POS Terminals Error Code
Systems & Devices
POS Terminals

CALL ISSUER | Issuer contact required

Industry
Systems & Devices
Canonical
/systems/pos-terminals/error-codes/call-issuer/
Last Updated
Feb 27, 2026
Summary

The terminal indicates the issuer requires the cardholder to contact them before approval.

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What This Code Means

“CALL ISSUER” is a common terminal prompt indicating the issuer requires intervention before authorizing the transaction. It is not a technical terminal fault; it reflects an issuer decision that usually cannot be resolved by retrying immediately.

Where Users Usually See This Code

  • Card-present checkout prompts
  • Settlement and batch close operations
  • Terminal pairing and configuration screens
  • During terminal software or key updates

Why This Code Appears

  • A payment decision was returned by the issuer/processor
  • Connectivity prevented reaching the host
  • Device configuration or keys were incomplete
  • A local device state blocked completion (paper out, update required)

What Typically Happens Next

  • The terminal displays a prompt and aborts the flow
  • The POS may ask to retry or use a different method
  • Final status must be confirmed in the processor record

What This Code Is Not

  • It is not always a decline
  • It is not safe to re-run a card without checking for duplicates

Troubleshooting Checklist

  • Determine whether the message is a decline or a technical failure
  • Confirm connectivity (Ethernet/Wi‑Fi/cellular) and signal quality
  • Check for required updates or key loading status
  • Confirm batch/settlement state if the error appears at close
  • Verify merchant configuration identifiers (TID/MID) if shown
  • Escalate with logs/receipts to the terminal vendor or processor

Notes And Edge Cases

Terminal prompts vary by device and processor; the most reliable source of truth is the processor’s final record.

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