Stripe decline code
invalid_number
The card number is invalid or does not exist.
Quick answer
invalid_number is a hard decline. Retrying will keep failing; the customer has to act.
| Decline code | invalid_number |
|---|---|
| Type | Hard (needs customer action) |
| Retrying helps? | No |
| Category | Card details |
| Customer fix | Enter a valid card number. |
Will retrying help?
No, retrying will keep failing
Route to a card update page to capture a working card.
A real example
The card number on file is not a valid number, so the renewal fails outright.
What the customer needs to do
Enter a valid card number.
Your recovery approach
Route to a card update page to capture a working card.
Copy-paste recovery email
Subject
Your payment didn't go through, [First Name]
A detail on your saved card did not match, so the charge for [Product] was declined.
Re-enter your card details and we will retry right away.
Recover invalid_number 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 "invalid_number" decline code mean?
The card number is invalid or does not exist.
Will retrying a "invalid_number" decline work?
No. invalid_number is a hard decline, so retrying the same card will keep failing. Route to a card update page to capture a working card.
How do I recover a payment that failed with "invalid_number"?
Route to a card update page to capture a working card. Customer action: Enter a valid card number.
Related decline codes
Source: official Stripe decline codes documentation. Recovery guidance is SubRevival's own.