Do Not Honor Credit Card Error: What It Means and What to Do

The “do not honor” credit card error indicates that the card-issuing bank has declined a transaction. This message directly impacts the ability to complete a purchase, affecting both consumers and businesses.

What “Do Not Honor” Means

The “do not honor” message is a generic decline code. It signifies that the cardholder’s bank is unwilling to approve the transaction. This decision comes directly from the issuing bank, meaning the problem generally does not lie with the payment terminal or the merchant’s system.

This code is a catch-all response used by banks when they refuse authorization without providing a specific reason. The vagueness can be due to various factors, including the bank’s privacy policies. It indicates a bank-level refusal rather than an issue with the physical card or the merchant’s equipment.

Why the Error Occurs

A “do not honor” error can stem from various reasons, often related to the cardholder’s account status or the bank’s fraud detection systems. One common reason is insufficient funds in a debit card account or exceeding the credit limit on a credit card. The transaction might also be declined if it exceeds a daily spending limit set by the card issuer.

Suspicion of fraud frequently triggers this error, especially if the transaction involves unusual purchase activity, an unexpected location, or a high amount compared to typical spending patterns. Banks employ sophisticated systems to flag transactions that seem out of the ordinary. An expired card or incorrectly entered card details can also lead to this decline.

The card might also be flagged or blocked due to suspicious activity, or if it has been reported lost or stolen. In some cases, the account could be frozen or closed, preventing any transactions from going through. Technical issues on the card issuer’s end, such as system malfunctions or temporary outages, can also result in a “do not honor” decline.

Steps for Cardholders

When a “do not honor” error occurs, cardholders should first consider using an alternative payment method if available to complete their purchase. If the transaction was online, re-entering the card details carefully can sometimes resolve the issue, especially if a typo occurred.

The next step is to contact the card-issuing bank directly. Cardholders should provide the exact error message received and details about the attempted transaction, including the merchant name, amount, and time. The bank’s customer service can often provide the specific reason for the decline, which is not revealed by the generic “do not honor” code itself. Checking online banking or mobile app for the account balance, recent transactions, or any alerts can also offer immediate insights into the problem.

Steps for Merchants

When a merchant’s terminal displays a “do not honor” error, politely inform the customer about the decline. Merchants should explain that the refusal comes from the customer’s bank and that the specific reason is not disclosed to them. Suggesting an alternative payment method, such as a different card or cash, is a practical approach to complete the sale.

Merchants should avoid repeatedly attempting the same transaction without the customer’s instruction, as this can sometimes lead to further issues or flag the transaction as suspicious. While “do not honor” typically indicates a bank-side issue, a quick check of their own payment terminal or system for any obvious technical problems is a good practice. Merchants cannot override this error, as the issue originates with the card issuer’s decision.