61 | Exceeds withdrawal limit
This code indicates the issuer declined the request because it exceeded the account’s permitted withdrawal or transaction limit.
What This Code Means
Response code 61 (“Exceeds withdrawal limit”) is returned when an authorization would exceed an issuer-defined limit for the account. Depending on transaction context, this can represent cash withdrawal limits, daily spending caps, per-transaction thresholds, or other issuer-imposed boundaries. The issuer uses internal rules to evaluate limits that may not be visible to the merchant. This code is not a statement that the account has no funds; it indicates the request exceeds a limit rule. It also does not indicate a system error; it is an issuer policy decision outcome.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- ATM or cash-like transaction declines
- Payment gateway logs for high-amount transactions flagged by issuer limits
- Processor reports listing response code 61
Why This Code Appears
- Transaction amount exceeds per-transaction limit
- Daily or rolling limits were reached before this request
- Issuer-imposed limits apply to the transaction type or channel
- Account controls restrict withdrawals or cash-equivalent activity
What Typically Happens Next
- Authorization is declined
- Transaction does not complete
- Further attempts at the same level may also be declined until limits reset or change
What This Code Is Not
- It is not insufficient funds (see 51)
- It is not a restricted card status (see 62)
- It is not an issuer system outage (see 91)
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Review authorization logs to confirm transaction type, channel, and amount
- □ Identify whether multiple authorizations occurred close together
- □ Record the decline code for reconciliation and customer support reference
- □ Use official issuer support channels if limit-based declines appear inconsistent with expected account controls
Notes And Edge Cases
Limit evaluations can include pending authorizations, making a request appear to exceed limits even when posted totals look lower. Different transaction types may have separate limits, so the same amount may be accepted as a purchase but declined as a cash-like transaction. Issuer-specific interpretation of “withdrawal limit” can also lead to this code appearing outside traditional ATM contexts. The response code does not specify which limit category was exceeded.