Stripe · Decline codes
What does the Stripe incorrect_number decline code mean?
Checked
Stripe's incorrect_number decline code means the card number is incorrect, and the customer needs to try again using the correct card number. A typing mistake or an old card number saved in a browser or account are likely causes. Retrying the same number fails again. The shopper should re-type the number from the card, or use another card or payment method.
- Type
- Data error (hard on the same number)
- Who declined
- The card's bank
- Retry
- Only with the correct number
- Shopper action
- Re-type the card number from the card
- Merchant action
- Let the shopper correct it; don't resubmit
What PlatformDTC does
At checkout PlatformDTC adds "The card number is incorrect. Please re-check it." and never offers a backup processor, since a wrong number fails everywhere. On renewals, on the default fixed schedule and with Smart retry alike, it is never retried automatically. The subscription is held past due instead of cancelled, the card is marked blocked, and the customer is emailed a one-click link to add a new card, re-sent up to 4 times per billing cycle at least 3 days apart.
Why it happens
A mistyped digit, an autofilled old card, or a number that does not belong to any account at the bank.
What the shopper can do
Clear the card field, type the number from the card again, and check the expiry date and code too.
What the store can do
Nothing to change on your side. Make sure the decline message tells the shopper which field to fix.
For developers
On Visa, raw code 14 ("invalid account number, no such number") is a Visa Category 1 code: Visa's rules say a merchant must never resubmit an authorization for the same payment credential after it.
Frequently asked questions
- Is incorrect_number the same as invalid_number?
- Stripe describes both as "the card number is incorrect". Both are fixed by entering the right number.
- Should I retry incorrect_number?
- Not with the same number. Visa forbids resubmitting after its never-approve codes such as 14 (invalid account number).
Sources
Related
- invalid_number — The card number is incorrect.
- incorrect_cvc — The card's security code (CVC) is wrong.
- expired_card — The card is past its expiry date.
- invalid_account — The card or the account behind it is no longer valid.
- incorrect_pin — The PIN entered on a card reader is wrong.
- incorrect_zip — The billing postal code doesn't match the bank's records.
- insufficient_funds — The card doesn't have enough money or credit for this payment.
- invalid_amount — The payment amount is invalid or above what the card allows.