Bank Do Not Honor Message: What It Means & What to Do
Understand why your payment gets a "Bank Do Not Honor" message and how to effectively resolve these common transaction declines.
When a payment transaction does not go through, you may encounter a “bank do not honor” message. This message is a decline code issued by the card-issuing bank, indicating it has refused to authorize the payment. It serves as an immediate notification that the transaction cannot be completed. Understanding this message is the first step in addressing the issue, whether you are the cardholder or a merchant.
Interpreting the “Do Not Honor” Message
The “do not honor” message is a general decline code from the cardholder’s bank. It signifies the bank has denied the transaction for reasons typically not disclosed to the merchant or payment processor. This generic code does not pinpoint a specific problem, serving as a broad term for various underlying issues. It is a communication from the issuing bank to the payment network and then to the merchant’s system, not a direct message to the cardholder. The code, often appearing as “05” or “2000” depending on the card network, indicates the bank will not approve the transaction.
Underlying Causes for the Message
Several common reasons can lead to a “do not honor” message. A frequent cause is insufficient funds or an exceeded credit limit on the cardholder’s account. The bank’s automated fraud detection systems may also flag a transaction as suspicious, especially if it involves unusual spending patterns, large amounts, or purchases from unfamiliar locations. Incorrect card details entered during the transaction, such as a wrong card number, expiration date, or security code, can also cause a decline.
Other factors include a card reported lost or stolen. A bank’s internal policies, risk management flags, or an account that has been frozen or closed can also lead to this response. While more specific decline codes exist, “do not honor” can act as a catch-all when the bank’s system does not provide a granular reason or in cases of technical glitches.
Actions for Cardholders
If your transaction is declined with a “do not honor” message, contacting your card-issuing bank immediately is the most effective step. Your bank can provide the specific reason for the decline. Before calling, check your account balance or available credit limit for insufficient funds. Also, verify that the card details you provided, such as the expiration date and security code, are accurate.
If the bank suspects fraudulent activity, they can help you confirm the legitimacy of your purchase and often lift temporary holds. If the issue cannot be resolved instantly, consider using an alternative payment method. Many banks offer online banking or mobile apps where you can check transaction history and account status, which may offer immediate insights.
Merchant Responses to the Message
When a merchant receives a “do not honor” message, it is important to handle the situation professionally without implying fault on the customer’s part. Merchants should avoid repeatedly attempting the transaction, as this can lead to further issues or trigger more stringent fraud alerts. Politeness is key when informing the customer of the decline.
The most practical approach is to ask the customer for an alternative payment method. Due to privacy regulations, merchants cannot obtain specific reasons for the decline directly from the issuing bank. The merchant’s role primarily involves facilitating an alternative payment or advising the customer to contact their bank for clarification.