Stripe decline code
invalid_number
The card number provided is not a valid card number.
Primary source: Stripe’s official decline codes reference
Why it happens
- A digit was mistyped when the card was entered.
- The card number changed after a reissue.
- Corrupted or incomplete stored card data.
Should you retry it?
No — the customer must update their card
An invalid number can't be charged no matter how many times you retry. The customer must provide a correct card.
How to recover it
Send a secure card-update link so the customer can enter a valid card number.
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
Connect Stripe (we only read) and Recoverly shows your recoverable revenue in 30 seconds.
Related decline codes
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.