“Do Not Honor (05)” Decline: What It Means & How to Fix It

When attempting a payment with a credit or debit card, encountering a “do not honor” message can be a confusing experience. This common decline code signals that the transaction cannot be completed, indicating an issue preventing the card’s issuing bank from authorizing the purchase. It often leaves both the cardholder and the merchant without a clear explanation.

Understanding the “Do Not Honor” Code

The “do not honor” message is a generic decline code, often appearing as “05.” This code originates from the cardholder’s bank, or issuing bank, indicating its refusal to approve the transaction. It signifies that the bank has declined the payment request for an undisclosed reason, rather than an issue with the merchant’s payment system or processor. The vagueness of this code means the specific cause is not immediately apparent to the merchant or cardholder at the point of sale. This broad response serves as a catch-all when the bank is unwilling to provide more granular details.

Common Reasons for a “Do Not Honor” Decline

Several underlying factors can lead an issuing bank to return a “do not honor” decline.

A common reason is insufficient funds, meaning the cardholder’s account lacks the necessary balance or available credit to cover the transaction amount.

Banks also employ systems to monitor for suspicious activity. A transaction might be flagged as potential fraud if it deviates significantly from the cardholder’s usual spending patterns, such as unusually large purchases, transactions from unfamiliar locations, or a series of rapid transactions. This measure helps protect cardholders from unauthorized use.

Security blocks can also trigger a “do not honor” response. This occurs if the bank temporarily freezes an account due to suspected unauthorized use, a card being reported lost or stolen, or a card that has not yet been activated. Additionally, exceeding daily spending or withdrawal limits set by the issuing bank can result in this decline code.

Finally, incorrect card details entered during an online or in-person transaction are a frequent cause. This includes errors in the card number, expiration date, or Card Verification Value (CVV). Discrepancies between the Address Verification System (AVS) and CVV information can also lead to these declines.

Steps to Address a “Do Not Honor” Transaction

When a “do not honor” transaction occurs, both cardholders and merchants can take steps to resolve it.

For Cardholders

The most effective step is to contact their bank directly using the phone number on the back of their card. The bank can then provide the specific reason for the decline and guide them on how to resolve it, which might involve verifying recent activity or updating account information. If the issue cannot be immediately resolved, cardholders may also consider trying an alternative payment method.

For Merchants

The initial response should involve informing the customer about the decline and suggesting an alternative payment method. It is generally not advisable to immediately re-run the same card without the cardholder first contacting their bank. While a simple retry occasionally works, repeated attempts can sometimes lead to further issues or even fines from card networks. Providing clear communication and offering alternative payment options, such as another card, cash, or a mobile wallet, helps maintain a positive customer experience despite the payment hiccup.