# PY01001: Payment Declined

## What This Means[​](#what-this-means "Direct link to What This Means")

The payment was declined by the payment processor or card issuer. The transaction could not be completed.

## Common Causes[​](#common-causes "Direct link to Common Causes")

* **Insufficient funds** — Not enough money in the account
* **Card limit exceeded** — Transaction exceeds card limits
* **Fraud protection** — Bank flagged as suspicious
* **Incorrect card details** — Card number, CVV, or expiry wrong
* **Card restrictions** — Card not enabled for this type of purchase

## How to Fix[​](#how-to-fix "Direct link to How to Fix")

### 1. Verify Card Details[​](#1-verify-card-details "Direct link to 1. Verify Card Details")

Check that the entered information is correct:

* Card number (all digits)
* Expiration date
* CVV/security code
* Billing address (if required)

### 2. Try Again[​](#2-try-again "Direct link to 2. Try Again")

Sometimes temporary issues occur:

* Wait a moment
* Re-enter the card details
* Try the transaction again

### 3. Use a Different Payment Method[​](#3-use-a-different-payment-method "Direct link to 3. Use a Different Payment Method")

If the card continues to decline:

* Try a different card
* Use cash payment
* Use an alternative payment method

### 4. Contact the Bank[​](#4-contact-the-bank "Direct link to 4. Contact the Bank")

The cardholder may need to:

* Verify the transaction with their bank
* Lift any fraud blocks
* Confirm the card is active
* Check for spending limits

### 5. Check for Restrictions[​](#5-check-for-restrictions "Direct link to 5. Check for Restrictions")

Some cards have restrictions:

* International transactions disabled
* Online/POS transactions blocked
* Certain merchant categories blocked

## For Store Owners[​](#for-store-owners "Direct link to For Store Owners")

If you're seeing frequent declines:

* Verify your merchant account is in good standing
* Check payment gateway configuration
* Review fraud prevention settings
* Consider contacting your payment processor

## Related Errors[​](#related-errors "Direct link to Related Errors")

* [PY01002](/error-codes/PY01002.md) — Insufficient Funds
* [PY02001](/error-codes/PY02001.md) — Payment Gateway Error