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What Does Merchant Override Decline Mean?

Generally, the response code returned from our system is the actual response returned directly from your customer's credit card issuing bank. If it's an instance of a card declined by issuer, there is nothing PayJunction can do to override the decline response. Occasionally, your PayJunction account settings may decline a transaction even if there are available funds on the customer's card (for example, due to an AVS mismatch).  If the transaction was declined by your account's security settings, you may be able to override the declined response.

Quick Things You Can Try to Override a Declined Transaction

Declines due to AVS Mismatch

Per your accounts security settings, the Address Verification System may decline a credit card that has adequate funds available, but doesn't match what the issuer has on file for the billing address and ZIP. If you trust that the customer is who they claim to be, you may override your account's security settings to accept the transaction by clicking on the "here" link found on the transaction details page to force transaction approval.

You assume all risks for accepting a transaction with invalid billing addresses and ZIP codes. This link will only appear if the transaction is eligible for force approval. Click here to find out how to change your Address Verification Settings.

 

Declines due to CVV Mismatch 

Per your accounts security settings, the Cardholder Verification system may decline a credit card that has adequate funds available, but doesn't match what the issuer has on file for the CVV PIN code. If you trust that the customer is who they claim to be, you may override your account's security settings to accept the transaction by clicking on the "here" link found on transaction details page to force transaction approval.  You assume all risks for accepting a transaction with invalid CVV PIN codes. This link will only appear if the transaction is eligible for merchant override decline. Click here to find out how to change your CVV settings.

Declines due to: Limit Exceeded, Per Transaction Limit, Monthly Limit

A transaction declined with an "LT" or "LM" decline code means that your merchant account may have exceeded its per transaction limit or its monthly transaction volume limit. These particular error messages are specific to your merchant account (they do not mean that the customer's credit card has insufficient funds). Please note, separating a single large transaction into multiple smaller transactions in an attempt to bypass your processing limits is not allowed and may result in your account funds being held for security review. To force these transactions through, you must submit a written limit increase request for your account. Limit increase request take two to three days to process. See instructions for Requesting a Limit Increase.

 

Declines due to MCC Restrictions

An "MCC" code is a Merchant Category Code. It is used to map business industries (like computer repair, dental, and insurance agencies) to a four-digit code (like 7379, 8021 and 6300 respectively). Occasionally, a customer's issuing credit card bank will block transactions if the credit card is used at an establishment they deem inappropriate for the type of credit card. As a possible example, this might occur with an HSA medical credit card if used at a movie theater.

If you receive a declined transaction code of "62" (Restricted SIC), your customer may be using a card that has restrictions on where it is allowed to be used. The card holder should call the number on the back of the card to discuss whether or not it can be allowed to be used at your business.

Terminal Configuration Error

If all of your transactions are declining, or all of your transactions of a specific card type (i.e. Visa, American Express) are declining, your account may have a configuration error.  A PayJunction support representative may assist you in correcting this problem.

General Transaction Declined Response From the Issuer

If none of the above-mentioned items apply to your declined transaction, it is highly likely facing a card declined by issuer. In these cases, PayJunction has no control over the declined transaction; the fastest way to resolve your problem is to simply ask for an alternate credit card. 

If you still want more information about a particular declined transaction, you may attempt a conference call with you, your customer, and your customer's credit card company by dialing the phone number listed on the back of the customer's credit card. The customer's credit card issuing bank may be able to provide you with a six-digit force approval code to force a one-time transaction through.