14 | Invalid card number
This code indicates the authorization was declined because the card number failed validation checks.
What This Code Means
Response code 14 (“Invalid card number”) is returned when the primary account number (PAN) does not pass validation or does not map to an acceptable account in the issuer/network systems. This can include incorrect digits, failed check digit validation, or a number that is not recognized as a valid card account. The code reflects card number validation, not available funds. It does not indicate whether the cardholder attempted a valid purchase; it indicates the identifier presented cannot be processed as a valid card number. The decline may occur before deeper account checks are performed.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Online checkout gateway decline messages
- POS terminal declines for manual entry or chip/magstripe read issues
- Processor authorization logs showing response code 14
Why This Code Appears
- Card number entered incorrectly
- Card number failed validation rules (such as check digit)
- Card data capture produced corrupted/partial PAN
- Issuer/network could not recognize the PAN as valid for authorization
What Typically Happens Next
- Authorization is declined immediately
- Merchant system records the decline as invalid card number
- A corrected or valid PAN may be required for successful authorization
What This Code Is Not
- It is not insufficient funds (see 51)
- It is not a generic issuer decline (see 05)
- It is not an invalid amount response (see 13)
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Verify the card number handling and capture method recorded in transaction logs
- □ Compare the failed transaction entry method with successful transactions
- □ Document the response code for support and reconciliation
- □ Use official processor support workflows if invalid PAN responses occur at scale
Notes And Edge Cases
Card number validation failures can occur when data is captured incorrectly (for example, incomplete manual entry or partial read errors). Some environments mask or tokenize PANs; mismatches in token handling can surface as “invalid card number” depending on processor mapping. Code 14 does not describe whether other fields were correct; it isolates the PAN as the failing validation target. In some situations, the merchant may see code 14 even when the cardholder believes the number is correct, due to formatting or data capture differences.