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Square Payment Failed

The error message “Square Payment Failed (Status code GENERIC_DECLINE: Authorization error: ‘GENERIC_DECLINE’)” indicates the payment was declined by the customer’s bank, not Square. This decline can occur for several reasons, and the customer’s bank is the best source for specific details.

What the error means:

GENERIC_DECLINE:
This error code means Square received a decline from the card issuer without any specific reason being provided.
Authorization error:
This indicates that the bank’s authorization system failed to approve the transaction.

Possible reasons for the decline:

Incorrect card information:
The customer may have entered an incorrect card number, expiration date, or CVV.
Insufficient funds:
The customer’s account may not have sufficient funds to cover the purchase.
Bank’s security measures:
The bank may have flagged the transaction as suspicious due to unusual spending patterns or other factors.
Temporary issues with the bank:
There might be temporary problems with the bank’s system.
Outdated card information:
If the card details were previously stored on file, they may have become outdated.

Troubleshooting and next steps:

Customer Contact:
The best course of action is to have the customer contact their card-issuing bank. The bank can provide specific reasons for the decline and help resolve the issue.
Verify Card Details:
Double-check that all card information (number, expiration date, CVV, billing address) is accurate.
Update Card on File:
If the card details are stored on file, consider prompting the customer to update them.
Alternative Payment Methods:
If the card decline persists, offer the customer alternative payment methods.
Check Square’s Dashboard:
Review your Square dashboard for any specific details or reports related to the declined payment.
Consider Fraud Prevention Measures:
If you’re experiencing a high number of declines, you may want to implement additional fraud prevention measures.
Contact Square Support:
If you’ve exhausted all other options, contact Square support for assistance.