What it means
A custom risk rule on your account declined the charge.
← All Stripe decline codes
RetryableSoft decline
rule_declined
Rule-based decline
Category
Soft decline
Retryable
Yes, with timing
Suggested retry
~1 day
Why it happens
A rule you configured blocked this transaction.
How to recover the payment
Review the rule and the payment, then retry if appropriate.
Category tip: Retryable, often within hours or on the next payday.
Recovery email preview
Subject: Action needed — your payment did not go through
This payment was declined by a review rule. Please contact support.
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
- ~1 day
- Card must be replaced
- No
Frequently asked
What does the Stripe decline code rule_declined mean?+
A custom risk rule on your account declined the charge.
Is the Stripe decline code rule_declined retryable?+
Review the rule and the payment, then retry if appropriate.
How do I recover a payment declined with rule_declined?+
Review the rule and the payment, then retry if appropriate.
What should I send the customer for rule_declined?+
This payment was declined by a review rule. Please contact support.
Related soft decline codes
amount_too_highAmount too highamount_too_lowAmount too lowcall_issuerCall issuing bankcard_declinedGeneric decline by issuercard_velocity_exceededCard velocity exceededdo_not_honorDo not honor
Browse the full list of Stripe decline codes or look one up with the free lookup tool.
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