What Does It Mean When an AVS Check Failed?

When attempting online purchases or other card-not-present transactions, encountering an “AVS check failed” message is common. This signals a security measure designed to prevent fraud has not been satisfied. Understanding what an AVS check entails and why it might fail can help consumers navigate these situations.

What is an AVS Check

The Address Verification System (AVS) serves as a fraud prevention tool utilized by merchants and credit card issuers for card-not-present transactions, such as those made online or over the phone. Its primary purpose is to verify the cardholder’s identity by comparing the billing address provided during a transaction with the address on file with the card-issuing bank. When a customer initiates a payment, the billing address is sent to the card issuer, which then checks it against the address recorded for that specific card.

The system returns a code that indicates the level of match between the provided address and the one on file. These codes can signify a full match, a partial match (for example, only the street number or zip code matches), or no match at all. AVS typically verifies only the numeric portions of the address, such as the house number and the postal code. While AVS is widely used, it is primarily supported for cards issued in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Why AVS Checks Fail

Several factors can lead to an AVS check failure, even for legitimate transactions. The most frequent cause is a billing address mismatch, where the address entered by the customer does not precisely align with the information registered with their bank or card issuer. Even minor discrepancies, like a simple typographical error in the street name or house number, can trigger a mismatch. An incorrect zip or postal code is another common reason for failure, as AVS heavily relies on these numerical components for verification.

Customers who have recently moved and not updated their billing address with their card issuer often experience AVS failures. The system will compare the new, entered address against the outdated one on file, leading to a discrepancy. Differences in address formatting, such as writing “Apt 4B” instead of “Apartment 4B,” or issues with browser autofill features, can also cause mismatches. Although less common, temporary technical issues or integration problems within the card issuer’s system can occasionally prevent a successful AVS match. International transactions may also face issues due to variations in address formats or if the issuing bank does not support AVS.

Troubleshooting AVS Failures

When an AVS check fails, you can take several steps to resolve the issue. First, double-check the billing address and zip code entered during the transaction. Ensure this information exactly matches the billing address registered with your bank or card issuer. Even a slight deviation can cause a decline.

If verifying the entered information does not resolve the problem, contact your bank or credit card issuer directly. They can confirm the precise billing address on file for your card and investigate any issues with your account or their system preventing the AVS check from passing. Your bank might also provide details on the exact address format they require.

Consider attempting the transaction with a different payment method, such as another credit or debit card, if available. This can help determine if the issue is specific to the original card or a broader problem with the merchant or your current transaction attempt. Be aware that merchants have varying AVS policies; some may decline transactions even with partial matches, and they generally cannot override an AVS decline once it occurs.

After verifying or updating your information with your bank, waiting a short period, typically 15 to 30 minutes, before re-attempting the transaction can allow systems to refresh and facilitate a successful payment.