Stripe decline code
merchant_blacklist
The payment matches a value on the issuer's or Radar block list.
Quick answer
merchant_blacklist is a hard decline. Retrying will keep failing; the customer has to act.
| Decline code | merchant_blacklist |
|---|---|
| Type | Hard (needs customer action) |
| Retrying helps? | No |
| Category | Fraud or security |
| Customer fix | Contact the bank or use a different card. |
Will retrying help?
No, retrying will keep failing
Retrying will not help. Email the customer to try a different card.
A real example
The payment matches an issuer or Radar block-list entry and is refused.
What the customer needs to do
Contact the bank or use a different card.
Your recovery approach
Retrying will not help. Email the customer to try a different card.
Copy-paste recovery email
Subject
Quick check on your [Product] payment
Your bank flagged our charge as suspicious, even though it is your legitimate [Product] renewal.
Please confirm the charge with your bank, or add a different card below, and we will get you sorted.
Recover merchant_blacklist declines on autopilot
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FAQ
What does the Stripe "merchant_blacklist" decline code mean?
The payment matches a value on the issuer's or Radar block list.
Will retrying a "merchant_blacklist" decline work?
No. merchant_blacklist is a hard decline, so retrying the same card will keep failing. Retrying will not help. Email the customer to try a different card.
How do I recover a payment that failed with "merchant_blacklist"?
Retrying will not help. Email the customer to try a different card. Customer action: Contact the bank or use a different card.
Related decline codes
Source: official Stripe decline codes documentation. Recovery guidance is SubRevival's own.