What Does Declined 82 Mean on a Credit Card?

Encountering a credit card decline can be a frustrating experience. These declines often come with specific error codes, which can be confusing without proper understanding. This article aims to clarify the meaning behind one such code: “Declined 82,” detailing its implications and offering actionable steps to resolve it.

Understanding Declined Code 82

When a credit card transaction results in a “Declined 82” code, it indicates a failure in the security verification of the card’s security value. This code typically signifies “Negative CAM, dCVV, iCVV, or CVV results,” meaning the Card Verification Value (CVV) or a similar security code provided did not match the information on file with the card issuer. The issuing bank or payment processor rejects the transaction to prevent potential unauthorized use.

Common Reasons for Declined 82

The most frequent reason for a “Declined 82” error is the incorrect entry of the card’s security code. Even a single misplaced digit will cause the security verification to fail, leading to this specific decline.

Less commonly, temporary technical issues within the payment processing system can also trigger a Code 82 decline. While such occurrences are not common, they can momentarily disrupt the transaction process.

Furthermore, a “Declined 82” code can sometimes be a result of the card issuer’s fraud prevention systems. If the security code data appears unusual or if there are multiple incorrect attempts, the system may flag the transaction as suspicious. The transaction is then declined to protect the cardholder from potential fraudulent activity, even if the cardholder is legitimate.

Steps to Resolve Declined 82

When encountering a “Declined 82” code, the immediate step is to carefully re-verify the security code on the back of the credit card. This is the three-digit number for Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, or the four-digit number on the front for American Express cards. Ensuring the card number and expiration date are also correctly entered is a good general practice, although the Code 82 specifically points to the security code.

If re-entering the security code does not resolve the issue, contacting the card issuer directly is often the most effective next step. The bank can provide specific details regarding the decline and clarify if there is an underlying issue with the card’s security features or a temporary block on the account. It is helpful to have the card number, the transaction details, and the “Declined 82” code ready when speaking with the issuer.

Should the issue persist or if an immediate payment is necessary, trying an alternative payment method can serve as a temporary solution. This allows the transaction to proceed while the primary card’s issue is being investigated. In cases where a temporary system glitch is suspected, waiting a short period and then retrying the transaction might also lead to a successful approval.

Other Common Credit Card Decline Codes

Beyond “Declined 82,” numerous other codes explain why a credit card transaction might not go through, each with its own meaning. For instance, “Declined 05” often appears as “Do Not Honor,” indicating a general refusal by the issuing bank that usually requires the cardholder to contact their bank for clarification. This code is broad and does not specify a reason beyond the bank’s decision to not authorize the payment.

Another frequent code is “Declined 51,” which signifies “Insufficient Funds.” This means the cardholder’s account lacks the necessary credit or funds to cover the transaction amount. Similarly, “Declined 62” indicates a “Restricted Card,” suggesting the card is blocked for certain transaction types, regions, or has been reported as lost or stolen.

Finally, “Declined 14” means “Invalid Card Number,” pointing to an incorrectly entered card number or a number that does not exist in the issuer’s database. Understanding these various codes helps cardholders and merchants diagnose transaction issues more effectively.