PayPal/Venmo Decline Codes

The following table lists the most common PayPal/Venmo transaction authorization decline messages and their corresponding decline codes.

Decline MessageDecline CodeHard DeclineDescriptionSummary Advice
Do Not Honor2000This decline message means the issuing bank will not validate the transaction and return an authorization code/token to complete the payment. This code can trigger for a myriad of reasons, including the following:
  • The card has been locked after multiple declined payments
  • The bank put a hold on the card
  • AVS/CVV data inconsistencies
  • Geographic blocks
  • Velocity checks
  • Internal issuer fraud checks
  • Insufficient funds

Sometimes an issuer will return this code simply because they haven’t updated their legacy processing systems with newer, more detailed decline codes. PayNearMe has resources that can indicate whether the issue involves an AVS failure or AVS system malfunction (i.e., The address didn’t match the card’s address). In that case, the consumer should verify that he/she entered the correct information and retry the payment. In all other cases, the consumer should use another card or a different payment method (e.g., cash, bank account).
The customer's bank is unwilling to accept the transaction. The customer will need to contact their bank for more details regarding this generic decline.
Insufficient Funds2001The Insufficient Funds codes are the most common decline codes that occur at PayNearMe. They indicate that the debit account, credit account, PayPal account, or Venmo account is over its limit and cannot process the transaction. Consumers can call their card issuer to request more credit, can resubmit the transaction for a lower payment amount (if applicable), or can use another card or a different payment method.The account did not have sufficient funds to cover the transaction amount at the time of the transaction – subsequent attempts at a later date may be successful.
Limit Exceeded2002This decline code indicates that the attempted transaction exceeds the given withdrawal limit on the account. Advise the consumer to withdraw less money or use a different payment method.The attempted transaction exceeds the withdrawal limit of the account. The customer will need to contact their bank to change the account limits or use a different payment method.
Cardholder’s Activity Limit Exceeded2003This decline message indicates that the attempted transaction exceeds the given limit on the account. Advise the consumer to pay less money (if applicable) or use a different payment method.The attempted transaction exceeds the activity limit of the account. The customer will need to contact their bank to change the account limits or use a different payment method.
Expired Card2004This decline message occurs when the consumer attempts a transaction with an expired card. The consumer should use another card or a different payment method.Card is expired. The customer will need to use a different payment method.
Invalid Credit Card Number2005This decline message indicates that the submitted card data was entered incorrectly. This error can occur with the account number (PAN), the expiration date, zip code, or the CVV. Advise the consumer to verify the submitted information, correct the errors, and resubmit the transaction.The customer entered an invalid payment method or made a typo in their credit card information. Have the customer correct their payment information and attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, they will need to contact their bank.
Invalid Expiration Date2006The expiration date was entered incorrectly as the submitted value does not match the date associated with the card. Try entering the expiration date again and retry the transaction.The customer entered an invalid payment method or made a typo in their card expiration date. Have the customer correct their payment information and attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, they will need to contact their bank.
No Account2007The decline message indicates that the consumer is attempting a transaction with a non-existent credit card number. Advise the consumer to use another card or a different payment method.The submitted card number is not on file with the card-issuing bank. The customer will need to contact their bank.
Card Account Length Error2008This decline message indicates that the issuer declined the transaction because the consumer submitted incorrect card details or an invalid format or field. This can occur for several reasons:
  • The expiration date is invalid.
  • The card number is wrong.
  • An AVS check failed.
  • The card has been canceled or flagged by the issuer as invalid.

The consumer has tried running the card several times in a row and the issuer has flagged it as fraud.
Advise the consumer to verify the submitted information and rerun the transaction. If the submitted data was correct, the consumer should use another card or a different payment method.
The submitted card number does not include the proper number of digits. Have the customer attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, the customer will need to contact their bank.
No Such Issuer2009This decline code could indicate that the submitted card number does not correlate to an existing card-issuing bank or that there is a connectivity error with the issuer. The customer will need to contact their bank for more information.
Card Issuer Declined CVV2010Typically, these decline codes occur when the CVV code was incorrectly entered, and the card issuer cannot approve the transaction. This could be because of a simple typo, or it could indicate a problem with the payment processing system. Advise the consumer to verify his/her information and resubmit the transaction. If the problem persists, the consumer should use another card or a different payment method.The customer entered an invalid security code or made a typo in their card information. Have the customer attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, the customer will need to contact their bank.
Voice Authorization Required2011The customer’s bank is requesting that the merchant (you) call to obtain a special authorization code in order to complete this transaction. This can result in a lengthy process – we recommend obtaining a new payment method instead.
Processor Declined - Possible Lost Card2012This decline message indicates that the card has been reported as lost or stolen but has not been flagged for fraudulent use. Typically, this occurs when the consumer loses his/her card, calls the issuer to freeze or lock the card, finds the card again, and then attempts a transaction without calling the card issuer back to unlock the card. The consumer can call his/her issuer to remove the lock and retry the transaction or can use another credit card or different payment method.The card used has likely been reported as lost. The customer will need to contact their bank for more information.
Processor Declined - Possible Stolen Card2013This message indicates that the card issuer has flagged the card for fraud or counterfeit activity. As this is likely a stolen card, the merchant should proceed with caution when accepting payment from this consumer, specifically if he/she wants to use an alternative credit/debit card. Advise the consumer to use a different payment method like cash or a mobile wallet, which comes with merchant fraud protections.The card used has likely been reported as stolen. The customer will need to contact their bank for more information.
Processor Declined - Fraud Suspected2014This message indicates that the card issuer suspects the card is fraudulent. Advise the consumer to use a different payment method, such as cash, to complete the payment. Additionally, the merchant should monitor transactions processed after any declined payment receiving this error to check for fraudulent transactions on alternative cards.The customer’s bank suspects fraud – they will need to contact their bank for more information.

The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “Declined. The bank account connected to your PayPal account has declined this transaction, please contact your bank for more information.”
Transaction Not Allowed2015This decline message means the issuing bank will not validate the transaction and return an authorization code/token to complete the payment. This code can trigger for a myriad of reasons, including the following:
  • The card has been locked after multiple declined payments
  • The bank put a hold on the card
  • AVS/CVV data Inconsistencies
  • Geographic blocks
  • Velocity checks
  • Internal issuer fraud checks
  • Insufficient funds

Sometimes an issuer will return this code simply because they haven’t updated their legacy processing systems with newer, more detailed decline codes. Advise the consumer to either contact the issuing bank to investigate the problem or use another card/different payment method (e.g., cash, bank account).
The customer's bank is declining the transaction for unspecified reasons, possibly due to an issue with the card itself. They will need to contact their bank or use a different payment method.
Duplicate Transaction2016 This decline message can be triggered for a variety of reasons:
  • Suspected Fraud (like a stolen card)
  • Expired Card
  • Invalid CVV
  • Insufficient Funds

Additionally, a card issuer could decline a card because of internal anti-fraud velocity checks, overdue payments, or a suspected duplicate transaction. Only the issuer knows specifically why the card was declined. Typically, this code is a hard decline if all the card data fields were submitted with the correct information. The customer will need to provide another credit card or use a different payment method to complete the transaction. If the customer wants more information on why the card declined, he/she will need to contact the card’s issuer.
The submitted transaction appears to be a duplicate of a previously submitted transaction and was declined to prevent charging the same card twice for the same service.
Cardholder Stopped Billing2017The customer requested a cancellation of a single transaction – reach out to them for more information.
Cardholder Stopped All Billing2018This decline message indicates that recurring payments are no longer authorized for this debit or credit card by the issuing bank. If this is not a recurring payment, call the issuing bank and request the authorization; otherwise, use a different card or another payment method.The customer requested the cancellation of a recurring transaction or subscription – reach out to them for more information.
Invalid Transaction2019This decline message indicates that the issuer declined the transaction because the consumer submitted incorrect card details or an invalid format or field. This can occur for several reasons:
  • The expiration date is invalid.
  • The card number is wrong.
  • An AVS check failed.
  • The card has been canceled or flagged by the issuer as invalid.

The consumer has tried running the card several times in a row and the issuer has flagged it as fraud.
Advise the consumer to verify the submitted information and rerun the transaction. If the submitted data was correct, the consumer should use another card or a different payment method.
The customer’s bank declined the transaction, typically because the card in question does not support this type of transaction – for example, the customer used an FSA debit card for a non-healthcare related purchase. They will need to contact their bank for more information.
Violation2020The customer will need to contact their bank for more information.
Security Violation2021The card has been reported lost or stolen and the card issuer has flagged the card for suspected fraud or counterfeit activity. Advise the consumer to use a different payment method like cash. Additionally, the merchant should monitor transactions processed after any declined payment receiving this error to check for fraudulent transactions on alternative cards.The customer's bank is declining the transaction, possibly due to a fraud concern. They will need to contact their bank or use a different payment method.
Declined - Updated Cardholder Available2022This decline message occurs when the consumer attempts a transaction with an expired card. The consumer should use another card or a different payment method.The submitted card has expired or been reported lost and a new card has been issued. Reach out to your customer to obtain updated card information.
Processor Does Not Support This Feature2023The decline message occurs when the consumer’s card issuer does not allow this type of transaction with this card. Advise the consumer to use another card or a different payment method.Your account can't process transactions with the intended feature – for example, 3D Secure or Level 2/Level 3 data.
Card Type Not Enabled2024This decline message can occur when the merchant processing account is not properly configured and is not set up to receive the type of payment the consumer is trying to use. For example, the consumer could be attempting the transaction with an American Express card when your point-of-sale system is not configured to accept these types of transactions. This error code can also occur when the consumer is trying to process the transaction with a test credit card. When test credentials are run through a live gateway, the transaction cannot go through. Advise the consumer to use another credit card or a different payment method.Your account can't process the attempted card type.
Set Up Error - Merchant2025Depending on your region, this response could indicate a connectivity or setup issue.
Invalid Merchant ID2026This message can indicate a problem with the merchant’s configuration, such as an invalid/inactive Merchant ID number. Merchants should contact their transaction service provider(s) to verify that their accounts are still in good standing and to see if any changes have occurred with their configurations.The customer’s bank declined the transaction, typically because the card in question does not support this type of transaction. If this response persists across transactions for multiple customers, it could indicate a connectivity or setup issue.
Set-Up Error - Amount2027This rare decline code indicates an issue with processing the amount of the transaction. The customer will need to contact their bank for more details.
Set-Up Error - Hierarchy2028There is a setup issue with your account.
Set-Up Error - Card2029This decline message indicates that the consumer’s card is restricted to where it can be used. This can occur if the merchant is using a “generic” MCC code where the card issuer may restrict the transaction. It can also occur because the issuer only allows the consumer to use the card at certain types of businesses or for certain types of purchases. For example, a consumer could not use a corporate debit card for gym membership based on its industry code (SIC) or an HSA card to purchase movie tickets. Advise the consumer to use another card or a different payment method.This response generally indicates that there is a problem with the submitted card. The customer will need to use a different payment method.
Set-Up Error - Terminal2030There is a setup issue with your account.
Encryption Error2031The cardholder’s bank does not support $0.00 card verifications.
Surcharge Not Permitted2032Surcharge amount not permitted on this card. The customer will need to use a different payment method.
Inconsistent Data2033An error occurred when communicating with the processor. The customer will need to contact their bank for more details.
No Action Taken2034An error occurred and the intended transaction was not completed. Attempt the transaction again.
Partial Approval for Amount in Group III Version2035The customer's bank approved the transaction for less than the requested amount. Have the customer attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, the customer will need to use a different payment method.
Authorization Could Not Be Found2036An error occurred when trying to process the authorization. This response could indicate an issue with the customer’s card or that the processor doesn't allow this action.
Already Reversed2037The indicated authorization has already been reversed.
Processor Declined2038This decline message means the issuing bank will not validate the transaction and return an authorization code/token to complete the payment. This code can trigger for a myriad of reasons, including the following:
  • The card has been locked after multiple declined payments
  • The bank put a hold on the card
  • AVS/CVV data inconsistencies
  • Geographic blocks
  • Velocity checks
  • Internal issuer fraud checks
  • Insufficient funds

Sometimes an issuer will return this code simply because they haven’t updated their legacy processing systems with newer, more detailed decline codes. PayNearMe has resources that can indicate whether the issue involves an AVS failure or AVS system malfunction (i.e., The address didn’t match the card’s address). In that case, the consumer should verify that he/she entered the correct information and retry the payment. In all other cases, the consumer should use another card or a different payment method (e.g., cash, bank account).
The customer's bank is unwilling to accept the transaction. The reasons for this response can vary. The customer will need to contact their bank for more details.
Invalid Authorization Code2039The authorization code was not found or not provided. Have the customer attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, they will need to contact their bank.
Invalid Store2040There may be an issue with the configuration of your account. Have the customer attempt the transaction again.
Declined – Call For Approval2041The card used for this transaction requires customer approval – they will need to contact their bank.
Invalid Client ID2042There may be an issue with the configuration of your account. Have the customer attempt the transaction again
Error – Do Not Retry, Call Issuer2043The card-issuing bank will not allow this transaction. The customer will need to contact their bank for more information.
Declined – Call Issuer2044The card-issuing bank has declined this transaction. Have the customer attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, they will need to contact their bank for more information.
Invalid Merchant Number2045There is a setup issue with your account.
Declined2046This message can be triggered for a variety of reasons:
  • Suspected Fraud (like a stolen card)
  • Expired Card
  • Invalid CVV
  • Insufficient Funds

Additionally, a card issuer could decline a card because of internal anti-fraud velocity checks, overdue payments, or a suspected duplicate transaction. Only the issuer knows specifically why the card was declined. Typically, this code is a hard decline if all the card data fields were submitted with the correct information. The customer will need to provide another credit card or use a different payment method to complete the transaction. If the customer wants more information on why the card declined, he/she will need to contact the card’s issuer.
The customer's bank is unwilling to accept the transaction. For credit/debit card transactions, the customer will need to contact their bank for more details regarding this generic decline; if this is a PayPal transaction, the customer will need to contact PayPal.

The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “Declined - The bank account connected to your PayPal account has declined this transaction, please contact your bank or Paypal for more information.”
Call Issuer. Pick Up Card2047This decline message indicates that the card has been reported as lost or stolen but has not been flagged for fraudulent use. Typically, this occurs when the consumer loses his/her card, calls the issuer to freeze or lock the card, finds the card again, and then attempts a transaction without calling the card issuer back to unlock the card. The consumer can call his/her issuer to remove the lock and retry the transaction or can use another credit card or different payment method.The customer’s card has been reported as lost or stolen by the cardholder and the card-issuing bank has requested that merchants keep the card and call the number on the back to report it. As an online merchant, you don’t have the physical card and can't complete this request – obtain a different payment method from the customer.
Invalid Amount2048This decline message typically occurs when the consumer submits an invalid transaction amount, such as a non-numerical symbol (e.g., a dollar sign). Advise the consumer to remove any errant characters and resubmit the transaction.The authorized amount is set to zero, is unreadable, or exceeds the allowable amount. Make sure the amount is greater than zero and in a suitable format.
Invalid SKU Number2049A non-numeric value was sent with the attempted transaction. Fix errors and resubmit with the transaction with the proper SKU Number.
Invalid Credit Plan2050There may be an issue with the customer’s card or a temporary issue at the card-issuing bank. The customer will need to contact their bank for more information or use a different payment method.
Credit Card Number does not match method of payment2051There may be an issue with the customer’s credit card or a temporary issue at the card-issuing bank. Have the customer attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, ask for a different card or payment method.
Invalid level III Purchase2052Level III Data is inaccurate or missing.
Card reported as lost or stolen2053This card has been reported lost or stolen and has been locked by the card issuer. Advise the consumer to use a different payment method, such as cash, to complete the payment.The card used was reported lost or stolen. The customer will need to contact their bank for more information or use a different payment method.
Reversal amount does not match authorization amount2054Either the refund amount is greater than the original transaction or the card-issuing bank does not allow partial refunds. The customer will need to contact their bank for more information or use a different payment method.
Issuer or Cardholder has put a restriction on the card2057The customer will need to contact their issuing bank for more information.
Merchant not Mastercard SecureCode enabled2058The attempted card can't be processed without enabling 3D Secure for your account.
Address Verification Failed2059This decline message indicates that the submitted billing address does not match any address data on file with the issuing bank. Verify the address information and retry the transaction. If that doesn’t work, use a different card or another payment method.PayPal was unable to verify that the transaction qualifies for Seller Protection because the address was improperly formatted. The customer should contact Paypal for more information and/or use a different payment method.
Address Verification and Card Security Code Failed2060Both the AVS and CVV checks failed for this transaction. The customer should contact PayPal for more information or use a different payment method.
Invalid Transaction Data2061There may be an issue with the customer’s card or a temporary issue at the card-issuing bank. Have the customer attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, ask for a different card or payment method.
Invalid Tax Amount2062There may be an issue with the customer’s card or a temporary issue at the card-issuing bank. Have the customer attempt the transaction again – if the decline persists, ask for a different card or payment method.
PayPal Business Account preference resulted in the transaction failing2063You can't process this transaction because your account is set to block certain payment types, such as eChecks or foreign currencies.
Invalid Currency Code2064There may be an issue with the configuration of your account for the currency specified.
Refund Time Limit Exceeded2065PayPal requires that refunds are issued within 180 days of the sale. This refund can't be successfully processed.
PayPal Business Account Restricted2066Contact PayPal’s Support team to resolve this issue with your account. Then, you can attempt the transaction again.
Authorization Expired2067The PayPal authorization is no longer valid.
PayPal Business Account Locked or Closed2068You'll need to contact PayPal’s Support team to resolve an issue with your account. Once resolved, you can attempt to process the transaction again.
PayPal Blocking Duplicate Order IDs2069The submitted PayPal transaction appears to be a duplicate of a previously submitted transaction. This decline code indicates an attempt to prevent charging the same PayPal account twice for the same service.
PayPal Buyer Revoked Pre-Approved Payment Authorization2070Customer has not finalized the setup of their PayPal account. Reach out to the customer for more information or a different payment method.

The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “The payment can not be processed. The customer authorization has been revoked within the PayPal system.”
PayPal Payee Account Invalid Or Does Not Have a Confirmed Email2071Customer has not finalized set up of their PayPal account. Reach out to the customer for more information or a different payment method.
PayPal Payee Email Incorrectly Formatted2072Customer made a typo or is attempting to use an invalid PayPal account.
PayPal Validation Error2073PayPal can't validate this transaction.
Funding Instrument In The PayPal Account Was Declined By The Processor Or Bank, Or It Can't Be Used For This Payment2074The customer’s payment method associated with their PayPal account was declined. Reach out to the customer for more information or a different payment method.

The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “Declined - The bank account connected to your PayPal account has declined this transaction, please contact your bank or PayPal for more information.”
Payer Account Is Locked Or Closed2075The customer’s PayPal account can't be used for transactions at this time. The customer will need to contact PayPal for more information or use a different payment method.

The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “Declined - this PayPal account has been locked or closed, please contact PayPal.”
Payer Cannot Pay For This Transaction With PayPal2076The customer should contact PayPal for more information or use a different payment method. You may also receive this response if you create transactions using the email address registered with your PayPal Business Account.

The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “Declined - this PayPal account can not be used for this type of payment. Please try another payment method.”
Transaction Refused Due To PayPal Risk Model2077PayPal has declined this transaction due to risk limitations.
Invalid Secure Payment Data2078PIN cryptographic error found during decryption.
PayPal Merchant Account Configuration Error2079You'll need to contact PayPal to resolve an issue with your account. Once resolved, you can attempt to process the transaction again.
Invalid user credentials2080Invalid user credentials.
PayPal pending payments are not supported2081Braintree received an unsupported Pending Verification response from PayPal. Contact Braintree's Support Team to resolve a potential issue with your account settings. If there is no issue with your account, have the customer reach out to PayPal for more information.
PayPal Domestic Transaction Required2082This transaction requires the customer to be a resident of the same country as the merchant. Reach out to the customer for a different payment method.
PayPal Phone Number Required2083This transaction requires the payer to provide a valid phone number. The customer should contact PayPal for more information or use a different payment method.
PayPal Tax Info Required2084The customer must complete their PayPal account information, including submitting their phone number and all required tax information.
PayPal Payee Blocked Transaction2085Fraud settings on your PayPal business account are blocking payments from this customer. These can be adjusted in the Block Payments section of your PayPal business account.
PayPal Transaction Limit Exceeded2086The settings on the customer's account do not allow a transaction amount this large. They will need to contact PayPal to resolve this issue.
PayPal reference transactions not enabled for your account2087PayPal API permissions are not set up to allow reference transactions. You'll need to contact PayPal's Support team to resolve an issue with your account. Once resolved, you can attempt to process the transaction again.
Currency not enabled for your PayPal seller account2088This currency is not currently supported by your PayPal account. You can accept additional currencies by updating your PayPal profile.
PayPal payee email permission denied for this request2089PayPal API permissions are not set up between your PayPal business accounts.
PayPal or Venmo account not configured to refund more than settled amount2090Your PayPal or Venmo account is not set up to refund amounts higher than the original transaction amount.
Currency of this transaction must match currency of your PayPal account2091Your PayPal account can only process transactions in the currency of your home country.
No Data Found - Try Another Verification Method2092The processor is unable to provide a definitive answer about the customer's bank account. Please try a different US bank account verification method.
PayPal payment method is invalid2093The PayPal payment method has either expired or been canceled
PayPal payment has already been completed2094Your integration is likely making PayPal calls out of sequence. Check the error response for more details.
PayPal refund is not allowed after partial refund2095Once a PayPal transaction is partially refunded, all subsequent refunds must also be partial refunds for the remaining amount or less. Full refunds are not allowed after a PayPal transaction has been partially refunded.
PayPal buyer account can't be the same as the seller account2096PayPal buyer account can't be the same as the seller account.
PayPal authorization amount limit exceeded2097PayPal authorization amount is greater than the allowed limit on the order.
PayPal authorization count limit exceeded2098The number of PayPal authorizations is greater than the allowed number on the order.
Cardholder Authentication Required2099The customer's bank declined the transaction because a 3D Secure authentication was not performed during checkout. Have the customer authenticate using 3D Secure, then attempt the authorization again.
PayPal channel initiated billing not enabled for your account2100Your PayPal permissions are not set up to allow channel initiated billing transactions. Contact PayPal's Support team for information on how to enable this. Once resolved, you can attempt to process the transaction again.
Additional authorization required2101This transaction requires additional customer credentials for authorization. The customer should insert their chip.
Incorrect PIN2102This decline code occurs when the consumer enters the wrong PIN at checkout. Advise the consumer to re-enter his/her PIN and resubmit the transaction.The entered PIN was incorrect.
PIN try exceeded2103This decline message occurs when the consumer enters the incorrect PIN three or more times when attempting a transaction. Advise the consumer to use a different payment method.The allowable number of PIN tries has been exceeded.
Offline Issuer Declined2104The transaction was declined offline by the issuer. The customer will need to contact their bank for more information.
Cannot Authorize at this time (Life cycle)2105The transaction is refused due to invalid card data. Please try again later.
Cannot Authorize at this time (Policy)2106The transaction is refused due to a policy reason. Please try again later.
Card Not Activated2107This decline message occurs when the issuing bank indicates that the account associated with this debit or credit card is dormant and no longer active. Advise the consumer to contact his/her bank for more information and to complete the payment using a different card or another payment method.The transaction is from a new cardholder, and the card has not been properly unblocked.
Closed Card2108The card issuer or financial institution reports this account is closed. Use another payment method (e.g., cash).The account is closed. Re-validate the account number for accuracy and do not reattempt with the same PAN or token.
Processor Declined2109-2999The customer's bank is unwilling to accept the transaction. The customer will need to contact their bank for more details regarding this generic decline.
Processor Network Unavailable – Try Again3000This response could indicate a problem with the back-end processing network, not necessarily a problem with the payment method. Have the customer attempt the transaction again.
Payment Method Token is Invalid91518The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “Payment method ID is invalid or could not be found.”
Error executing PayPal billing agreement92917The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “Error processing payment. Please try another payment method.”
Cannot use a single-use payment method more than once93107The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “Error processing payment. Please try another payment method.”
Unknown or expired single-use payment method93108The messaging the consumer sees includes the following: “Error processing payment. Please try another payment method.”