Stripe · Decline codes
What does the Stripe invalid_account decline code mean?
Checked
Stripe's invalid_account decline code means the card, or the account the card is connected to, is invalid. The account may be closed, replaced or not active. Stripe says the customer needs to contact their card issuer to check that the card is working correctly. Retrying the same card will not help. The customer should use a different card or payment method, and saved cards should be updated.
- Type
- Hard decline
- Who declined
- The card's bank
- Retry
- No
- Shopper action
- Use another card; ask the bank whether the card works
- Merchant action
- Ask the customer for a new payment method
What PlatformDTC does
PlatformDTC's checkout never moves an invalid_account decline to a backup processor. 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
The card was closed or replaced, the account was shut, or the card was never activated. The bank reports the account itself as invalid.
What the shopper can do
Use a different card or method. Ask your bank whether the card has been replaced or closed.
What the store can do
Stop retrying and request an updated card. Visa lists 46 (closed account) and 14 (invalid account number) as never-approve codes that must not be resubmitted for the same card.
For developers
Check network_decline_code: on Visa, 46 is "Closed account" and 14 "Invalid account number (no such number)", both Category 1.
Frequently asked questions
- Can invalid_account be fixed by the store?
- No. The account is invalid at the bank. The customer has to provide a working card.
- Should I retry invalid_account later?
- No. A closed or invalid account will keep declining, and Visa forbids resubmitting after its never-approve codes.
Sources
Related
- new_account_information_available — The card or its account is invalid; the bank may hold newer details for it.
- incorrect_number — The card number entered is wrong.
- restricted_card — The card can't be used for this payment; it may have been reported lost or stolen.
- expired_card — The card is past its expiry date.
- 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.
- invalid_expiry_year — The card's expiry year is invalid.