Introduction
When processing an authorization transaction, you may receive reason code 230. This code indicates a mismatch between the Card Verification Number (CVN) entered and the number on file with the issuing bank. This article explains the cause, options for resolution, and recent policy changes from the major card networks.
Overview
| Reason Code | 230 |
|---|---|
| Cause | Card Verification Number (CVN) Mismatch. The authorization was approved by the issuing bank, but declined during processing due to CVN mismatch. This is considered a soft decline. |
Resolution
This is a soft decline. You may choose to:
- Approve the transaction (if you are certain it is not fraudulent) and proceed to settle it.
- Reject the transaction and process an Authorization Reversal to release the funds on hold.
You may perform a settlement or authorization reversal from within the Business Center or through an API call.
Process a Settlement or Authorization Reversal in Business Center
- Sign in to the Business Center.
- Select Transaction Management > Transaction.
- Search for the transaction.
- Select the transaction's Request ID to view the Transaction Management Details page.
- From the top right, select SETTLEMENT or AUTHORIZATION REVERSAL.
Ignore a Soft Decline via API
To prevent soft declines for CVN mismatch, you can configure your API requests to ignore the Card Verification Number result using the following field values:
| API | Field/Value |
|---|---|
| SCMP API / Secure Acceptance | ignore_bad_cv=yes |
| Simple Order API / SOAP Toolkit API | businessRules_ignoreCVResult=true |
| REST API | ignoreCvResult: true |
Network Guidelines
- Visa: Since April 2018, issuers cannot charge back a transaction solely because of a CVV2 mismatch. Merchants may choose to ignore CVN mismatches and automatically settle Visa authorizations.
- Mastercard: Since April 12, 2024, issuers cannot seek fraud chargebacks for approved authorizations with CVC2 mismatches. Merchants may choose to ignore CV mismatch and automatically settle Mastercard authorizations.
- American Express: Beginning April 2024, Amex will no longer place fraud chargeback liability on the merchant for authorized Card-Not-Present (CNP) transactions with CID mismatch. Merchants may choose to ignore CV mismatch and automatically settle Amex authorizations.
- Discover: Settling transactions with a CVV/CID mismatch may increase fraud risk. Merchants should consider not automatically settling these authorizations.
Additional Information
- For a list of all reply codes for CVV (CVN) validation, refer to the our Support Article: Where can I find a list of all the reply codes for CVV (CVN) validation
Reference
For an extensive list of reason codes, refer to Support Article: Payments - What does this Reason Code mean?