Templates | Credit Card Decline Code Quick Reference Card
Credit Card Decline Code Quick Reference Card
Credit Card Decline Code Quick Reference Card
Understand what each credit card decline code means, why the transaction failed, and how to fix it. All in one downloadable and printable reference guide.
Understand what each credit card decline code means, why the transaction failed, and how to fix it. All in one downloadable and printable reference guide.
Get the Free Credit Card Decline Code Reference Guide
Resolve failed payments faster and stop chasing down answers. Download the guide and keep it at your desk for quick reference anytime a transaction gets declined.
What Is a Credit Card Decline Code?
When a credit card transaction fails, the payment processor sends back a decline code that tells you why. These codes are standardized across the industry, but the way they’re displayed can vary depending on your payment gateway or point-of-sale system. Understanding what each code means helps you figure out whether to retry the transaction, ask for a different card, or reach out to the customer’s bank.
Common Reasons Credit Card Transactions Get Declined
Most declines fall into a few categories. The card might be expired, the billing info might not match what’s on file, or the customer might have hit their credit limit. Some declines are temporary, like system outages or daily spending caps, while others are permanent, like a card that’s been reported lost or stolen. Knowing the difference helps you respond the right way and avoid wasting time on retries that won’t work.
How to Respond to a Declined Transaction
The right response depends on the code. For typos and mismatches, have the customer double-check their card details. For insufficient funds or limit issues, ask if they’d like to try a lower amount or a different card. For fraud-related declines, don’t retry. Let the customer know they’ll need to contact their bank. And for system errors, wait a few minutes and try again. Having a quick reference on hand makes these conversations faster and less awkward.
What’s Inside the Decline Code Reference Guide
This free downloadable guide gives you a complete list of credit card decline codes sorted by number, with plain-English explanations and customer-facing language you can use on the spot. Each code is labeled so you know whether it’s safe to retry, worth a second attempt after the customer verifies their info, or a hard stop. Print it out, keep it at your desk, or share it with your team.
FAQ’s
FAQ’s
What does the “Do Not Honor” decline code mean?
Code 05, or “Do Not Honor,” is a generic decline from the customer’s bank. It means the bank rejected the transaction but didn’t give a specific reason. The best response is to ask the customer to contact their bank or try a different payment method.
Can I retry a declined credit card transaction?
It depends on the code. System errors and temporary outages are usually safe to retry after a few minutes. Codes related to typos or mismatches might work after the customer re-enters their info. But fraud-related codes or cards reported lost or stolen should never be retried.
What should I tell a customer when their card is declined?
Keep it simple and helpful. Let them know the transaction didn’t go through and offer next steps based on the code. For example, “It looks like there was an issue with your card. Would you like to try re-entering your details or use a different payment method?” Avoid making it awkward or placing blame.
How do I use this decline code reference guide?
When a transaction fails, look at the decline code your system returned. Find that code in the guide to see what it means, whether you can retry, and what to tell the customer. Keep it printed at your desk or saved somewhere easy to access so you’re not scrambling mid-call.
