Stripe decline code
do_not_honor
A generic refusal from the issuing bank with no specific reason given. The ambiguity is intentional, so the bank does not reveal fraud logic.
Quick answer
do_not_honor is a soft decline. A smartly timed retry can succeed on its own.
| Decline code | do_not_honor |
|---|---|
| Type | Soft (often temporary) |
| Retrying helps? | Yes, on smart timing |
| Category | Bank decline |
| Customer fix | Often nothing; otherwise call the bank to approve the recurring charge. |
Will retrying help?
Yes, a timed retry can succeed
Smart Retries clear many of these. If retries fail, email the customer with a short script to call their bank or switch cards.
A real example
The customer's bank blocks a recurring SaaS charge it does not recognize and returns no reason, even though the customer still wants the product.
What the customer needs to do
Often nothing; otherwise call the bank to approve the recurring charge.
Your recovery approach
Smart Retries clear many of these. If retries fail, email the customer with a short script to call their bank or switch cards.
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 do_not_honor 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 "do_not_honor" decline code mean?
A generic refusal from the issuing bank with no specific reason given. The ambiguity is intentional, so the bank does not reveal fraud logic.
Will retrying a "do_not_honor" decline work?
Often, yes. do_not_honor is a soft decline, so a smartly timed retry can succeed without the customer doing anything. Smart Retries clear many of these. If retries fail, email the customer with a short script to call their bank or switch cards.
How do I recover a payment that failed with "do_not_honor"?
Smart Retries clear many of these. If retries fail, email the customer with a short script to call their bank or switch cards. Customer action: Often nothing; otherwise call the bank to approve the recurring charge.
Related decline codes
Source: official Stripe decline codes documentation. Recovery guidance is SubRevival's own.