Stripe decline code
authentication_required
The card requires Strong Customer Authentication (3D Secure) under PSD2, common for EU and UK cards. A silent off-session charge fails until the customer authenticates.
Quick answer
authentication_required is a hard decline. Retrying will keep failing; the customer has to act.
| Decline code | authentication_required |
|---|---|
| Type | Hard (needs customer action) |
| Retrying helps? | No |
| Category | Authentication |
| Customer fix | Complete a 3D Secure challenge with their bank. |
Will retrying help?
No, retrying will keep failing
Do not silently retry. Route the customer to an authenticated confirmation (Stripe-hosted page or an authentication link) so they can approve the charge.
A real example
An EU customer's bank requires a 3D Secure check, so the off-session renewal fails until they approve it.
What the customer needs to do
Complete a 3D Secure challenge with their bank.
Your recovery approach
Do not silently retry. Route the customer to an authenticated confirmation (Stripe-hosted page or an authentication link) so they can approve the charge.
Copy-paste recovery email
Subject
One quick step to keep [Product] active
Your bank needs you to verify this payment for [Product], a quick 3D Secure check.
Confirm it in a few taps and your subscription stays active, no other action needed.
Recover authentication_required 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 "authentication_required" decline code mean?
The card requires Strong Customer Authentication (3D Secure) under PSD2, common for EU and UK cards. A silent off-session charge fails until the customer authenticates.
Will retrying a "authentication_required" decline work?
No. authentication_required is a hard decline, so retrying the same card will keep failing. Do not silently retry. Route the customer to an authenticated confirmation (Stripe-hosted page or an authentication link) so they can approve the charge.
How do I recover a payment that failed with "authentication_required"?
Do not silently retry. Route the customer to an authenticated confirmation (Stripe-hosted page or an authentication link) so they can approve the charge. Customer action: Complete a 3D Secure challenge with their bank.
Source: official Stripe decline codes documentation. Recovery guidance is SubRevival's own.