Stripe · Decline codes
What does the Stripe incorrect_address decline code mean?
Checked
Stripe's incorrect_address decline code means the address entered by the customer is incorrect, and Stripe says they need to try again using the correct address. The billing address must match what the card's bank has on file, which is often an old address after a move or a different format. Retrying with the same details fails again; correcting the billing address, or using another card, solves it.
- Type
- Data error
- Who declined
- The card's bank (address check)
- Retry
- Yes, with the corrected address
- Shopper action
- Enter the billing address the bank has on file
- Merchant action
- Make the billing address field easy to edit
What PlatformDTC does
PlatformDTC's checkout treats incorrect_address as a detail only the shopper can fix, so it never sends the payment to a backup processor. On renewals, on the fixed schedule or with Smart retry, it is never retried automatically: the subscription is held past due, the card is marked blocked and the customer is emailed a one-click link to enter the card again with the right billing address. The pre-renewal card check does not count it as a dead card.
Why it happens
Address verification compares the address typed at checkout with the bank's records. A recent move, a missing flat number or a shipping address used as the billing address can all cause a mismatch.
What the shopper can do
Re-enter the billing address exactly as it appears on your card statement, then pay again.
What the store can do
Let shoppers enter a billing address separate from the shipping address, and keep the decline message clear about which field to fix.
Frequently asked questions
- Is incorrect_address the same as incorrect_zip?
- They are related. incorrect_zip is about the postal code; incorrect_address is about the address the customer entered.
- Will a retry work?
- Only after the address is corrected. Stripe says the customer needs to try again using the correct address.
Sources
- Stripe decline codes — Stripe
Related
- incorrect_zip — The billing postal code doesn't match the bank's records.
- incorrect_cvc — The card's security code (CVC) is wrong.
- incorrect_number — The card number entered is wrong.
- incorrect_pin — The PIN entered on a card reader is wrong.
- insufficient_funds — The card doesn't have enough money or credit for this payment.
- invalid_account — The card or the account behind it is no longer valid.