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| Payment method was revoked | Your saved payment method is no longer valid. | - You removed the payment method - Your bank replaced or canceled your card - Shop Pay was disabled |
Re-add or update your payment method in your account or Shop Pay settings. |
| Customer failed to confirm transaction | You didn’t complete the required authentication (e.g. 3D Secure). | - Missed or ignored a 3D Secure prompt - Bank required additional verification |
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. | - Low balance - Spending limit reached |
Add funds or use a different card, then update your payment method. |
| Payment method declined | Your bank or card issuer rejected the payment. | - Fraud flag - Card expired - Bank restrictions |
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| Expired card | The card on file is no longer active.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. | - Incompatible card type - Restrictions on international or subscription transactions |
Update to a supported payment method. |
🛠️ How to Instruct Customers To Update Their Payment Method
Have them log into their account on your website.
Go to your Subscriptions > Manage Subscriptions.
Select Edit Payment.
An email will be sent to the customer from Shopify with a secure link to update their payment method.
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).