← All Stripe decline codes
Card update requiredHard decline

restricted_card

Card has restrictions

Category

Hard decline

Retryable

No — update the card

Suggested retry

No auto-retry

What it means

The card has restrictions that block this specific charge.

Why it happens

The bank restricted the card for this merchant category or transaction type.

How to recover the payment

Ask for a different card. The restriction is set by the bank.

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 has restricted this card for this payment. Please use another card.

Update payment method

Sent 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
Start recovering payments

At a glance

Retryable
No
Retry window
No auto-retry
Card must be replaced
Yes

Frequently asked

What does the Stripe decline code restricted_card mean?+

The card has restrictions that block this specific charge.

Is the Stripe decline code restricted_card retryable?+

Ask for a different card. The restriction is set by the bank.

How do I recover a payment declined with restricted_card?+

Ask for a different card. The restriction is set by the bank.

What should I send the customer for restricted_card?+

Your bank has restricted this card for this payment. Please use another card.

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