Stripe decline code
approve_with_id
The payment cannot be authorized yet because the issuer needs to confirm the cardholder's identity.
Quick answer
approve_with_id is a soft decline. A smartly timed retry can succeed on its own.
| Decline code | approve_with_id |
|---|---|
| Type | Soft (often temporary) |
| Retrying helps? | Yes, on smart timing |
| Category | Bank decline |
| Customer fix | Usually none; sometimes confirm identity with the bank. |
Will retrying help?
Yes, a timed retry can succeed
Retry shortly after. If it continues, email the customer to contact their bank.
A real example
The bank wants to verify the cardholder before approving, so the first attempt is held.
What the customer needs to do
Usually none; sometimes confirm identity with the bank.
Your recovery approach
Retry shortly after. If it continues, email the customer to contact their bank.
Copy-paste recovery email
Subject
Your bank declined the [Product] charge
Your bank blocked the payment without giving a reason, which is common for recurring charges they do not recognize.
A 30-second call to your bank usually fixes it, or you can use a different card below.
Recover approve_with_id declines on autopilot
SubRevival reads every decline code and responds correctly, retrying soft declines on smart timing and emailing customers for hard ones, with a hosted card update page. $19/mo flat.
FAQ
What does the Stripe "approve_with_id" decline code mean?
The payment cannot be authorized yet because the issuer needs to confirm the cardholder's identity.
Will retrying a "approve_with_id" decline work?
Often, yes. approve_with_id is a soft decline, so a smartly timed retry can succeed without the customer doing anything. Retry shortly after. If it continues, email the customer to contact their bank.
How do I recover a payment that failed with "approve_with_id"?
Retry shortly after. If it continues, email the customer to contact their bank. Customer action: Usually none; sometimes confirm identity with the bank.
Related decline codes
Source: official Stripe decline codes documentation. Recovery guidance is SubRevival's own.