Stripe 'Your Card Was Declined' (generic_decline, do_not_honor)

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Read the exact decline code

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   1. Open the payment in the Dashboard and read the decline code and outcome reason
   2. Do not show fraud-related reasons (fraudulent, lost_card, stolen_card, merchant_blacklist) to the customer; show a generic message instead
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Check whether Radar blocked it

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   1. In the payment details look for a Radar rule or risk level
   2. Review your custom block rules and the Radar review queue
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Match the next step to the code

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   1. insufficient_funds, withdrawal_count_limit_exceeded: use another payment method
   2. incorrect_cvc, incorrect_number, incorrect_zip, expired_card: re-enter or use a different card
   3. generic_decline, do_not_honor, call_issuer, card_velocity_exceeded: customer contacts the issuer
   4. processing_error, issuer_not_available, reenter_transaction: retry the payment, then contact the issuer if it persists
   5. testmode_decline: use a real card in live mode
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Reduce avoidable declines

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   1. Offer Apple Pay, Google Pay and bank debit as alternatives
   2. Let customers retry with another card without leaving checkout
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Checkout shows 'Your card was declined' with decline code generic_decline, do_not_honor, card_velocity_exceeded or similar.

Why it happens

• Issuer declined for an unstated reason (generic_decline, do_not_honor, call_issuer)
• Radar or Adaptive Acceptance blocked the payment
• Card limits exceeded (card_velocity_exceeded, withdrawal_count_limit_exceeded)
• Insufficient funds or expired card
• Wrong CVC, number or postal code
• Stripe test card used in live mode (testmode_decline)

This guide also covers

• stripe card declined
• stripe generic_decline
• stripe do_not_honor
• your card was declined stripe
• stripe card_velocity_exceeded

Other Stripe errors

• Stripe Account Under Review: What to Do
• Stripe Payouts Paused or Pending: Why and How to Fix
• Stripe authentication_required / 3D Secure Decline
• Stripe Webhook Signature Verification Failed
• Stripe Webhooks Not Firing or Failing (302, 400, 500, Timeout)
• Stripe Dispute Lost: What Happens and Can You Appeal
• Stripe Account Restricted: Verification Information Required
• Stripe Radar Blocking Legitimate Payments