issuer_not_available HTTP 402 Stripe Declines

Stripe Error: issuer_not_available –

When the card issuer is unreachable, Stripe's payment authorization fails, resulting in an issuer_not_available error. This occurs at the API level during payment processing and does not indicate a problem with your code or configuration. It simply means that Stripe cannot communicate with the card issuer.

Official documentation ↗

Root Causes

1.

Card issuer unreachable

The card issuer's servers are down or unresponsive.

2.

Network issues

There might be network connectivity problems between Stripe and the card issuer.

3.

Stripe API configuration

Incorrect or incomplete Stripe API settings may prevent successful communication with the card issuer.

Resolution

1.Verify card issuer status

Check the card issuer's website for any maintenance notifications.

2.Retry payment

Attempt to process the payment again after resolving any network issues or correcting API settings.

Code Examples


            stripe.api_key = 'YOUR_STRIPE_API_KEY'
try:
  stripe.Charge.create(amount=100, currency='usd', source='tok_visa')
except stripe.error.CardError as e:
  print(e.code)
  # Handle issuer_not_available error
          

            const stripe = require('stripe')('YOUR_STRIPE_API_KEY');
try {
  const charge = await stripe.charges.create({ amount: 100, currency: 'usd', source: 'tok_visa' });
} catch (error) {
  if (error.code === 'issuer_not_available') {
    console.log('Issuer not available error');
  }
}
          

            require_once 'vendor/autoload.php';
use Stripe\Stripe;
use Stripe\Charge;
try {
  $charge = Charge::create(['amount' => 100, 'currency' => 'usd', 'source' => 'tok_visa']);
} catch (Exception $e) {
  if ($e->getCode() === 'issuer_not_available') {
    echo 'Issuer not available error';
  }
}
          

            curl -X POST https://api.stripe.com/v1/charges \
  -u YOUR_STRIPE_API_KEY: \
  -d "amount=100&currency=usd&source=tok_visa"

FAQ

What does issuer_not_available mean in Stripe? ▾

It means the card issuer is unreachable, preventing successful payment authorization.

How do I resolve the issuer_not_available error? ▾

Retry the payment after resolving any network issues or correcting API settings.

Is issuer_not_available a permanent error? ▾

No, it's typically temporary and resolves once the card issuer becomes reachable again.

Independent reference. Always verify against the official Stripe Declines documentation.