PayPal · Decline codes
What does PayPal processor response code 9100 mean?
Checked
PayPal processor response code 9100 (DECLINED_PLEASE_RETRY) means the payment was declined for now and PayPal's guidance is simply "Retry." It signals a temporary condition, not a problem with the card. The shopper can try again after a short wait; merchants can schedule a later attempt instead of asking for a new card.
- PayPal label
- DECLINED_PLEASE_RETRY
- Type
- Soft decline
- Who declined
- PayPal or the card's bank
- Retry
- Yes, later; it usually clears with time
- Shopper action
- Try again after a short wait
- Merchant action
- Retry later; no new card needed
- PlatformDTC renewal (Smart retry)
- Retried 2, 5 and 8 days later, 4 attempts at most
What PlatformDTC does
On a PayPal card payment, 9100 becomes try_again_later in PlatformDTC, which counts it as something that clears with time. With Smart retry on, renewals get the short ladder: 2, 5 and 8 days after the first decline, 4 attempts at most, then the subscription waits in past due for the customer.
Why it happens
PayPal returns this when the decline is expected to be temporary. Its documentation gives no more detail than the instruction to retry.
What the shopper can do
Wait a moment and press pay again.
What the store can do
Retry later; space attempts out instead of looping.
If retries keep failing, offer another payment method.
For developers
PayPal returns 9100 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_PLEASE_RETRY.
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
- How many times should I retry 9100?
- PayPal only says retry. A few spaced attempts are sensible; then ask for another method.
- Is 9100 a hard decline?
- No. PayPal's own instruction is to retry.
Sources
Related
- 5920 — Issuer not available, retriable: the bank couldn't be reached; try again later.
- 0960 — System malfunction: a technical fault stopped the payment, not a bank refusal.
- 8000 — Processor system error: a technical fault at the processor stopped the payment.
- 9500 — Suspected fraud: the payment was flagged; PayPal says use another card.
- 9510 — Security violation: the payment broke a security rule and was declined.
- 9520 — Lost or stolen: the card was reported lost or stolen; PayPal says use another card.
- 9530 — Hold, call center: the merchant must call the number on the back of the card.
- 9540 — Refused card: the card was refused for this payment.