Credit Card Decline Code Breakdown (2024)

FAQs

What is the format error decline code? ›

Format error is a type of soft decline during which the credit card issuer of the customer can't recognize the transaction as a result of wrongly formatted payment details. In this case, the customer should re-check the information to make sure that everything is entered in the correct format.

The first 6 digits help to identify the card issuer, known as an Issue Identifier Number or 'IIN'. All numbers following that relate specifically to your account, excluding the last one which is known as a 'check digit'.

The decline code “10: Partial Approval” in credit card transactions indicates that the payment amount requested by the merchant was not fully authorized, but a portion of it was approved.

51 – Insufficient funds

Either ask the customer to call their issuing bank and request a credit limit or request a different form of payment.

The customer's card issuer does not recognise the transaction details being entered. This is due to a format error. The customer should check the transaction information and try processing the transaction again.

While there are dozens of different card decline codes currently active, the most commonly used codes are as follows: 05 (Do not honor), 14 (Invalid card number), 41 (Lost card, pick up), 43 (Stolen card, pick up), 51(Insufficient funds), 54 (Expired card), 61 (Exceeds issuer withdrawal limit), 65 (Activity limit ...

incorrect_number. The card number is incorrect. Check the card's number or use a different card.

Technical issues like network outages, API errors, or system glitches can disrupt the flow of information between the merchant, payment processor, and issuing bank. When these issues occur, the payment processor may temporarily flag the merchant as “invalid,” resulting in decline code 03.

Structure. Payment card numbers are composed of 8 to 19 digits, The leading six or eight digits are the issuer identification number (IIN) sometimes referred to as the bank identification number (BIN). The remaining numbers, except the last digit, are the individual account identification number.

Credit Card Identification Code(Security Code/CVV/CVC/CID):

The Credit Card Identification Code, or "Card Code," is a 3 or 4 digit Security code that is printed on the back of credit cards in reverse italics in the card signature panel (or on the front for American Express cards).

What is the dummy code for American Express? ›

Amex dummy Card number = 37 999 999 999 999 4.

An decline code 12 means that the type of transaction you are trying to make is invalid or not supported. This frequently occurs when attempting to refund a credit card payment. Double check the payment type and payment information to make sure it's all correct.

The decline code “13: Invalid amount” in a credit card transaction indicates that the amount entered for the transaction is invalid. This could be because the amount is either too high or too low, possibly falling outside of the permitted transaction limits set by the merchant or the card issuer.

There are several reasons why a debit card may be declined even if you have money in your account. Common reasons include travel and reaching your daily purchase limit. Stay on top of your cards and consider using budgeting apps to help avoid debit card denial.

14 - Invalid card number: The card number provided does not match any active card in the issuer's database. 97 - Invalid CVV: The CVV number provided does not match what the issuer has on file. Incorrect CVV numbers may also result in code 63, which indicates a security violation.

Credit card declined code 05 indicates that the issuing bank has once again blocked the transaction—telling you to literally “not honor” the card as a form of payment.