Visa response code categories
Last updated: April 29, 2022
Visa has categorized response codes into categories that inform the merchant if and when a transaction should be retried.
This subset of decline codes indicates there is no circumstance in which the issuer will approve.
Recommended action: do not try again. This corresponds to recommendation code 03.
| Response code | Description |
|---|---|
| Pick up card (no fraud) |
| Pickup card, special conditions |
| Invalid transaction |
| Invalid card number |
| No such issuer |
| Lost card - pick up |
| Stolen card - pick up |
| Closed Account |
| Transaction not permitted to cardholder |
| Issuer initiated a stop payment (revocation order) for the Authorization |
| Issuer initiated a stop payment (revocation order) for all Authorizations |
This subset of decline codes indicates the issuer may approve, but cannot do so at that time.
Recommended action: try again later. This corresponds to recommendation code 02.
| Response code | Description |
|---|---|
| Invalid merchant |
| Re-enter transaction |
| Insufficient funds |
| Suspected fraud |
| Exceeds withdrawal amount limits |
| Restricted card |
| Exceeds withdrawal frequency limit |
| Allowable PIN tries exceeded |
| Blocked card, first time card usage |
| Issuer or switch is inoperative |
| Transaction cannot be completed |
| System malfunction |
This subset of codes indicates the issuer cannot approve based on the details provided.
Recommended action: provide updated or additional information. This corresponds to recommendation code 01.
| Response code | Description |
|---|---|
| Expired card |
| Incorrect PIN |
| No security model |
| 3DS authentication required |
| Cardholder ID verification failed |
| Security violation |
All other Visa decline codes not listed, many of which are not descriptive, fall in this category and re-attempt is allowed.
Recommended action: try again later. This corresponds to recommendation code 02.