Stripe · Decline codes
What does the Stripe invalid_number decline code mean?
Checked
Stripe's invalid_number decline code means the card number is incorrect, and the customer needs to try again using the correct card number. Stripe describes it the same way as incorrect_number. A mistyped digit or an outdated saved card is the usual cause. The fix is to re-enter the number from the card, or pay with another card. Resubmitting the same number will be declined again.
- 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
- Merchant action
- Ask for the correct number or another card
What PlatformDTC does
PlatformDTC's checkout never sends an invalid_number 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 number typed doesn't belong to a valid card account: a typo, a transposed pair of digits, or an old card autofilled by the browser.
What the shopper can do
Type the number again from the card, or use another card.
What the store can do
Do not retry the same number. Visa treats an invalid account number (raw code 14) as a never-approve code that must not be resubmitted for the same card.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between invalid_number and incorrect_number?
- Stripe uses the same description for both: the card number is incorrect.
- Can a store retry invalid_number?
- Not with the same number. The customer needs to enter the correct number or another card.
Sources
Related
- incorrect_number — The card number entered is wrong.
- invalid_cvc — The card's security code (CVC) is incorrect.
- invalid_account — The card or the account behind it is no longer valid.
- 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.
- merchant_blacklist — The payment matched an entry on the store's own Stripe block list.
- new_account_information_available — The card or its account is invalid; the bank may hold newer details for it.