2000 Do Not Honour: What It Means and What to Do

Payment transaction declines are a common occurrence in everyday financial interactions, whether purchasing items online or in person. These declines can sometimes be confusing, as the specific reason for a transaction not going through is not always immediately clear. Among the various messages that indicate a payment issue, “Do Not Honour” is a particular type of decline message that cardholders and merchants may encounter. This message signals a specific type of refusal from the card-issuing bank, warranting a closer look to understand its implications.

Understanding the “Do Not Honour” Code

The “Do Not Honour” message, often accompanied by numerical codes like “05” or “2000,” indicates that the card-issuing bank has refused to authorize a transaction. This means the bank responsible for the card has decided not to approve the payment. While “2000” is a common code, the specific numerical identifier can vary depending on the card network or payment processor.

This decline code is considered generic because it does not specify the exact reason for the refusal. It indicates the cardholder’s bank is unwilling to accept the transaction. The message typically does not imply issues like insufficient funds, though that can sometimes be an underlying cause without being explicitly stated.

Reasons for a “Do Not Honour” Decline

A card-issuing bank may issue a “Do Not Honour” decline for various reasons, often related to security protocols or account status. One frequent cause is suspected fraudulent activity. Banks monitor for unusual spending patterns, and transactions deviating significantly from a cardholder’s typical behavior (e.g., large purchases, unusual times, or unexpected locations) can trigger a decline as a preventative measure. For instance, using a card while traveling abroad without prior notification may lead to a “Do Not Honour” response.

Another common reason is that the cardholder’s account may be closed, frozen, or reported lost or stolen. If a card has been flagged as compromised or is no longer active, the bank will decline any attempted transactions. Incorrect card details entered during a transaction, such as an incorrect card number, expiration date, or CVV, can also result in a “Do Not Honour” decline, as the system cannot verify the credentials. While “insufficient funds” has its own specific decline codes, some banks may still issue a “Do Not Honour” message in such cases. Exceeding a daily spending limit set by the card issuer can also trigger this response.

Actions for Cardholders

When a cardholder encounters a “Do Not Honour” decline, several immediate steps can be taken to address the situation. First, it is advisable to calmly verify the card details being used, ensuring the card number, expiration date, and CVV are entered correctly, especially for online transactions. Sometimes, a simple input error can lead to a decline. If possible, attempting the transaction with an alternative payment method, such as another credit card, a debit card, or a mobile payment option, can allow the purchase to proceed without delay.

The most effective action for a cardholder is to contact their card-issuing bank directly. Since the “Do Not Honour” code is generic, only the bank can provide the specific reason for the decline. Speaking with a bank representative allows the cardholder to understand the underlying issue, whether it is a security flag, an account hold, or another concern, and resolve it promptly. Many banks offer 24/7 customer service lines for such inquiries, and cardholders may even be able to unfreeze their card through their mobile banking app if that was the reason for the decline.

Actions for Merchants

For businesses and merchants, receiving a “Do Not Honour” decline requires a measured and customer-focused response. When such a decline occurs, the merchant should calmly inform the customer that the payment did not go through. It is helpful to explain that the decline is a generic message from their bank and not an issue with the merchant’s system. Merchants should then advise the customer to contact their card-issuing bank to understand the specific reason for the decline and resolve any underlying issues.

Offering alternative payment methods, such as another card, cash, or a digital wallet, is a practical step to complete the transaction and maintain customer satisfaction. For online transactions, merchants can set up automated prompts or emails that notify the customer of the decline and suggest trying an alternative payment method or updating their card details. Reviewing the transaction details on their point-of-sale system or payment terminal can also provide clarity on the specific code received, though it will likely remain generic.