What ‘Do Not Honor’ Means on Your Credit Card

“Do Not Honor” is a common message encountered during payment attempts, indicating that the card-issuing bank has refused the transaction. This generic decline code signals that the bank has declined the transaction at the point of sale. Understanding the nuances of this message can help cardholders navigate payment issues effectively.

What “Do Not Honor” Signifies

This generic message originates directly from the cardholder’s bank, not the merchant. It signifies that the financial institution has made a decision to refuse the transaction at that specific moment. The bank does not provide a specific reason for this refusal to either the merchant or the customer, making it a broad notification that the transaction cannot proceed. This means the refusal stems from the bank’s internal assessment, rather than an issue with the merchant’s equipment or the payment network itself.

Common Causes for the Decline

Insufficient funds or exceeding a credit limit is a frequent reason for a “Do Not Honor” decline, as banks will automatically refuse transactions that push an account beyond its available balance or approved credit limit. Banks also employ fraud prevention systems that monitor transactions for suspicious activity, such as unusual purchase sizes, locations, or frequencies. If a transaction deviates from a cardholder’s typical spending patterns, the bank may flag it as potentially fraudulent and decline it to protect the account.

A card reported lost or stolen will trigger an automatic “Do Not Honor” decline to prevent unauthorized charges. An expired card or the entry of incorrect card details, such as a wrong expiration date or Card Verification Value (CVV), will lead to a refusal because the payment system cannot validate the information. Banks may also place temporary holds on accounts due to internal policies, such as recent large deposits awaiting clearance, or if the account is undergoing a review. Additionally, certain transaction types or merchants might be flagged as high-risk by the bank, prompting a decline as a preventative measure.

Immediate Actions After a Decline

Confirm the accuracy of the card details entered, including the expiration date and the Card Verification Value (CVV). Minor input errors are a common cause of declines. Verify the available balance in a debit account or the remaining credit limit on a credit card, which can often be checked through an online banking app or by contacting the bank.

Consider attempting the transaction again, especially if the initial decline was unexpected and you are confident in your card details and funds. Temporary network glitches can sometimes cause an initial refusal. If the transaction continues to be declined, having an alternative payment method ready, such as another credit card or a different form of payment, can help complete the purchase. Contact the card-issuing bank directly using the number on the back of the card, as customer service can provide the specific reason for the “Do Not Honor” message and assist in resolving the issue.

Preventing Future “Do Not Honor” Declines

Regularly monitoring account balances and credit limits helps prevent unexpected declines due to insufficient funds or exceeding a credit limit. Keeping track of upcoming large payments can also assist in managing available credit. Ensuring card information, especially expiration dates, is current with all merchants for recurring payments and subscriptions can prevent declines for services like streaming or gym memberships.

Notifying your bank in advance of international travel or significant, unusual purchases can prevent fraud detection systems from flagging legitimate transactions. Maintaining current personal information, such as your billing address and phone number, with your bank, as outdated details can sometimes trigger security flags. Using secure networks for online transactions and being cautious about public Wi-Fi can also reduce the risk of fraud-related declines.