Virtual POS Error Codes: Payment Errors and Solutions

Virtual POS error codes can worry businesses. Problems described as POS or credit card errors are, in part, banks' mechanisms for preventing risks such as payment fraud.

Messages received during online payments or at a physical terminal vary by code. Common examples include system failures, bank declines, timeouts and communication errors.

Credit card errors more often concern insufficient funds, expired cards, unrecognized cards or blocked accounts.

To avoid losing customers at the payment stage, understand how to obtain a virtual POS and how to resolve common errors.

What Is a Virtual POS Error Code?

A virtual POS error code is a number indicating why a payment encountered a problem. These messages can also appear as credit card errors and help identify suspicious transactions and fraud risks.

Virtual POS errors can concern buyers and sellers alike. After investing in attracting a customer, you do not want to lose them during payment. Choosing a suitable, trustworthy POS provider is therefore important.

Virtual POS Errors and Solutions

Error codes and their solutions vary with the cause. First establish whether the problem originates with the bank or the virtual POS system.

The codes and descriptions are listed below:

POS Error Code	Error Description
01	The bank does not authorize the card transaction. The customer must contact their bank.
02	The bank declines the card transaction for a specific reason. The customer should contact their bank.
04	A restriction on the card prevents approval. For in-store purchases, the card may need to be retained.
05	The transaction is declined because the credit card is blocked.
08	The customer needs to complete an identity check.
12	The virtual POS cannot identify the transaction.
13	The transaction is declined because of an amount error.
14	The transaction is not approved because the card number is incorrect.
16	The card cannot be identified.
30	A format error is preventing payment.
33	The transaction uses an expired card.
41	The transaction is declined because the card was reported lost.
43	The transaction is declined because the card was reported stolen.
51	The transaction is not approved because funds are insufficient.
54	The card has expired.
62	The transaction is not approved because the card is restricted.
65	The card has reached its monthly usage allowance.
75	The transaction is declined because the permitted number of PIN attempts was exceeded.
91	The transaction is declined because the bank did not respond.
99	A system error prevented completion.
6	Transaction error: processing failed without a specific reason being provided.
7	The transaction is declined because fraud is suspected.
15	The card is invalid or cannot be identified.
19	A temporary error requires another attempt.
20	Transaction error: the format or data entered is invalid.
31	The transaction is declined because the card code could not be verified.
32	Country restrictions on the card prevent the transaction.
42	Account type error: the card is not suitable for this transaction type.
52	Account not found: the specified account number could not be located.
53	A cardholder check is required.
55	An incorrect PIN was entered. The customer must enter the correct PIN.
56	Card not found: the card is not registered in the system.
57	The transaction type is not permitted for this card.
58	The terminal is not authorized for this transaction.
59	The transaction is declined because fraud is suspected.
60	Additional dual verification is required.
61	The transaction amount limit has been exceeded.
63	Security violation. The transaction is declined.
64	Incorrect amount. The transaction is declined.
76	The transaction is declined because the PIN is incorrect.
77	Cardholder verification failed.
78	Account verification failed.
79	The account limit has been exceeded.
80	Card registration error.
81	Suspicious transaction.
82	CVV error.
83	Security code error.
84	Suspected malicious transaction.
85	Card verification failed.
86	The card type is not supported.
87	Account verification is required.
88	The transaction was terminated.
89	Unauthorized transaction.

Identifying errors and responding promptly matters to businesses seeking greater sales. Familiarity with the codes can shorten resolution time and reduce lost customers.

Common Virtual POS Errors and What They Mean

Some codes appear particularly often.

Common causes and explanations include:

• Error 99: A system problem in the virtual POS. Contact the bank or POS provider.
• Error 63: A security violation caused the transaction to be declined and restricted.
• Error 16: The card could not be identified or was not registered in the system.
• Error 91: The bank did not respond, so payment could not proceed. Contact the bank.
• Error 05: The credit card is blocked and the user's financial activity is considered suspicious.
• Error 54: The card has expired, preventing the transaction.
• Error 12: The CVV or CVC was entered incorrectly and the bank did not authorize payment.
• Error 57: Mail-order transactions are disabled on the card, preventing the payment.

How Do You Resolve Virtual POS Errors?

Virtual POS errors can result from bank declines, suspicious activity on the card or customer record, or system failures. Each produces a message that helps identify the cause.

For bank-related errors, contact the bank directly. For POS-related issues, contact the provider. If an independent communication or system problem is responsible, retrying the transaction is recommended.

How Can You Reduce Virtual POS Errors?

Losing customers because of payment problems is frustrating. Taking the appropriate precautions can reduce the number of error messages.

Pay attention to the following:

1. Enter card details correctly: Ensure the number, expiry date and CVV are complete and accurate. Errors can lead to declines.
2. Use valid, current cards: An expired card can prevent payment. Ask customers to use a valid card.
3. Use a secure internet connection: Interruptions and slow connections can cause failures. A reliable, secure connection reduces these problems.
4. Stay in touch with your bank: Bank-side problems can produce POS errors. Maintain communication so outages and other issues can be addressed quickly.
5. Keep the POS system updated: Old or incompatible software can cause transaction errors. Check compatibility and updates.
6. Use fraud-prevention systems: Reliable protection strengthens transaction security and helps reduce fraud-related declines.
7. Check limits: Payments can fail when card limits are exceeded. Ask customers to check available limits.

Following these steps can reduce errors and improve the shopping experience. A smoother payment process supports satisfaction and sales.

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