Stripe · Decline codes
What does the Stripe invalid_cvc decline code mean?
Checked
Stripe's invalid_cvc decline code means the CVC number is incorrect, and the customer needs to try again using the correct CVC. Stripe describes it exactly like incorrect_cvc. Re-entering it correctly, or using another card, solves the decline; resending the same details does not.
- Type
- Data error
- Who declined
- The card's bank
- Retry
- Yes, with the correct code
- Shopper action
- Re-enter the security code
- Merchant action
- Let the shopper correct the code
What PlatformDTC does
PlatformDTC's checkout treats invalid_cvc as a detail only the shopper can fix and never offers a backup processor for it. 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 security code typed does not match the card, often a simple typo, sometimes digits from the wrong card.
What the shopper can do
Look at the code on the card and enter it again, or pay with another card.
What the store can do
Show which field is wrong and allow a correction. Watch for many CVC failures from one session, which can signal someone guessing card details.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between invalid_cvc and incorrect_cvc?
- Stripe's descriptions are the same: the CVC number is incorrect. Treat them the same way.
- Should the store retry a payment declined with invalid_cvc?
- Not with the same details. Stripe says the customer needs to try again using the correct CVC, so only the shopper can fix it. For a saved card on a subscription, PlatformDTC never retries this code, on the fixed schedule or with Smart retry, and sends the customer a link to update the card instead.
Sources
- Stripe decline codes — Stripe
Related
- incorrect_cvc — The card's security code (CVC) is wrong.
- invalid_number — The card number is incorrect.
- invalid_expiry_month — The card's expiry month is invalid.
- invalid_expiry_year — The card's expiry year is invalid.
- invalid_pin — The PIN entered is incorrect.
- issuer_not_available — The card's bank could not be reached, so the payment was never authorized.
- lost_card — The card has been reported lost. It can't be used; the shopper needs another card.