Service codes for credit cards are a crucial part of making purchases abroad or online. They help merchants determine the type of card you're using and the exchange rate to apply.
Some credit cards have a 3-digit code, while others have a 4-digit code. The most common type of credit card has a 16-digit number.
The service code can be found on the front or back of your credit card.
System and Account Status
Your credit card's system and account status can be checked online or by phone, and it's usually available 24/7.
You can log in to your account online to view your account status, including any recent transactions or available credit.
System codes are usually 3-digit numbers that indicate the status of your account or transaction.
A code of 00 indicates a successful transaction, while a code of 99 indicates a declined transaction.
You can also contact your bank's customer service to check your account status and resolve any issues.
System codes can be found on your credit card statement or online account, and they can help you understand what's happening with your account.
Common Error Codes
Credit card error codes can be frustrating, but understanding what they mean can help you troubleshoot issues quickly.
Error codes are usually two or three digits long and can be found on your bank or credit card company's website. They provide a specific reason why your transaction was declined.
Some common error codes include CV, 51, 65, 54, 57, 14, 15, 63, 12, and 85. These codes correspond to issues like credit card verification errors, insufficient funds, exceeded credit limits, expired cards, and wrong card numbers or security codes.
Here are some common error codes and what they mean:
In some cases, the error code may not provide a clear reason for the decline. This is often the case with codes 12 and 85, which are used as catch-all response codes by credit card issuing banks.
Fraud and Security
Fraud and security are major concerns when it comes to credit card transactions. If a transaction is declined due to suspected fraud, the card issuer may block the transaction and ask the customer to contact their bank to verify their identity.
There are several error codes associated with fraud, including Code 7, Code 41, Code 43, Code 215, Code 534, and Code 596. These codes indicate that the card issuer has flagged the account for fraud or that the card has been reported lost or stolen.
If a transaction is declined due to suspected fraud, it's best to ask the customer to contact their bank to verify their identity. This can help resolve the issue and allow the transaction to go through.
Here are some common error codes related to fraud:
Fraud and Security Violation
If a customer's card is flagged for fraud, it's best to avoid rerunning the card for one-time transactions. For scheduled transactions, follow up with the customer and request that they contact their bank for more information.
Code 07, also known as "Pick Up Card, Special Condition (Fraud Account)", is a common error code for fraud. The issuer has flagged the account as fraudulent and stopped the transaction.
To avoid chargebacks and related fees, it's essential to be aware of how your own cards are being utilized. In 2019, there were 271,823 cases of credit card fraud in the US alone.
If a customer's card is lost or stolen, the issuing bank will deny the transaction. For scheduled transactions, ask the cardholder to use a different form of payment.
Here are some common error codes associated with fraud:
- Code 7 — Pick up the card, special condition (fraud account)
- Code 41 — Lost card, pick up (fraud account)
- Code 43 — Stolen card, pick up (fraud account)
- Code 215 — Lost/stolen card
- Code 534 — Do not honor, high fraud
- Code 596 — Suspected fraud
If a customer's card is declined due to a security violation, such as an incorrect CVV2 or CID code, try the transaction again without entering the code. It should process normally.
In some cases, a transaction may be declined due to a violation on the customer account. Ask the customer to call their bank, and if everything is okay, attempt the transaction again.
Pin Cryptographic Error
Code 81 is a common issue that can occur during transactions. It means the issuer or payment network's security systems couldn't decrypt the PIN used in the transaction.
If you encounter Code 81, it's best to ask the cardholder to try again or use a different payment method that doesn't require a PIN, like a credit card. This will help resolve the issue and complete the transaction.
Code 86 and Code 75 are similar to Code 81, but they have slightly different causes. Code 86 occurs when the cardholder's PIN can't be verified, possibly because it was entered incorrectly. Code 75 happens when the cardholder has entered the wrong PIN more than three times.
Card and Account Information
Having the right card and account information is crucial when it comes to using service codes for your credit card. This information can usually be found on the back of your credit card, on your online account statement, or by contacting your bank's customer service.
Your card number, expiration date, and security code are all essential pieces of information that you'll need to provide when using a service code. Make sure you have these details readily available to avoid any delays or complications.
Service codes can be used to verify your identity and ensure that you're the authorized cardholder. This is especially important when making transactions online or over the phone.
43
Code 43 can be a real headache for businesses, but knowing what to do can help resolve the issue quickly. If a customer's credit card has been reported stolen, the issuer will flag the card for fraud and deny the transaction.
The cardholder has likely been informed by their bank or credit card company about the issue, and it's up to you to pick up the card. Don't accept any payment from the customer except for cash.
14
If the card number entered doesn't start with a 3 (AMEX), 4 (Visa), 5 (MasterCard), or 6 (Discover), it's likely invalid.
A mistake was made when typing the customer's card number.
To resolve this issue, re-enter the correct account number and submit the transaction again, or try another card. Key in the correct card number and try again.
12
Code 12 can be a frustrating issue, but it's relatively easy to resolve. The issuer is not accepting the transaction, which means you need to double check that you submitted the payment method correctly.
If you're trying to make a purchase online, make sure you've entered the payment details correctly. A single typo or incorrect digit can cause the transaction to fail.
To fix the issue, go back and review your payment information. Check that the card number, expiration date, and security code are all correct.
Account Name Inquiry
Account Name Inquiry is a crucial step in verifying the identity of cardholders. It's essential to understand the possible outcomes of this inquiry.
If the account name inquiry results in a code of 01, it means a match has been found. This is a positive result, indicating that the name provided matches the name on record.
If the code is 50, it's a partial match, which can be a bit tricky. This means that some information matches, but not all of it.
On the other hand, a code of 99 indicates no match was found. This can be a red flag, indicating potential identity issues.
The account name inquiry process can be divided into several steps, each with its own code:
These codes can help you understand the status of the inquiry and take necessary actions.
Savings Account
A savings account can be linked to your card, but if it doesn't exist, transactions will be declined.
Code 53 | No Savings Account specifically points out that the transaction was declined because the card's linked savings account doesn't exist.
You can't save what you don't have, so if your savings account is empty or non-existent, you might see errors like this.
Some cards may have a linked savings account, while others may not, so it's essential to understand your card's specifics.
If you're unsure about your savings account status, check your card details or contact your bank for clarification.
Expired
Expired cards can be a real problem, and it's essential to know what to do when you encounter one. If a card's expiration date is in the past, double-check it with the customer to ensure it's entered correctly.
You can also ask the customer to confirm the expiration date with their issuing bank. If the card is indeed expired, it's no longer acceptable, and you'll need to request a valid card or reject the sale.
The code 54 is often associated with expired cards or missing expiration dates, which can be a real hassle. To resolve the issue, your customer must provide a card with a valid date.
Blocked, First Use
If a transaction is blocked due to a card being used for the first time, the issuer has likely blocked it to verify the cardholder's identity.
The issuer may have additional security measures in place to prevent unauthorized transactions, which is why they've blocked the card for the first use.
To resolve this issue, you can ask the customer to call the bank to verify their identity.
Lost
If the cardholder reports a card as lost or stolen, the issuing bank will deny the transaction as a result.
If a card is reported lost, it's possible the cardholder had already scheduled a transaction, so it's best to contact them and ask for a different form of payment.
Don't try the transaction again, as this could be a case of fraud.
Pick up the card and ask for a valid form of payment, such as cash or a debit card, to proceed with the transaction.
CVV
The CVV is a crucial security measure to prevent unauthorized transactions. It's usually a three or four-digit code found on the back of a credit or debit card.
If you enter the wrong CVV, you'll get a Code 82 error, which means you need to retry the transaction after verifying the correct security values with the cardholder.
The CVV verification process can result in different codes, including:
A code of 2 means the CVV has been successfully verified, and you can proceed with the transaction.
Permitted
If the card-issuing bank blocked the transaction, tell the customer to call their issuing bank and ask that the transaction be allowed.
To resolve the issue, have the customer contact their bank directly, as the number is usually printed on the back of the credit card. This will allow the bank to confirm if the transaction will process correctly.
The customer may need to try submitting the payment again after the bank confirms it will process correctly.
You can also request that the customer use a different card to complete the transaction.
Product ID
The Product ID, also known as cardProductId, is a crucial piece of information that helps identify the type of card you're using.
It's usually a combination of letters and numbers that indicates the card's issuer, type, and features. For example, a Product ID of A indicates that the card is a Visa Traditional card.
Here are some common Product IDs and their corresponding card types:
Some Product IDs indicate specific features or rewards programs, such as Product ID B for Visa Traditional Rewards or Product ID I for Visa Infinite. Understanding your Product ID can help you navigate the features and benefits of your card.
It's also worth noting that some Product IDs are specific to certain regions or countries, so it's always a good idea to check with your card issuer for more information.
Type
When you're dealing with card and account information, it's essential to understand the different types of cards and their corresponding codes.
A card type is classified into one of three categories: credit, debit, or charge card. This is determined by the card type code, which can be C for credit, D for debit, or H for charge card.
The card type code also indicates the type of payment method used. For example, a credit card is represented by the code C, while a debit card is represented by the code D.
Here's a breakdown of the different card types and their corresponding codes:
Another important aspect of card and account information is the card product ID, which is a two-letter code that identifies the type of card. For instance, a Visa Traditional card has a card product ID of A, while a MasterCard has an ID of M.
Here's a list of some common card product IDs:
- A - Visa Traditional
- M - MasterCard
- AX - American Express
In some cases, you may encounter an error message indicating that the card number is invalid. This typically means that the customer made a mistake when typing the card number, and you should ask them to re-enter the correct account number and try again.
If you're unsure about the type of card or the card product ID, you can refer to the card type code or the card product ID table to get more information.
New Value
New Value is a term you'll come across when dealing with card and account information. It's a unique identifier assigned to each transaction or request.
A Response Code (New value) is a specific type of New Value that's used to indicate the status of a transaction. You can find the details of Response Code (New value) in the Response Code table.
Here's a breakdown of the Response Code (New value) table:
These codes help you understand what's happening with your card and account information.
Source of Funds
When you're making a purchase, it's essential to know where your money is coming from. In this case, the source of funds is a critical piece of information.
The source of funds is typically linked to a payment method, and there are several types to be aware of. You can use a Visa credit card, which is a common payment option.
Visa credit cards are coded as 01, and they're a popular choice for many people. Some individuals prefer to use Visa debit cards, which are coded as 02.
If you have a Visa prepaid card, it's coded as 03. These types of cards are often used for specific purposes, such as travel or events. Cash transactions are also a common source of funds, coded as 04.
Other sources of funds include debit or deposit access accounts, which are coded as 05. These accounts can include checking or savings accounts, as well as proprietary debit or ATM cards. Credit accounts not linked to a Visa card are coded as 06, and they can include credit cards or proprietary credit lines.
Amount
A mistake was made when keying in the dollar amount, such as entering a negative number or invalid symbol, will trigger Code 13 | Invalid Amount.
You'll need to fix the dollar amount entered and submit the transaction again to resolve the issue.
Code 13 | Invalid Amount is the error message you'll see if you've made a mistake with the dollar amount.
Such
So, what is such information? It's any personal or financial data that could be used to identify or access your accounts.
Such information can include your name, address, phone number, email, or Social Security number.
You should keep such information private and secure, especially when sharing it online or over the phone.
In fact, it's a good idea to never share your full Social Security number, and instead, only provide the last four digits.
Transaction and Merchant Information
A Code 03 indicates a problem with the merchant's account or merchant ID.
You can resolve this issue by contacting your payment processor or acquiring bank.
Merchant Category Groups
Merchant Category Groups are a way to categorize merchants based on the type of trade they conduct. They're similar to industry marketing clusters and are used by Visa Transaction Alerts to identify the primary type of trade.
Merchant Category Groups are supplied by Visa and can be used to indicate that a transaction comes from a specific type of merchant. For example, a transaction from a merchant with a code of 501 would indicate that it's a gambling-related transaction.
Here's a list of some common Merchant Category Groups:
These Merchant Category Groups can be useful for businesses and individuals to understand the type of transactions they're making, and to identify potential risks or opportunities.
Terminal
Terminal errors can be frustrating, but they're often preventable. Make sure your terminals are functioning properly to avoid unnecessary credit card declines. Decline codes 03 (invalid merchant), 13 (invalid amount), and 58 (transaction not permitted – terminal) often occur due to terminal configuration or clerical errors.
If you're experiencing a terminal error, don't panic. Contact your payment processor to ensure your terminal is properly set up for the type of payment in question, as indicated by code 58. This will help resolve the issue and get your transactions flowing smoothly again.
Here are some common terminal-related POS condition codes to keep in mind:
Remember, a well-configured terminal is key to avoiding unnecessary credit card declines. Regularly check your terminal settings to ensure everything is in order.
Error Handling and Resolution
If you receive a Code 06, the transaction was blocked by the issuer, so contact the issuer to resolve the issue.
Decline codes 03, 13, and 58 often occur due to terminal configuration or clerical errors, so make sure your terminals are functioning properly and your staff is well-trained.
If a customer receives a Code 75 or Code 86, they've likely entered their PIN incorrectly, so tell them to try again or offer an alternative payment method.
Pin Entry Tries Exceeded
If a cardholder exceeds the allowed number of PIN entry tries, they'll receive an error message. Code 75 indicates this issue.
This can be frustrating for customers, so it's essential to handle it promptly. Tell the cardholder to enter their PIN again.
If the issue persists, it's best to ask them to try another payment method. This can help prevent further inconvenience and potential losses.
The error message "Code 75 | Allowance Number Of Pin Entry Tries Exceeded" is a clear indicator of the problem.
Error
Error handling is a crucial aspect of any transaction process. If a transaction is blocked by the issuer, it's essential to contact them to resolve the issue.
The issuer may not provide a reason for declining a transaction, in which case, the customer should be advised to contact their bank for clarification. This can be frustrating for both parties involved.
If a transaction is declined, it's not uncommon for the issuer to request additional verification. In some cases, the transaction may be declined due to a security violation, where the source is not the correct issuer.
Here are some common reasons for transaction errors:
In some cases, the transaction may be declined due to a technical issue, such as a system malfunction. If this occurs, it's essential to investigate the issue and resolve it as soon as possible.
Record Not Found
If you encounter a "Record Not Found" error, it's likely that the issuing bank cannot match the cardholder's credit card details with an account in the issuer's database.
The error code "Code 25 | Unable To Locate Record In File" is a common indicator of this issue.
To resolve the problem, ask the cardholder to check their card details and then retry the transaction.
Stop Payment Order
A stop payment order is a request from the cardholder to cancel a recurring payment. This means you need to cancel all future payments related to that card number to avoid chargebacks and their resulting fees.
If the cardholder has breached your agreement in any way, contact them directly to resolve the issue. This is a crucial step in maintaining a positive relationship with your customers.
Canceling future payments is a must to avoid any further complications. This will also help you avoid any potential disputes with the cardholder.
Contacting the cardholder directly will give you the opportunity to resolve the issue and come to a mutual agreement.
Card Limit and Withdrawal
If you encounter a Code 61, it means the cardholder has exceeded their withdrawal limit with their issuing bank, so they'll need to try another credit or debit card or call their bank to extend the limit.
Code 61 is often triggered when a cardholder overdraws their funds or spends over their available withdrawal limit for the day.
If you see a Code 65, it's because the cardholder has either exceeded their available credit limit or the transaction would push them over that limit, so they should try another credit card or pay down their balance before trying again.
Code 65 can be frustrating, but it's always a good idea to have a backup plan, like a different payment method or a way to pay down their balance.
A Code N4 means the request exceeds the issuing bank or card's credit limit, so the cardholder should try again with a different payment method.
It's always a good idea to inform the cardholder of the issue and offer alternative solutions, like trying a different card or method.
Authentication and Verification
If the card verification process fails, it's not uncommon for the issuer to request additional verification from the cardholder. This can happen when the cardholder enters incorrect security values, such as the Card Authentication Message (CAM), Dynamic Card Verification Value (DCVV), or Initial Card Verification Value (ICVV).
In such cases, the issuer may respond with a code indicating the specific issue, such as Code 82, which means the cardholder entered the wrong CAM, DCVV, ICVV, or CVV. To resolve this, you should ask the cardholder to retry the transaction after they've identified the correct security values.
If the authentication process fails altogether, the issuer may respond with a code indicating that the card authentication failed, such as Code Q1. In this case, you should ask the cardholder to try again or use a different card.
Here are some common codes related to authentication and verification:
Authentication
Authentication is a crucial step in the payment process. It ensures that the cardholder is who they claim to be and that the transaction is legitimate.
A customer may receive a Code 01A, "Additional Customer Authentication Required", if their identity needs further verification before a transaction can be authenticated. In this case, ask the customer to provide the necessary verification details and try again.
If a cardholder's PIN is incorrect, they may receive a Code 86, "Cannot Verify PIN." Tell them to enter their PIN again, and if the issue persists, suggest using a different payment method.
Authentication can fail for various reasons, such as a card authentication failure, which is indicated by Code Q1. In this case, ask the cardholder to try again or use a different card.
Some transactions may be flagged due to potential money laundering, indicated by Code 64, "Transaction Doesn't Fulfill AML Requirements." Ask the customer to contact their bank or use a different card.
Here are some common card authentication results:
If the cardholder enters the wrong CAM, DCVV, ICVV, or CVV, they may receive a Code 82, "Negative CAM, dCVV, iCVV, or CVV results." Ask them to retry the transaction after they've identified the correct security values.
The card verification process can also be affected by the issuer's participation in the CVV2 service, indicated by Code U, "Issuer does not participate in CVV2 service, or participates but has not provided Visa with encryption keys, or both."
Re Enter
When you encounter a Re Enter transaction, it's essential to know what to do next. Retry the transaction if possible.
If the problem persists, contact the acquiring bank for assistance. They can help resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a service code on a credit card?
A service code on a credit card is a three- or four-digit value that follows the expiration date, used to define card attributes, differentiate between international and national transactions, and identify usage restrictions. This code plays a crucial role in determining how a credit card is used and processed.
What is the code for a credit card?
The code for a credit card is a 3 or 4 digit Security code, also known as the CVV or CID, printed on the card in reverse italics. This code is usually located on the back of the card, except for American Express cards which have it on the front.
What is the card service code 000?
The card service code 000 is used for card not present transactions, such as online purchases. It's required in some Western European countries for security purposes.
Sources
- https://resource1.personifycorp.com/personifyonlinehelp/7.7.0/mergedProjects/CreditCardProcessing/Credit_Card_Processing_System_Types_and_Codes.htm
- https://www.tidalcommerce.com/learn/card-decline-codes
- https://kinsta.com/blog/list-of-credit-card-declined-codes/
- https://developer.visa.com/request_response_codes
- https://chargebacks911.com/credit-card-decline-codes/
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