Fix Stripe Payment Error: 'Do Not Honor' & Card Declined

Updated: 11/29/2025

You are trying to buy something online, and the checkout shakes 'No'. The error message is vague: 'Your card was declined.' or the specific bank code 'do_not_honor'. This is not a technical error with the website; it is a specific refusal from your Bank sent to the Stripe payment gateway.

What does 'Do Not Honor' mean?

This is the most common decline code. It literally means your bank looked at the transaction and said 'No' without giving a specific reason. It usually happens for:

• Suspicion of fraud (Unusual purchase location).
• Daily spending limit reached.
• Frozen card.

Method 1: Call Your Bank (The Only Real Fix)

Since the block is on the Bank's side, clicking 'Pay' again won't work.

Step 1: Call Number on Card

Call the support number on the back of your card.

Step 2: Authorize

Tell them: 'I am trying to make a purchase for $[Amount] at [Merchant]. Please whitelist this transaction.'. Once they lift the flag, wait 1 minute and try again.

Method 2: Check AVS (Zip Code) Mismatch

Stripe enforces strict Address Verification System (AVS) checks.

If you moved recently, your billing address might still be the old one. Ensure the Zip Code you enter matches exactly what is on your monthly bank statement.

Method 3: Use a Different Card Network

If a Visa transaction is failing due to network congestion, try a Mastercard or Amex if available. Sometimes specific card processing routes go down temporarily.