Offline PIN Required
What This Means
The card requires an offline PIN for authorization, which is not possible for online transactions. This typically occurs with certain debit cards, especially in European markets. SaaS businesses should suggest an alternative card.
Retrying will likely fail again. The customer needs to update their payment method or contact their bank.
Common Causes
- 1European debit card (e.g., Maestro) that requires PIN authentication
- 2Card configuration only allows chip-and-PIN transactions
- 3Bank requires PIN verification for all transactions on this card type
Recovery Tactics
- 1Ask the customer to use a different card that supports online transactions
- 2Suggest credit cards or other debit cards without PIN requirements
- 3Consider offering alternative payment methods like bank transfers or SEPA
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FAQ
Can I bypass the PIN requirement for online charges?
No. If the card requires an offline PIN, it fundamentally cannot be used for card-not-present (online) transactions. The customer must use a different card or payment method.
Which cards require offline PINs?
This is most common with European Maestro debit cards and some other regional debit cards. Standard Visa and Mastercard credit cards do not require offline PINs for online transactions.
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Get a free churn health report. Find pending cancellations, failed payments, and expiring cards putting your MRR at risk.
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