# Handling Failed Payments Errors

Below is a list of the most common payment failure messages you might see, along with what they mean and how to resolve them.

### 🔍 Common Payment Failure Messages & What They Mean

| **Error Message**                                    | **What It Means**                                                 | **Common Causes**                                                                                                | **How to Fix It**                                                                                                                                                              |
| ---------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Payment method was revoked**                       | Your saved payment method is no longer valid.                     | <p>- You removed the payment method<br>- Your bank replaced or canceled your card<br>- Shop Pay was disabled</p> | [Re-add or update your payment method in your account or Shop Pay settings.](https://help.shop.app/en/shop/shop-pay-settings/shipping-and-payment#update-your-payment-methods) |
| **Customer failed to confirm transaction**           | You didn’t complete the required authentication (e.g. 3D Secure). | <p>- Missed or ignored a 3D Secure prompt<br>- Bank required additional verification</p>                         | Retry the payment and follow the prompts to authorize it (e.g., SMS code or bank app).                                                                                         |
| **Insufficient funds**                               | Your card didn’t have enough money to cover the charge.           | <p>- Low balance<br>- Spending limit reached</p>                                                                 | Add funds or use a different card, then update your payment method.                                                                                                            |
| **Payment method declined**                          | Your bank or card issuer rejected the payment.                    | <p>- Fraud flag<br>- Card expired<br>- Bank restrictions</p>                                                     | Contact your bank or try a different card.                                                                                                                                     |
| **Expired card**                                     | The card on file is no longer active.                             | - Expiration date passed                                                                                         | Update your account with a new card.                                                                                                                                           |
| **Card not supported for recurring charges**         | The card type can’t be used for subscriptions.                    | - Some prepaid or gift cards                                                                                     | Use a credit card or a bank-issued debit card that supports recurring billing.                                                                                                 |
| **Authentication required**                          | Your bank requires verification before processing the payment.    | - 3D Secure or similar protocol                                                                                  | Retry the payment and complete the required verification.                                                                                                                      |
| **Processing error**                                 | An issue occurred while processing the payment.                   | - Network or payment gateway error                                                                               | Retry the payment after a short time.                                                                                                                                          |
| **Payment method does not support this transaction** | The method can’t be used for this type of charge.                 | <p>- Incompatible card type<br>- Restrictions on international or subscription transactions</p>                  | Update to a supported payment method.                                                                                                                                          |

***

### 🛠️ How to Instruct Customers To Update Their Payment Method

1. Have them **log into their account** on your website.
2. Go to your **Subscriptions > Manage Subscriptions**.
3. Select **Edit Payment**.
4. An email will be sent to the customer from Shopify with a secure link to update their payment method.
5. Once customers **click the link** in the email they can then enter their **new card details** or select a different method (like Shop Pay or Apple Pay).

{% hint style="info" %}
If they use **Shop Pay**, they may also need to update their saved payment methods directly in their [Shop Pay account](https://shop.app/pay).
{% endhint %}


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