POS Terminals Error Code
Systems & Devices
POS Terminals
REVERSAL | Reversal required
Industry
Systems & Devices
Canonical
/systems/pos-terminals/error-codes/reversal-required/
Last Updated
Feb 27, 2026
Summary
The processor indicates a reversal/void is required to correct an incomplete or errored transaction state.
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What This Code Means
Reversal-required messages occur when a previous authorization attempt left the system in an inconsistent state (for example, host response was not received). The terminal/processor may attempt an automatic reversal, or prompt for a void/reversal to avoid duplicate charges.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- After a timeout or communication interruption
- When retrying a transaction immediately
Why This Code Appears
- Host response was interrupted
- Terminal lost connectivity mid-transaction
- Duplicate prevention logic triggered
What Typically Happens Next
- Terminal performs or requests a reversal
- Merchant may be instructed not to retry until reversal completes
What This Code Is Not
- It is not always a true double-charge
- It is not a customer card decline
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Follow terminal prompts for reversal/void
- □ Check the batch/transaction log to confirm final state
- □ If uncertain, contact processor support with the transaction timestamp
Notes And Edge Cases
Reversal behavior varies by processor; do not repeatedly retry without confirming the previous outcome.
Related Codes
8 links
- HOST UNAVAILABLE CodeHost unreachable
- BATCH NOT CLOSED CodeSettlement pending
- DECLINED CodeIssuer declined
- INVALID TID CodeTerminal ID invalid
- CALL ISSUER CodeIssuer contact required
- COMMUNICATION ERROR CodeHost communication failed
- DUPLICATE CodeDuplicate transaction
- KEYS NOT LOADED CodeEncryption keys missing
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