Card decline codes explained: why a card payment gets refused
By SendPay Business · · 2 min read
When a card payment is refused, the card issuer sends back a short response code saying why. Merchants see the code, while customers usually just see 'declined'. Knowing what the common codes mean helps both sides fix the problem quickly.
Common codes
- 05, do not honour: a general refusal from the issuer, often a fraud or risk check.
- 51, insufficient funds: not enough money or credit available.
- 54, expired card: the card is past its expiry date.
- 14, invalid card number: the number was typed wrong or does not exist.
- 65, activity limit exceeded: in the UK and Europe this often means extra authentication, such as 3D Secure, is needed.
Soft and hard declines
A soft decline may work if tried again later or with extra checks, such as insufficient funds or a temporary block. A hard decline, such as a lost or stolen card, will not succeed on retry and should not be retried.
What to do next
Customers can check their balance, card details and expiry date, or call the number on the back of the card. Merchants should avoid retrying hard declines over and over, since repeated failed attempts can look like card testing fraud.
Where SendPay fits
SendPay platforms include payment links and branded Visa cards, powered by licensed partners. Card payments follow the same card scheme rules, so these codes mean the same thing there.
Build it
Create your own financial platform.
Pick a template, name it, brand it, preview every page before you pay. Your brand, your users, your fees.
Build my platform →Questions people ask
What is my card approval rate?
Work out your authorisation rate and what declines cost you, free.
Authorisation rate calculator →Read next
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.