Card issuer response codes (ISO 8583) · Decline codes
What does card decline code 21 mean?
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Code 21 is a Visa issuer response code in the ISO 8583 set meaning "no action taken". The bank did not act on the authorization and gives no further reason. Visa does not list 21 in Categories 1 to 3, so it is a Category 4 generic response, where a merchant may reattempt up to 20 times in 30 days. Retrying later or switching cards are the usual fixes.
- Type
- Soft decline (no reason)
- Who declined
- The card's issuing bank
- Visa category
- Category 4 (generic response): up to 20 reattempts in 30 days
- Retry
- Yes, later
- Shopper action
- Try again or use another card
- Merchant action
- Allow one later retry, then ask for another method
- PlatformDTC renewal (Smart retry)
- No rule for this raw code; the processor's own code decides
What PlatformDTC does
PlatformDTC has no rule for a raw 21, so the processor's code decides. With Smart retry on, Stripe's no_action_taken gets one retry 48 to 72 hours later, like do_not_honor; a second refusal asks the customer for a new card. At checkout, Stripe's no_action_taken can be offered to the store's backup card processor (PayPal card payments) when one is set up.
Why it happens
The issuer neither approved nor gave a reason. It is one of the least informative answers a bank can send.
What the shopper can do
Try once more, then use another card or PayPal if it fails again.
For developers
On Stripe the raw issuer code arrives in charge.outcome.network_decline_code (here "21"), next to Stripe's own decline_code. Read it together with the card brand: the same two characters can mean different things on Visa and Mastercard. Stripe has a matching decline_code, no_action_taken. Do not confuse raw code 21 with Mastercard Merchant Advice Code 21 (stop recurring payment), which arrives in network_advice_code.
Frequently asked questions
- Is code 21 the same as Mastercard MAC 21?
- No. Raw code 21 is "no action taken". MAC 21 is a separate Mastercard advice code meaning stop recurring payments, and PlatformDTC stops on it.
- Can I retry code 21?
- Yes. Visa treats it as Category 4, which allows reattempts.
Sources
Related
- 05 — Do not honor: the bank refused the payment and gave no reason.
- 01 — Refer to card issuer: the bank wants the cardholder to contact it before it approves.
- 06 — Error: the issuer returned a general error instead of an approval.
- 41 — Lost card, pick up: the card was reported lost. Never retry it.
- 43 — Stolen card, pick up: the card was reported stolen. Never retry it.
- 46 — Closed account: the card's account has been closed. Never retry it.
- 51 — Not sufficient funds: the balance or credit limit couldn't cover the payment.
- 54 — Expired card: the card is past its expiry date, or the date was missing.