Stripe · Decline codes
What does the Stripe incorrect_zip decline code mean?
Checked
Stripe's incorrect_zip decline code means the postal code is incorrect, and the customer needs to try again using the correct billing postal code. The code must match the one the card's bank has on file for the cardholder, which can differ from the delivery address. Correcting the postal code, or paying with another card, fixes it; resubmitting the same details does not.
- Type
- Data error
- Who declined
- The card's bank (postal code check)
- Retry
- Yes, with the correct billing postal code
- Shopper action
- Enter the postal code the bank has for the card
- Merchant action
- Make sure the billing postal code field is easy to correct
What PlatformDTC does
PlatformDTC's checkout treats incorrect_zip 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 postal code. The pre-renewal card check does not count it as a dead card.
Why it happens
The postal code typed at checkout doesn't match the bank's record: a recent move, the shipping postal code used for billing, or a typo.
What the shopper can do
Enter the postal code from your card statement address and try again.
What the store can do
Keep collecting the postal code. Stripe says asking for CVC and postal code helps avoid fraud-related declines, and a clear message saves the sale.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is my ZIP code wrong if I typed my address?
- The bank checks the billing postal code it has on file. If you moved, or used your shipping address, it may not match.
- Does incorrect_zip mean fraud?
- No. Stripe describes it as the postal code being incorrect. Correcting it is usually enough.
Sources
- Stripe decline codes — Stripe
- Card declines and retries — Stripe
Related
- incorrect_address — The billing address entered 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.
- 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- invalid_account — The card or the account behind it is no longer valid.
- invalid_amount — The payment amount is invalid or above what the card allows.
- invalid_cvc — The card's security code (CVC) is incorrect.
- invalid_expiry_month — The card's expiry month is invalid.