Error codes
Soft decline
Stripe
incorrect_cvc
The CVC number is incorrect.
What does incorrect_cvc mean?
The incorrect_cvc decline code is returned when the CVC (card verification code) entered does not match the value the issuer has on file. The card number may be correct — the specific security code just doesn't match.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
incorrect_cvc is a soft decline. The card is valid; the customer simply needs to provide the correct CVC.
Common root causes
Customer mistyped the CVC
Customer entered CVC from a different card by mistake
Stored card data is outdated (issuer has issued new CVC)
Checkout flow confused CVC with another field
Recommended recovery steps
Prompt the customer to re-enter the CVC
Use Stripe Elements or Checkout for real-time CVC validation
Use network tokens for recurring charges where CVC isn't required
Consider wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) which bypass manual CVC entry
How FlyCode handles incorrect_cvc
FlyCode minimizes CVC-related declines by using network tokens for recurring subscription charges, eliminating the need for CVC on subsequent renewals. For initial charges requiring CVC, FlyCode routes customers to wallet-based checkout flows where possible.
What does incorrect_cvc mean?
The incorrect_cvc decline code is returned when the CVC (card verification code) entered does not match the value the issuer has on file. The card number may be correct — the specific security code just doesn't match.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
incorrect_cvc is a soft decline. The card is valid; the customer simply needs to provide the correct CVC.
Common root causes
Customer mistyped the CVC
Customer entered CVC from a different card by mistake
Stored card data is outdated (issuer has issued new CVC)
Checkout flow confused CVC with another field
Recommended recovery steps
Prompt the customer to re-enter the CVC
Use Stripe Elements or Checkout for real-time CVC validation
Use network tokens for recurring charges where CVC isn't required
Consider wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) which bypass manual CVC entry
How FlyCode handles incorrect_cvc
FlyCode minimizes CVC-related declines by using network tokens for recurring subscription charges, eliminating the need for CVC on subsequent renewals. For initial charges requiring CVC, FlyCode routes customers to wallet-based checkout flows where possible.
What does incorrect_cvc mean?
The incorrect_cvc decline code is returned when the CVC (card verification code) entered does not match the value the issuer has on file. The card number may be correct — the specific security code just doesn't match.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
incorrect_cvc is a soft decline. The card is valid; the customer simply needs to provide the correct CVC.
Common root causes
Customer mistyped the CVC
Customer entered CVC from a different card by mistake
Stored card data is outdated (issuer has issued new CVC)
Checkout flow confused CVC with another field
Recommended recovery steps
Prompt the customer to re-enter the CVC
Use Stripe Elements or Checkout for real-time CVC validation
Use network tokens for recurring charges where CVC isn't required
Consider wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) which bypass manual CVC entry
How FlyCode handles incorrect_cvc
FlyCode minimizes CVC-related declines by using network tokens for recurring subscription charges, eliminating the need for CVC on subsequent renewals. For initial charges requiring CVC, FlyCode routes customers to wallet-based checkout flows where possible.
Understanding This Decline Code
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does incorrect_cvc mean?
Should I retry incorrect_cvc?
Only after the customer provides a corrected CVC. Retrying the same incorrect code will continue to fail. Wallet payments bypass this entirely.
How does FlyCode reduce CVC errors?
FlyCode uses network tokens where possible, which eliminate CVC re-entry entirely for subsequent charges. For cards requiring CVC, FlyCode routes customers to wallet-based payment flows that sidestep manual entry errors.
