Error codes
Hard decline
Adyen
Adyen code 78 – Blocked, First Used
The card is blocked. The shopper should contact their issuing bank for clarification.
What does Adyen refusal code 78 mean?
Adyen refusal code 78 Blocked, First Used is returned when the card is new and has not yet been activated by the cardholder. Many issuers block card-not-present transactions on newly issued cards until the cardholder makes a first in-person transaction or calls the bank to activate the card.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
Code 78 is a hard decline until the cardholder takes action. Retries won't help — the block is issuer-enforced and requires activation.
Common root causes
Newly issued card that has not been activated yet
Replacement card delivered but not yet used in person
Issuer policy requiring activation before CNP transactions
First-use protection for high-risk BINs
Recommended recovery steps
Stop retries until the card is activated.
Ask the customer to activate the card — usually by calling the issuer, using mobile banking, or making a first in-person purchase.
Retry after a reasonable activation window (typically 24–48 hours after outreach).
How FlyCode handles Adyen code 78
FlyCode halts retries on 78 since retrying a non-activated card is futile. Its AI outreach engine sends a clear, low-friction message directing the customer to activate the card, then retries at an optimal window once activation is likely complete.
What does Adyen refusal code 78 mean?
Adyen refusal code 78 Blocked, First Used is returned when the card is new and has not yet been activated by the cardholder. Many issuers block card-not-present transactions on newly issued cards until the cardholder makes a first in-person transaction or calls the bank to activate the card.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
Code 78 is a hard decline until the cardholder takes action. Retries won't help — the block is issuer-enforced and requires activation.
Common root causes
Newly issued card that has not been activated yet
Replacement card delivered but not yet used in person
Issuer policy requiring activation before CNP transactions
First-use protection for high-risk BINs
Recommended recovery steps
Stop retries until the card is activated.
Ask the customer to activate the card — usually by calling the issuer, using mobile banking, or making a first in-person purchase.
Retry after a reasonable activation window (typically 24–48 hours after outreach).
How FlyCode handles Adyen code 78
FlyCode halts retries on 78 since retrying a non-activated card is futile. Its AI outreach engine sends a clear, low-friction message directing the customer to activate the card, then retries at an optimal window once activation is likely complete.
What does Adyen refusal code 78 mean?
Adyen refusal code 78 Blocked, First Used is returned when the card is new and has not yet been activated by the cardholder. Many issuers block card-not-present transactions on newly issued cards until the cardholder makes a first in-person transaction or calls the bank to activate the card.
Is it a soft or hard decline?
Code 78 is a hard decline until the cardholder takes action. Retries won't help — the block is issuer-enforced and requires activation.
Common root causes
Newly issued card that has not been activated yet
Replacement card delivered but not yet used in person
Issuer policy requiring activation before CNP transactions
First-use protection for high-risk BINs
Recommended recovery steps
Stop retries until the card is activated.
Ask the customer to activate the card — usually by calling the issuer, using mobile banking, or making a first in-person purchase.
Retry after a reasonable activation window (typically 24–48 hours after outreach).
How FlyCode handles Adyen code 78
FlyCode halts retries on 78 since retrying a non-activated card is futile. Its AI outreach engine sends a clear, low-friction message directing the customer to activate the card, then retries at an optimal window once activation is likely complete.
Understanding This Decline Code
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adyen code 78 a soft or hard decline?
Should I retry Adyen 78?
No. Code 78 is an activation block — the card won't authorize CNP transactions until the cardholder activates it with their bank. Retries before activation will continue to fail.
How does FlyCode handle Adyen code 78?
FlyCode halts retries on 78 immediately since activation is a customer-side action, and triggers concise outreach directing the customer to activate the card before the next billing attempt.
