When a transaction on your P5 credit card reader doesn’t go through, it can be confusing and frustrating, especially if the cause isn’t clear. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons a card might be declined on the P5 terminal, along with the error codes you might see and how to respond.

Common Reasons for Transaction Failures

• Bank Declines — These are the most common and may be due to insufficient funds, a reported lost card, or suspicious activity.
• Technical Issues — These include terminal malfunctions, poor internet connections, a damaged card, or user error like removing the card too quickly.
• Incorrect Information — Typing errors in the card number, expiration date, or CVV can lead to failed transactions.
• Expired Cards — An expired card won’t be accepted and must be replaced with a valid one.
• Fraud Prevention — Banks may decline a transaction if it triggers their fraud detection systems.
• Card Restrictions — Some cards are limited to specific transaction types or regions.
• Limits Exceeded — Banks may block transactions that go over set limits to protect against fraud.

Understanding Error Codes

For any transaction processed after April 11, 2024, you can see the specific error code on the Payments page in the Payment Portal. Just click the transaction to view its status and description.

Error Code Reference Guide

Important Notes

• If a transaction fails with any of these errors, no funds are captured.
• You won’t be able to capture the payment retroactively.