Visa Reason Codes
Visa categorizes its reason codes into areas like processing errors, authorization errors, fraud, and customer disputes as part of its Visa Claims Resolution initiative. This organization helps merchants quickly spot and address disputes.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Authorization
Reason code
Details
11.3 No Authorization
This reason code is used when a transaction is processed without obtaining any authorization from the issuer.
11.2 Declined Authorization
This reason code is used when a merchant processes a transaction after receiving a decline response from the card issuer.
11.1 Card Recovery Bulletin
This reason code is used when a merchant processes a transaction using a card that was listed in a Card Recovery Bulletin (CRB) at the time of the transaction.
Consumer Disputes
Reason code
Details
13.7 Cancelled Merchandise/Services
This reason code applies when a cardholder claims they were charged for canceled merchandise or services, often due to unclear policies or processing errors.
13.6 Credit Not Processed
This reason code applies when a cardholder claims a promised refund or credit was not processed, often due to delays, miscommunication, or system errors.
13.5 Misrepresentation
This reason code is used when a cardholder claims that the merchant misrepresented the terms of the sale, the nature of the product or service, or other key details related to the transaction.
13.1 Merchandise/Services Not Received
This reason code is used when a cardholder claims they did not receive the merchandise or services they paid for.
13.2 Cancelled Recurring
This reason code is used when a cardholder is charged after they canceled a recurring billing agreement, such as a subscription, membership, or automated payment plan.
13.4 Counterfeit Merchandise
This reason code is used when a cardholder claims the merchandise they received was counterfeit or inauthentic.
13.3 Not as Described or Defective Merchandise/Services
This reason code applies when a cardholder claims that the merchandise or services they received were not as described or were defective.
13.9 Non-Receipt of Cash or Load Transaction Value
This reason card is used when a cardholder claims they did not receive the expected funds from a cash withdrawal or a value load transaction.
13.8 Original Credit Transaction Not Accepted
This reason code is used when a cardholder claims they did not receive the funds from an original credit transaction (OCT).
30 Cardholder Request Due to Dispute
This reason code is a preliminary request for documentation initiated by the issuer at the cardholder’s request.
28 Request for Copy Bearing Signature
This reason code is not a chargeback—it's a request from the issuer for a copy of the transaction documentation, usually a receipt or contract bearing the cardholder’s signature.
Fraud
Reason code
Details
33 Fraud Analysis Request
This reason code applies when Visa or the issuer initiates a fraud review to request additional information about a transaction suspected to be fraudulent, before a chargeback is filed.
34 Legal Process Request
This reason code is not a chargeback—it’s a formal request for documentation made in response to a legal or regulatory inquiry.
10.2 EMV Liability Shift – Non-Counterfeit Fraud
This reason code is used when a legitimate, non-counterfeit card is used fraudulently at a terminal that was not EMV chip-enabled.
10.1 EMV Liability Shift – Counterfeit Fraud
This reason code applies when a counterfeit card is used at a merchant location that is not EMV chip-enabled.
10.5 Visa Fraud Monitoring Program
This reason code is used when a chargeback is initiated as part of the Visa Fraud Monitoring Program (VFMP).
10.3 Other Fraud – Card-Present Environment
This reason code is used when a cardholder reports unauthorized use of their card in a card-present transaction.
Processing Errors
Reason code
Details
12.6.2 Paid by Other Means
This reason code occurs when a cardholder claims they paid by another method, but were charged on their Visa card, often due to processing errors or miscommunication at checkout.
12.6.1 Duplicate Processing
This reason code applied when a cardholder claims they were charged more than once for the same transaction.
12.7 Invalid Data
This reason code is used when a transaction contains invalid, missing, or corrupted data that prevents it from being processed correctly or linked to the cardholder’s account.
12.3 Incorrect Currency
This reason code is used when a transaction is processed in a currency that differs from what was agreed upon with the cardholder.
12.4 Incorrect Account Number
This reason code is issued when a transaction is processed to the wrong account number—meaning the cardholder was charged, but the charge was intended for a different customer.
12.5 Incorrect Amount
This reason code is used when the cardholder claims they were charged an amount different from what they agreed to at the time of purchase.
12.2 Incorrect Transaction Code
This reason code is issued when a transaction is processed with the wrong transaction code—such as submitting a refund as a sale or a reversal as a purchase.
12.1 Late Presentment
This reason code is used when a merchant submits a transaction after the allowable time limit for presentment.