PayPal · Decline codes
What does PayPal processor response code 5950 mean?
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PayPal processor response code 5950 (DECLINED_DUE_TO_UPDATED_ACCOUNT) means the payment was declined because the bank has issued an updated card; PayPal describes it as an "external decline as an updated card has been issued." The old card details won't work again. The shopper should enter their new card, and merchants should ask subscribers to update their saved card.
- PayPal label
- DECLINED_DUE_TO_UPDATED_ACCOUNT
- Type
- Hard decline
- Who declined
- The card's bank (via PayPal)
- Retry
- No, a new or updated card is needed
- Shopper action
- Enter the new card's details
- Merchant action
- Ask for the updated card; don't retry the old one
- PlatformDTC renewal
- No retry; one-click update-card link and reminders
What PlatformDTC does
On a PayPal card payment, PlatformDTC turns 5950 into expired_card. On either retry schedule (the default Fixed schedule or Smart retry) there is no retry on that card: the subscription waits in past due while the customer gets an update-card email (reason given: "the card has expired") and up to 4 reminders per cycle, 3 or more days apart.
Why it happens
The bank replaced the card (new number or new expiry date) and declines the old details.
What the shopper can do
Use the replacement card your bank sent you.
What the store can do
Request the new card from the customer straight away.
Retrying the old details only adds declines.
For developers
PayPal returns 5950 in processor_response.response_code on the capture (purchase_units[].payments.captures[]) or authorization of a card payment. PayPal's own name for it is DECLINED_DUE_TO_UPDATED_ACCOUNT.
Declined card payments can also carry payment_advice_code in processor_response, the card network's advice; store it next to the response code.
Frequently asked questions
- Does 5950 mean the customer did something wrong?
- No. Their bank issued a new card; the saved details are simply out of date.
- Can the new details be fetched automatically?
- PayPal's label doesn't say they are passed on. Ask the customer to enter the updated card.
Sources
Related
- 5400 — Expired card: the card is past its expiry date.
- 1380 — Invalid expiration: the expiry date sent doesn't match a valid card.
- 5140 — Card closed: the card's account has been closed by the bank or cardholder.
- 6300 — Account not on file: the bank has no record of this card account.
- 7710 — Authentication failed: the 3-D Secure check didn't pass.
- 8000 — Processor system error: a technical fault at the processor stopped the payment.
- 9100 — Declined, please retry: a temporary decline; PayPal's advice is to retry.
- 9500 — Suspected fraud: the payment was flagged; PayPal says use another card.