Error codes
Soft decline
Stripe
incorrect_zip
The postal code is incorrect.
What does incorrect_zip mean?
The incorrect_zip decline indicates an Address Verification System (AVS) mismatch — the billing postal code provided does not match what the issuer has on file for the cardholder.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
incorrect_zip is a soft decline. The card is valid; only the address verification failed.
Common root causes
Customer moved and updated their bank address but not your billing address
Customer typed ZIP incorrectly during checkout
Card-on-file address is stale relative to current bank records
International cards where ZIP format differs
Recommended recovery steps
Prompt the customer to update their billing postal code
For recurring charges, verify the stored address is current
Consider making AVS checks less strict in your Stripe Radar settings if false positives are high
Use wallet payments which pre-verify address data
How FlyCode handles incorrect_zip
FlyCode uses network tokens and verified billing addresses for recurring charges, reducing AVS mismatches on long-term subscribers. For incorrect_zip declines, FlyCode routes customers to a streamlined address update flow.
What does incorrect_zip mean?
The incorrect_zip decline indicates an Address Verification System (AVS) mismatch — the billing postal code provided does not match what the issuer has on file for the cardholder.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
incorrect_zip is a soft decline. The card is valid; only the address verification failed.
Common root causes
Customer moved and updated their bank address but not your billing address
Customer typed ZIP incorrectly during checkout
Card-on-file address is stale relative to current bank records
International cards where ZIP format differs
Recommended recovery steps
Prompt the customer to update their billing postal code
For recurring charges, verify the stored address is current
Consider making AVS checks less strict in your Stripe Radar settings if false positives are high
Use wallet payments which pre-verify address data
How FlyCode handles incorrect_zip
FlyCode uses network tokens and verified billing addresses for recurring charges, reducing AVS mismatches on long-term subscribers. For incorrect_zip declines, FlyCode routes customers to a streamlined address update flow.
What does incorrect_zip mean?
The incorrect_zip decline indicates an Address Verification System (AVS) mismatch — the billing postal code provided does not match what the issuer has on file for the cardholder.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
incorrect_zip is a soft decline. The card is valid; only the address verification failed.
Common root causes
Customer moved and updated their bank address but not your billing address
Customer typed ZIP incorrectly during checkout
Card-on-file address is stale relative to current bank records
International cards where ZIP format differs
Recommended recovery steps
Prompt the customer to update their billing postal code
For recurring charges, verify the stored address is current
Consider making AVS checks less strict in your Stripe Radar settings if false positives are high
Use wallet payments which pre-verify address data
How FlyCode handles incorrect_zip
FlyCode uses network tokens and verified billing addresses for recurring charges, reducing AVS mismatches on long-term subscribers. For incorrect_zip declines, FlyCode routes customers to a streamlined address update flow.
Understanding This Decline Code
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does incorrect_zip mean?
Should I retry incorrect_zip?
Only after the customer provides a corrected postal code. Persistent retries with the same address will continue to fail AVS verification.
How does FlyCode prevent AVS mismatches?
FlyCode uses network tokens and verified billing addresses for recurring subscription charges, significantly reducing AVS-related declines on returning customers.
