In the world of EMV transactions, understanding error codes is essential for diagnosing issues during certification and live transactions. Error codes provide a quick insight into why a transaction might have failed or was declined, helping merchants, developers, and payment solution providers to identify and resolve issues efficiently. Let’s explore some of the most common EMV error codes and their meanings.

1. Code 00: Successful Transaction

Code 00 signifies a successful transaction, indicating that the EMV process from start to finish completed without issues. For payment terminals and EMV software, this is the expected result. However, if a specific terminal or transaction regularly produces codes other than 00, it may indicate an underlying problem with network connectivity, terminal configuration, or card compatibility.

2. Code 91: Issuer or Switch Inoperative

Error code 91 usually indicates that the card issuer or the transaction switch is temporarily offline. This could be due to connectivity issues between the terminal and the issuer’s network, or maintenance downtime on the issuer’s side. For businesses, regular network tests can reduce the likelihood of connectivity problems. When code 91 appears, it is recommended to check network connectivity and try again. If the error persists, it may need escalation to the issuer’s support team.

3. Code 05: Do Not Honor

This error, typically displayed as “Do Not Honor,” signals that the transaction was declined by the card issuer without any detailed reason. The cause could vary from potential fraud flags to account restrictions. In this case, merchants should advise customers to contact their bank for further assistance. For merchants or terminal providers, recurring occurrences of code 05 could indicate a configuration mismatch with the acquirer or issuer settings, requiring further investigation.

4. Code 51: Insufficient Funds

Code 51 indicates that the cardholder has insufficient funds to complete the transaction. This error is commonly seen with debit cards, where the account balance directly impacts transaction approvals. In such cases, the merchant should inform the cardholder to verify their balance and try again. Frequent occurrences of code 51 may suggest that additional customer education is needed on checking balances before transactions.

5. Code 57: Transaction Not Permitted to Cardholder

Error code 57 often appears when a cardholder attempts to perform a transaction that the issuer has restricted. This could be due to various reasons, such as geographical restrictions, transaction type limitations, or temporary account blocks. For instance, some banks may block international transactions by default or restrict online purchases unless specifically authorized by the cardholder. In such situations, the cardholder should reach out to their bank to clarify any limitations and, if necessary, request changes to their account settings.

6. Code 61: Exceeds Withdrawal Amount Limit

When code 61 appears, it signifies that the transaction amount exceeds the daily or transaction limit set by the card issuer. This code is particularly relevant for high-value purchases or withdrawals. Merchants should advise cardholders to check with their bank regarding withdrawal limits or consider splitting the transaction into multiple smaller transactions if feasible. Additionally, this error may indicate that a corporate or cardholder-imposed spending limit is active.

7. Code 78: Invalid or Missing Application

Code 78 can occur if the EMV terminal or application is misconfigured, outdated, or missing essential application components required for the transaction. This error is often seen during the certification phase or after a software update. To resolve this, merchants and developers should ensure that the terminal software and EMV applications are fully up-to-date and correctly configured according to the latest EMV standards. Code 78 highlights the importance of regular maintenance, updates, and testing of EMV systems to prevent disruptions in service.

Conclusion

Each of these EMV error codes provides crucial information for diagnosing and resolving transaction issues. From successful transactions to connectivity problems, each code guides merchants and service providers toward specific actions to maintain smooth operations. Ensuring accurate terminal configuration, consistent network stability, and keeping software up-to-date are fundamental in minimizing transaction issues. With a clear understanding of these common error codes, businesses can enhance the reliability of their payment processing and provide a better experience for cardholders.