What does that decline code actually mean?

Search any Visa, Mastercard, or Amex decline code or message to get a plain-English explanation, the likely cause, and exactly what to do next.

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Not sure which code you're looking for? Browse decline reasons grouped by cause.

The card issuer suspects fraud, blocked the transaction for security reasons, or flagged the card as lost or stolen.

The cardholder doesn't have enough available balance or credit, or the transaction exceeds a withdrawal/spending limit.

A system, connectivity, or formatting problem between the merchant, processor, network, and issuer prevented the transaction from completing.

The card itself is expired, invalid, or restricted by the issuer for a reason unrelated to funds or suspected fraud.

The issuer or network is enforcing a risk-management, regulatory, or compliance rule that blocks the transaction.

Decline reasons that don't fit neatly into the categories above, or that are scheme-specific edge cases.