What it means
The issuer reports the card as invalid and will not process charges on it.
← All Stripe decline codes
Card update requiredHard decline
invalid_card
Card is invalid
Category
Hard decline
Retryable
No — update the card
Suggested retry
No auto-retry
Why it happens
The card was closed, replaced, or permanently flagged by the bank.
How to recover the payment
Ask for a different payment method. Retrying this card will not succeed.
Category tip: Not worth retrying automatically until the card is updated.
Recovery email preview
Subject: Action needed — your payment did not go through
Your bank is rejecting this card. Please add a new card to keep your account active.
Update payment methodSent automatically by churnguardian the moment this code appears.
How churnguardian handles it
churnguardian stops automatic retries and emails the customer a one-click link to update their card, so recovery happens as soon as they act.
- 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
- No
- Retry window
- No auto-retry
- Card must be replaced
- Yes
Frequently asked
What does the Stripe decline code invalid_card mean?+
The issuer reports the card as invalid and will not process charges on it.
Is the Stripe decline code invalid_card retryable?+
Ask for a different payment method. Retrying this card will not succeed.
How do I recover a payment declined with invalid_card?+
Ask for a different payment method. Retrying this card will not succeed.
What should I send the customer for invalid_card?+
Your bank is rejecting this card. Please add a new card to keep your account active.
Related hard decline codes
card_not_supportedCard type not supportedcurrency_not_supportedCurrency not supported by cardexpired_cardCard has expiredincorrect_cvcCVC check failedincorrect_numberCard number is incorrectincorrect_zipZIP/postal code check failed
Browse the full list of Stripe decline codes or look one up with the free lookup tool.
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