Error codes
Soft decline
Stripe
invalid_cvc
The CVC number is incorrect.
What does invalid_cvc mean?
The invalid_cvc decline is returned when the CVC value is malformed — typically the wrong length or containing invalid characters. This differs from incorrect_cvc, which means the format is right but the value is wrong.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
invalid_cvc is a soft decline. The card is valid; only the CVC entry needs correction.
Common root causes
Customer entered only 2 digits instead of 3 (or 3 instead of 4 for Amex)
CVC field included letters or symbols
Checkout flow truncated or modified the CVC
Stored CVC was corrupted
Recommended recovery steps
Prompt customer to re-enter CVC with the correct format
Use Stripe Elements to validate CVC length in real time
Use network tokens to eliminate CVC requirements on recurring charges
Consider wallet payments to bypass manual CVC entry
How FlyCode handles invalid_cvc
For recurring subscription charges, FlyCode uses network tokens that don't require CVC, preventing this decline on long-term subscribers. For initial charges, FlyCode routes customers to checkout flows with real-time CVC validation.
What does invalid_cvc mean?
The invalid_cvc decline is returned when the CVC value is malformed — typically the wrong length or containing invalid characters. This differs from incorrect_cvc, which means the format is right but the value is wrong.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
invalid_cvc is a soft decline. The card is valid; only the CVC entry needs correction.
Common root causes
Customer entered only 2 digits instead of 3 (or 3 instead of 4 for Amex)
CVC field included letters or symbols
Checkout flow truncated or modified the CVC
Stored CVC was corrupted
Recommended recovery steps
Prompt customer to re-enter CVC with the correct format
Use Stripe Elements to validate CVC length in real time
Use network tokens to eliminate CVC requirements on recurring charges
Consider wallet payments to bypass manual CVC entry
How FlyCode handles invalid_cvc
For recurring subscription charges, FlyCode uses network tokens that don't require CVC, preventing this decline on long-term subscribers. For initial charges, FlyCode routes customers to checkout flows with real-time CVC validation.
What does invalid_cvc mean?
The invalid_cvc decline is returned when the CVC value is malformed — typically the wrong length or containing invalid characters. This differs from incorrect_cvc, which means the format is right but the value is wrong.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
invalid_cvc is a soft decline. The card is valid; only the CVC entry needs correction.
Common root causes
Customer entered only 2 digits instead of 3 (or 3 instead of 4 for Amex)
CVC field included letters or symbols
Checkout flow truncated or modified the CVC
Stored CVC was corrupted
Recommended recovery steps
Prompt customer to re-enter CVC with the correct format
Use Stripe Elements to validate CVC length in real time
Use network tokens to eliminate CVC requirements on recurring charges
Consider wallet payments to bypass manual CVC entry
How FlyCode handles invalid_cvc
For recurring subscription charges, FlyCode uses network tokens that don't require CVC, preventing this decline on long-term subscribers. For initial charges, FlyCode routes customers to checkout flows with real-time CVC validation.
Understanding This Decline Code
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does invalid_cvc mean?
What's the difference between invalid_cvc and incorrect_cvc?
For initial charges, use Stripe Elements which validates CVC format in real time. For recurring subscription charges, use network tokens which bypass CVC requirements entirely.
How does FlyCode avoid CVC errors?
FlyCode uses network tokens for recurring charges which eliminate the need for CVC entirely on renewals, preventing CVC-related declines on long-term subscribers.
