Stripe decline code
stolen_card
The card was reported stolen. The issuer declines and withholds the specific reason.
Quick answer
stolen_card is a hard decline. Retrying will keep failing; the customer has to act.
| Decline code | stolen_card |
|---|---|
| Type | Hard (needs customer action) |
| Retrying helps? | No |
| Category | Fraud or security |
| Customer fix | Add a different, active card. |
Will retrying help?
No, retrying will keep failing
Do not retry. Email the customer to add a new payment method.
A real example
The card was reported stolen, so the issuer blocks any further charges to it.
What the customer needs to do
Add a different, active card.
Your recovery approach
Do not retry. Email the customer to add a new payment method.
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 stolen_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 "stolen_card" decline code mean?
The card was reported stolen. The issuer declines and withholds the specific reason.
Will retrying a "stolen_card" decline work?
No. stolen_card is a hard decline, so retrying the same card will keep failing. Do not retry. Email the customer to add a new payment method.
How do I recover a payment that failed with "stolen_card"?
Do not retry. Email the customer to add a new payment method. Customer action: Add a different, active card.
Related decline codes
Source: official Stripe decline codes documentation. Recovery guidance is SubRevival's own.