Stripe · Decline codes
What does the Stripe not_permitted decline code mean?
Checked
The Stripe decline code not_permitted means the payment isn't permitted: the card's bank will not allow this kind of transaction on this card. Stripe's next step is for the customer to contact their card issuer for more information. Causes include cards blocked for online or foreign purchases and accounts with restrictions. Another card usually works right away.
- Type
- Decline due to card restrictions
- Who declined
- The card's bank
- Retry
- Not on the same card until the bank lifts the restriction
- Shopper action
- Use another card or ask the bank to allow the purchase
- Merchant action
- Offer other payment methods
- PlatformDTC renewal
- No retry; held past due with an update-card link
What PlatformDTC does
PlatformDTC treats not_permitted differently at checkout and on renewals. At checkout the shopper may be offered the store's backup processor (PayPal card payments) if one is set up, because another acquirer can be accepted where the first was not. On renewals, on the fixed schedule or with Smart retry, not_permitted is never retried: the subscription is held past due and the customer gets a one-click link to pay with a different card.
Why it happens
The bank has decided this card may not be used for this payment. That may be a setting on the card (no online, international or recurring payments), a restriction on the account, or a rule about the type of merchant.
What the shopper can do
Try a different card or wallet. If you want to use this card, call your bank, ask what is blocked and whether they can allow the purchase.
What the store can do
Show alternatives such as PayPal or another card. Retrying the same card on a schedule will not change the bank's rule.
For developers
Check charge.outcome.network_decline_code. On Visa, 57 (transaction not permitted to cardholder) is Category 1 and must never be resubmitted for the same credential; 58 (transaction not allowed at terminal) is a generic Category 4 code. Respect outcome.advice_code = do_not_try_again when present.
Frequently asked questions
- Why would a valid card be not_permitted?
- The bank can restrict a card from certain purchases, such as online, foreign or subscription payments. The card works elsewhere but not for this payment.
- Should I retry a not_permitted renewal?
- No. The restriction stays until the customer or bank changes it. Ask the customer to update their payment method instead.
Sources
Related
- transaction_not_allowed — The bank declined; the card does not allow this type of transaction.
- card_not_supported — The card can't be used for this kind of purchase.
- restricted_card — The card can't be used for this payment; it may have been reported lost or stolen.
- service_not_allowed — The card was declined for a reason the bank did not give.
- offline_pin_required — In-person only: the card needs to be inserted and a PIN entered.
- online_or_offline_pin_required — In-person only: the card needs a PIN, by Online PIN or chip and PIN.
- pickup_card — The card can't be used for this payment; it may have been reported lost or stolen.
- pin_try_exceeded — Too many wrong PIN attempts; the customer must use another card or method.