Stripe decline code
card_declinedA generic decline from the card issuer. Very similar to generic_decline: the bank said no without giving a specific reason.
Type
Recoverable
Frequency
Very Commoncard_declined is the top-level Stripe error string returned when a charge fails at the issuer. It is often paired with a more specific decline_code like generic_decline, do_not_honor, or insufficient_funds. When card_declined appears without a more specific code, treat it as generic_decline: the bank refused the charge and did not explain why.
Retry once after 24-48 hours. If it fails again, stop and send a card update request. Repeated retries on card_declined do not improve recovery past the second attempt.
Communicate that the payment method was declined by the bank and that you will retry once. If the second attempt fails, ask the customer to try a different card or contact their bank.
Temporary issue. The card is still valid. High recovery rate with proper retry timing.
It is generally treated as a soft decline, but the actual recoverability depends on the underlying decline_code. Always check the paired decline_code before deciding whether to retry.
In the Stripe Dashboard, open the failed payment and look for "Failure reason" and "Failure code". In the API, read last_payment_error.code (card_declined) and last_payment_error.decline_code (the specific reason).
How Rebounce handles card_declined
Rebounce classifies every failed payment by its Stripe decline code and applies the optimal recovery strategy automatically. For card_declined, that means a limited retry window combined with customer outreach. Multi-channel follow-up through email, SMS, WhatsApp, and in-app banners ensures the customer actually sees the message.
generic_declineSoft declineThe card issuer declined the charge but did not provide a specific reason. This is a catch-all soft decline used when the bank will not say why.
do_not_honorSoft declineThe issuing bank has flagged the charge, usually for a fraud or risk reason, and will not approve it right now.
insufficient_fundsSoft declineThe card does not have enough available balance or credit to cover the charge at the moment the transaction was attempted.