Stripe decline code
pickup_card
The issuer has flagged the card (often lost, stolen, or compromised) and does not want it used.
Quick answer
pickup_card is a hard decline. Retrying will keep failing; the customer has to act.
| Decline code | pickup_card |
|---|---|
| Type | Hard (needs customer action) |
| Retrying helps? | No |
| Category | Fraud or security |
| Customer fix | Use a different card and contact the bank. |
Will retrying help?
No, retrying will keep failing
Do not retry. Request a new card via a dunning email.
A real example
The issuer has flagged the card and does not want it used for new charges.
What the customer needs to do
Use a different card and contact the bank.
Your recovery approach
Do not retry. Request a new card via a dunning email.
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 pickup_card 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 "pickup_card" decline code mean?
The issuer has flagged the card (often lost, stolen, or compromised) and does not want it used.
Will retrying a "pickup_card" decline work?
No. pickup_card is a hard decline, so retrying the same card will keep failing. Do not retry. Request a new card via a dunning email.
How do I recover a payment that failed with "pickup_card"?
Do not retry. Request a new card via a dunning email. Customer action: Use a different card and contact the bank.
Related decline codes
Source: official Stripe decline codes documentation. Recovery guidance is SubRevival's own.