out to your card issuer for assistance.

A list of common declined credit card codes

These are just a few examples of common declined credit card codes. Each code represents a specific issue that needs attention. If you encounter any of these codes (or others), it's best to contact your card issuer or bank for assistance. They can provide you with more information and guide you through the resolution process.

This could be due to a low account balance or reaching your credit limit. To resolve this, you use a different alternative payment method, contact your card issuer to increase your credit limit, pay down your balance, or check your balance before future transactions.

Double-check the card number and make sure you haven't made any typos in an online form. If the problem persists, contact your card issuer for assistance. They may need to issue a new card or provide you with the correct card number to use.

Check the expiration date on your card and make sure you're using a valid card. If your card has 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.

A Verification Error 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 make sure that your card information is up to date and accurate.

The bottom line

By understanding these reasons and following the suggested solutions, you might quickly resolve any issues. 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.

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