What it means
The issuer requires the customer to call them before the charge is approved.
← All Stripe decline codes
RetryableSoft decline
call_issuer
Call issuing bank
Category
Soft decline
Retryable
Yes, with timing
Suggested retry
~2 days
Why it happens
The bank wants to verify the customer or the recent activity.
How to recover the payment
Ask the customer to call their bank, then retry the payment.
Category tip: Retryable, often within hours or on the next payday.
Recovery email preview
Subject: Action needed — your payment did not go through
Your bank needs to verify this payment. Please call them, then we will retry.
Update payment methodSent automatically by churnguardian the moment this code appears.
How churnguardian handles it
churnguardian schedules a smart retry and, if it fails, sends a branded email with a payment-update link.
- Decline-aware retries timed to recovery odds
- Branded recovery emails with a one-click card update
- Stops automatically the moment the charge clears
At a glance
- Retryable
- Yes
- Retry window
- ~2 days
- Card must be replaced
- No
Frequently asked
What does the Stripe decline code call_issuer mean?+
The issuer requires the customer to call them before the charge is approved.
Is the Stripe decline code call_issuer retryable?+
Ask the customer to call their bank, then retry the payment.
How do I recover a payment declined with call_issuer?+
Ask the customer to call their bank, then retry the payment.
What should I send the customer for call_issuer?+
Your bank needs to verify this payment. Please call them, then we will retry.
Related soft decline codes
amount_too_highAmount too highamount_too_lowAmount too lowcard_declinedGeneric decline by issuercard_velocity_exceededCard velocity exceededdo_not_honorDo not honorgeneric_declineGeneric decline
Browse the full list of Stripe decline codes or look one up with the free lookup tool.
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