Common Card Payment Errors and How to Resolve Them
When processing card payments, you may encounter various error messages that indicate why a transaction was declined. This article explains the most common errors, their causes, and steps to resolve them.
Overview of Common Card Payment Errors
Card payment errors typically occur when the issuing bank refuses to authorize a transaction. These errors can arise due to insufficient funds, incorrect card details, security mismatches, or restrictions set by the bank. Below, we detail the most common error codes and their resolutions.
Common Error Codes and Their Meanings
1. Do Not Honor
The "Do Not Honor" error is a generic decline message sent by the cardholder’s bank. It indicates that the bank has refused the transaction without providing a specific reason. Common causes include:
Insufficient funds
Suspected fraud
Expired card
Incorrect card details
Account restrictions (e.g., daily spending limits)
How to Resolve:
Contact the issuing bank to inquire about the reason for the decline and request authorization for the transaction.
Update the payment method if necessary and retry the transaction.
If the issue persists, use an alternative payment method.
2. Invalid Service Code
This error typically occurs when the card or transaction type is restricted by the issuing bank. For example, the card may not be enabled for certain transaction channels or merchant categories.
How to Resolve:
Contact the issuing bank to lift any restrictions on the card.
Retry the transaction after confirming the card is authorized for the specific payment type.
3. Security Violation (Decline Code 63)
A "Security Violation" error occurs when the security details provided during the transaction do not match the bank’s records. This is often caused by:
Incorrect CVV (Card Verification Value)
Mismatched expiration date
Incorrect ZIP/postal code
How to Resolve:
Double-check and re-enter the CVV, expiration date, and other card details exactly as they appear on the card.
Contact the issuing bank to ensure the card is cleared for the transaction.
4. Duplicate Transaction (VCERR: This_is_a_duplicate_transaction)
This error occurs when a payment using the same amount and/or the same card is attempted back-to-back. The system flags it as a duplicate to prevent double billing.
How to Resolve:
Wait a few minutes before retrying the transaction.
If the issue persists, contact support for further assistance.
5. [Payment Method ID Not Found]
This error indicates that the payment method may not have been saved correctly in the system.
How to Resolve:
Re-enter the payment method details and save them correctly.
General Troubleshooting Steps
If you encounter any of the above errors, follow these general steps:
Verify Card Details: Ensure the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address are entered correctly.
Contact the Bank: Reach out to the card-issuing bank to understand the reason for the decline and resolve any issues.
Update Payment Method: If the card is expired or blocked, update the payment method in your account settings.
Retry the Payment: After resolving the issue with the bank, attempt the payment again.
Use an Alternative Payment Method: If the issue persists, consider using a different card or payment method.
FAQs
Does "Do Not Honor" mean my card is invalid?
Not necessarily. The card may be valid, but the bank is refusing to approve the specific transaction. Contact your bank to authorize the charge.
Why is my refund failing with a "Do Not Honor" error?
This error indicates that the customer’s bank is blocking the refund. The customer should contact their bank to remove any restrictions.
What should I do if my scheduled payment fails with a "Do Not Honor" error?
Add a new payment method or contact the bank to authorize the charge. Retry the payment after resolving the issue.
By understanding these common error codes and following the recommended steps, you can resolve most card payment issues efficiently.