Articles on: Funds Management & Payments

My credit card payment was declined due to "Do not honor"

When your credit card payment is declined with the message "Do not honor," it can be confusing. This article will help you understand what this means, as well as provide insights into decline codes and void transactions.

What are decline codes?

Decline codes are usually a number or phrase that specifies the reason for a declined transaction. There is no standardized set of error codes, so they vary from gateway to gateway. Some common reasons for declines include:

Insufficient funds
Expired card
Do Not Honor

Different banks and processors may refer to these reasons differently. Understanding the specific decline code can help you identify the issue and take appropriate action.

What is "Do Not Honor"?

"Do not honor" is a generic decline code. It’s used when the issuing bank doesn’t have a specific reason for why a transaction was declined and instead prompts the customer to contact the bank for more information. "Do not honor" is the most common decline code and can be frustrating for customers, as it lacks a clear explanation.

What is a void?

A void is used to cancel a transaction that was previously authorized but before it has been settled. A void transaction will be made in real-time to the card network, instructing the customer’s issuing bank to cancel the transaction and the associated approval code. The customer will not be charged for voided transactions.

[Article: Common Payment Issues]
[Article: Understanding Decline Codes]
[Article: How to Resolve Payment Declines]

Helpful tip: If you see a "Do not honor" code, contact your bank for clarification on the decline reason. This will help you resolve the issue more effectively.

Updated on: 18/11/2025

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My credit card payment was declined due to "Do not honor"