How to Handle Credit Card Errors
Short answer
Credit card errors occur when a transaction or process involving your credit card is declined or fails due to a specific issue, often indicated by an error code such as 05, 51, or 57. Understanding these errors helps you resolve problems quickly, avoid unnecessary fees, and maintain smooth card use.
What Is a Credit Card Error?
A credit card error happens when your card issuer or payment network cannot approve a transaction or processing step. This may result from insufficient funds, incorrect information, suspected fraud, or technical issues. Usually, the payment terminal or online checkout will display an error message or code explaining why the transaction failed, such as “Error 05” or “Error 51.” These errors are signals from the card issuer or payment processor that something prevented the transaction from completing.
Credit card errors can affect any cardholder, whether you use credit for everyday purchases or large payments. They can occur when swiping, inserting, or tapping your card, or when entering details for online or phone payments. Knowing what these errors mean helps you respond properly, whether by updating information, contacting your bank, or trying another payment method.
How Does a Credit Card Error Work? (With an Example)
When you make a purchase, your card sends data to the merchant’s bank, which forwards the request to your card issuer for approval. The issuer checks your account and security details, then either approves or declines the transaction. An error occurs when this approval is denied or interrupted.
For example, imagine you try to buy a $100 pair of shoes. Your card issuer reviews your available credit and security checks. If your credit limit is $80, the issuer will decline the $100 purchase and return an error code—commonly “Error 51,” which often means insufficient funds or credit. The merchant’s terminal will display this code, and the sale won’t go through.
Understanding the error code helps you know the problem: in this case, spending beyond your credit limit. You can then decide to pay down your balance or use another card.
Why Do Credit Card Errors Matter?
Credit card errors matter because they stop transactions from completing, potentially embarrassing you or delaying important purchases. Some errors indicate security concerns, such as fraud alerts, which protect you but require quick action. Others relate to simple issues like expired cards or incorrect PINs.
Ignoring errors can lead to denied payments for bills, missed opportunities, or even damage to your credit if payments are delayed. Knowing how to handle these errors means you can resolve them quickly, maintain your credit reputation, and avoid undue fees or penalties.
What Are Common Credit Card Error Codes and What Do They Mean?
Different error codes provide clues about why a transaction failed. Here are some common ones:
| Error Code | Meaning | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 05 | Do Not Honor | Contact card issuer; transaction declined for unspecified reason |
| 51 | Insufficient Funds/Credit | Check available credit or balance; pay down balance or use another card |
| 57 | Transaction Not Permitted | May indicate blocked merchant or suspected fraud; call issuer |
| 91 | Issuer or Switch Not Available | Temporary network or issuer issue; retry later or contact issuer |
These codes are shorthand for specific problems. For example, “Error 05” can be confusing since it’s vague, so calling your card issuer for details is often necessary.
How Are Credit Card Errors Different From Other Payment Issues?
Credit card errors differ from related problems such as declined debit card transactions or credit report errors. Debit card declines often relate to bank account balances, while credit card errors involve credit accounts and issuer approvals.
Credit report errors concern your credit history and can affect your credit score but don’t directly cause transaction declines. Mistaking these terms can delay fixing your problem. If your card is declined at checkout, focus first on understanding the error code or message, then follow up with your card company or bank.
What Should You Do When You Encounter a Credit Card Error?
Here is a step-by-step approach when you face a credit card error:
- Note the Error Code or Message: Write down exactly what the terminal or website shows.
- Check Your Account: Review your available credit, recent transactions, and card status via your bank’s app or website.
- Retry the Transaction: Sometimes a technical glitch causes an error; trying again may help.
- Contact Your Card Issuer: Call the customer service number on the back of your card. Explain the error and ask for clarification.
- Update Card Information: If your card expired or your billing address changed, update those details.
- Use a Different Payment Method: If the issue persists, consider using another card or payment type.
- Monitor Your Account: Watch for any unauthorized activity that might explain the error.
Following these steps helps resolve issues efficiently and keeps your finances in good standing.
How Can You Prevent Credit Card Errors?
Preventing credit card errors involves good card management and awareness:
- Keep Your Card Activated: New or replacement cards often require activation before use.
- Monitor Your Credit and Balance: Avoid spending beyond your credit limit.
- Update Your Information: Notify your issuer about address changes or new phone numbers.
- Avoid Entering Wrong PINs Repeatedly: Multiple wrong attempts can block your card.
- Notify Your Issuer of Travel Plans: This helps prevent fraud alerts from blocking legitimate purchases.
- Check Card Expiry Dates: Use your card before it expires.
By staying proactive, you reduce the chance of encountering frustrating errors and interruptions.
Where Can You Learn More About Credit Card Issues?
To deepen your understanding of credit cards and common problems, consider these topics:
- Common Credit Card Problems and How to Avoid Them
- What Credit Card Error Do Not Honor Means
- Credit Card Mistakes to Avoid
- How to Activate a Credit Card
- How to Check Credit Card Activity
These resources provide practical advice for managing credit cards responsibly and avoiding common pitfalls.
Frequently asked questions
What does credit card error 51 mean?
Error 51 generally means insufficient funds or credit to complete the transaction. It indicates your available credit limit has been exceeded. You should check your balance and either pay down your balance or use another card to complete your purchase.
Why do I get error code 05 on my credit card?
Error 05 usually means “Do Not Honor,” a generic decline code that means the issuer refused the transaction without specifying a reason. Contacting your card issuer is the best way to understand why the transaction was declined.
What causes credit card error 57?
Error 57 often indicates “Transaction Not Permitted,” which can happen if the merchant is blocked, the card is restricted, or the issuer suspects fraudulent activity. Calling your card issuer to clarify and resolve the issue is important.
Can a technical problem cause credit card errors?
Yes, network outages, terminal malfunctions, or software glitches can cause credit card errors. If you suspect a technical issue, retry the transaction later or contact the merchant or card issuer.
How can I avoid credit card errors when traveling?
Inform your card issuer about your travel plans to prevent fraud alerts from blocking purchases. Also, keep your contact information up to date and carry a backup payment method.