If you use Authorize.Net to process payments, you may have encountered error messages that can be confusing. These errors can stop transactions, delay orders, or even cause frustration for customers. Understanding Authorize.Net error codes is essential to quickly identifying and fixing issues, ensuring smooth and secure payment processing.

Authorize.Net is a widely used payment gateway that allows businesses to accept credit card payments online. Like any system, it has built-in security checks and transaction rules. When something goes wrong—whether due to incorrect card details, network issues, or fraud protection filters—the system generates an error code. Each code has a specific meaning, helping merchants, developers, and support teams diagnose the problem and find a solution.

Some error codes are simple, like entering the wrong CVV code or an expired card. Others are more technical, such as API configuration errors or gateway connection failures. While these errors might seem complex at first, knowing what they mean can save time and prevent lost sales.

In this guide, we will explain the most common Authorize.Net error codes, why they happen, and how to fix them. Whether you are a business owner, developer, or customer service representative, this knowledge will help you troubleshoot issues quickly and keep your payment system running smoothly.

When processing payments online, encountering errors can be frustrating. If you use Authorize.Net, you may have seen error codes that stop transactions from going through. These errors happen for various reasons, like incorrect payment details, system issues, or fraud protection settings.

Understanding these Authorize.Net error codes can help you quickly identify and fix problems, ensuring smooth and successful transactions. In this guide, we’ll explain 11 common error codes, their causes, and easy solutions—even if you’re not a technical expert.

Error Code 2 – Transaction Declined

What it means: The customer’s bank rejected the transaction. This could be due to insufficient funds, incorrect card details, or fraud detection rules.

How to fix it:

  • Ask the customer to check their card details and try again.
  • If the issue persists, the customer should contact their bank to find out why the transaction was declined.

Error Code 13 – Amount Error

What it means: The transaction amount is invalid. This can happen if the amount is negative, zero, or exceeds the allowed limit.

How to fix it:

  • Double-check the amount entered.
  • Make sure the amount follows Authorize.Net’s transaction limits.

Error Code E00001 – General System Error

What it means: There is a temporary issue with Authorize.Net’s servers or an internal processing error.

How to fix it:

  • Wait a few minutes and try again.
  • Check Authorize.Net’s status page for any ongoing system outages.

Error Code 14 – Invalid Card Number

What it means: The card number entered is incorrect or doesn’t pass verification.

How to fix it:

  • Ensure the card number is entered correctly, without spaces or typos.
  • Ask the customer to try a different card if the issue persists.

Error Code E00003 – Invalid Field

What it means: Some required information is missing or incorrectly formatted.

How to fix it:

  • Check the payment form to ensure all necessary details are filled in correctly.
  • If using an online store, verify that all required fields are mapped correctly.

Error Code 33 – Expired Card

What it means: The card used for the transaction has expired.

How to fix it:

  • Ask the customer to use a card with a valid expiration date.
  • Update any saved payment details in their account if applicable.

Error Code 37 – Card Type Not Accepted

What it means: The merchant account does not support the type of card used.

How to fix it:

  • Confirm which card types your Authorize.Net account supports.
  • Ask the customer to use a different payment method.

Error Code E00007 – User Authentication Failed

What it means: The API login credentials (Merchant ID, Transaction Key) are incorrect.

How to fix it:

  • Log into your Authorize.Net Merchant Interface and verify that the API Login ID and Transaction Key are correctly entered.
  • If needed, generate a new Transaction Key and update it in your payment system.

Error Code 45 – Transaction Not Allowed

What it means: The type of transaction (e.g., refund, void, or charge) is not allowed for the account.

How to fix it:

  • Check your Authorize.Net account settings to ensure that the transaction type is enabled.
  • If refunds are not allowed, you may need to contact Authorize.Net support to enable them.

Error Code 103 – Merchant ID or Transaction Key is Invalid

What it means: The API credentials used for payment processing are incorrect or expired.

How to fix it:

  • Verify your Merchant ID and Transaction Key in your Authorize.Net settings.
  • If necessary, generate a new Transaction Key and update it where required.

Error Code E00027 – Access Denied

What it means: The request was blocked due to permission restrictions.

How to fix it:

  • Ensure the API credentials being used have the necessary permissions to process payments.
  • If you are an admin, update the user permissions in Authorize.Net to allow the required actions.

 

Payment processing is a crucial part of any online business. Errors in transactions can directly impact revenue, customer satisfaction, and business credibility. Studies show that 82% of consumers will abandon their purchase if they experience payment failure [Baymard Institute]. Additionally, businesses lose an estimated $118 billion annually due to payment failures caused by incorrect data, expired cards, and fraud protection settings [Forrester Research].

Understanding and resolving Authorize.Net error codes is essential to maintaining smooth financial transactions. Recurring payment failures can lead to chargebacks, disputes, and increased operational costs. Chargeback fees alone can cost businesses between $20 to $100 per dispute, not including lost revenue and damage to merchant reputation [Chargebacks911].

How Payment Errors Impact Business

  • Revenue Loss: Failed transactions mean lost sales. If errors are not resolved promptly, potential customers may switch to competitors.
  • Customer Trust: Frequent transaction issues create frustration, leading to poor customer experiences and negative reviews.
  • Operational Costs: Resolving payment failures requires customer support, IT resources, and potential fees from banks and payment gateways.
  • Higher Abandonment Rates: A study by Statista found that 48% of online shoppers abandon their cart due to payment processing issues [Statista].

Steps to Minimize Payment Failures

  • Regularly Monitor Transactions: Use Authorize.Net’s reporting tools to detect and resolve frequent errors.
  • Update API Credentials: Ensure that API Login IDs and Transaction Keys are current to avoid authentication failures.
  • Enable Card Updater: Many payment processors offer automatic updates for expired cards to reduce declines.
  • Provide Alternative Payment Methods: Offering multiple payment options (PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay) can help mitigate card-specific errors.

By proactively managing these issues, businesses can ensure smooth transactions, enhance customer satisfaction, and reduce unnecessary costs. Addressing Authorize.Net error codes promptly will help maintain a seamless checkout experience and build long-term customer trust.

For further reading on payment security and optimization, visit Authorize.Net’s official resources.