Introduction
This KB article explains why your credit card payment may be declined and what each decline code means. These codes come directly from your bank and usually point to the exact issue. In most cases, you can resolve the problem yourself by checking your card details or contacting your bank.
What Is a Credit Card Decline Code?
A credit card decline code is a short message (usually numbers or letters) that appears when a payment cannot be processed. It’s generated by your bank or card issuer and indicates the reason your transaction was stopped, for example, insufficient funds, card restrictions, incorrect details, or a temporary technical issue.
When Should You Contact Us?
Please reach out to us only if:
You followed the steps below, and the bank has confirmed everything is working on their end
You’re still unable to make a payment
If you receive a decline code that does not match our guide
We’ll be happy to look into the issue further once you’ve checked with your bank.
Common Reasons a Card Is Declined
Although each decline code is specific, most issues fall into a few simple categories:
Codes 14, 15, 63 - Incorrect card details
The card number or security code was entered incorrectly. Re-enter your details carefully.Code 54 - Expired or restricted card
The card has expired or is no longer valid.Codes 51, 65 - Insufficient funds or credit limit reached
Your account doesn’t have enough available balance, or the transaction would push you over your credit limit. Check your balance or use an alternative card or payment method.Code 57 -Transaction not allowed
Online, international, or certain merchant types may be blocked on your card.Code 36 - Restricted card
The card is restricted by the card issuer. Contact your bank or card issuer to get more information and to resolve the issue.
These issues can usually be fixed quickly by checking your card details, paying down your balance, or contacting your bank to remove restrictions.
Fraud-Related Decline Codes
The following codes mean your bank has flagged the card for security reasons:
Code 07 – Card flagged for fraud
The card has been flagged for possible fraud. Contact your bank or card issuer to confirm the activity and remove the block.Code 41 – Card reported lost
The card has been reported lost. Contact your bank or card issuer to confirm the activity and remove the block.Code 43 – Card reported stolen
The card has been reported stolen. Contact your bank or card issuer to confirm the activity and remove the block.Code 215 / 534 / 596 – Suspects fraudulent activity
Bank or payment provider suspects fraudulent activity. Contact your bank or card issuer to confirm the activity and remove the block.
If you see any of these, contact your bank immediately. For your safety, we cannot override fraud-related blocks.
What Should I Do if My Payment Is Declined?
To resolve the issue quickly, follow these steps:
Check the decline code shown in your customer portal.
Match it with the code descriptions in this guide.
Take the recommended action, which may include:
Re-entering your card details
Using another card
Contact your bank to remove restrictions or clarify the issue
Most decline reasons can only be fixed by your bank, not the merchant. For this reason, contacting your bank directly is often the fastest solution.