Stripe decline code
incorrect_cvc
The CVC (the 3- or 4-digit security code) submitted with the card didn't match what the issuer expects.
Primary source: Stripe’s official decline codes reference
Why it happens
- The customer mistyped the security code.
- The stored card details are out of date after a reissue.
- The wrong card's CVC was entered.
Should you retry it?
No — the customer must update their card
Re-charging the same stored details will keep failing. The customer needs to re-enter the correct card information.
How to recover it
Prompt the customer to re-enter their card on a secure update page so the correct CVC is captured.
Retrying won't fix this code — the customer has to act. Recoverly's approve-first sequence emails the customer a Stripe-hosted payment page where they can update their card in one click. Recoverly never charges or retries cards itself.
See how much failed-payment revenue you can recover
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Written by the Recoverly team · Published June 25, 2026 · Last reviewed July 17, 2026
Recoverly finds invoices Stripe’s retries left unpaid and — with your approval — sends payment-update emails, then verifies what actually came back. This page is informational and not affiliated with Stripe.