An ICC card error refers to a problem that prevents a payment transaction from completing, often indicating that the card's issuing bank has declined the transaction or that there's a technical issue with the card's chip.
What is an ICC Card Error?
An ICC card error, most notably an "ICC Declined" error, is a common issue encountered during point-of-sale (POS) transactions involving chip cards (often referred to as EMV or ICC cards). At its core, it signifies that a transaction cannot be processed successfully.
Specifically, an ICC Declined error means that the credit card issuer (the bank that issued the card) has declined the transaction. This often occurs because the card does not allow the specific type of transaction you are trying to process. For instance, the card might be configured by the issuer to prohibit certain transaction types, such as an offline transaction (where the card reader isn't connected to the internet at the time of purchase) or a purchase with cash transaction (which involves receiving cash back during a purchase).
Beyond issuer declines, an ICC card error can also point to technical problems with the integrated circuit card (ICC) chip itself, preventing the card reader from successfully reading the card data.
Common Causes of ICC Card Errors
ICC card errors stem from a variety of sources, broadly categorized into issuer-related declines and technical reading issues.
Issuer-Related Declines (ICC Declined)
These errors originate from the card-issuing bank and mean they have refused the transaction.
- Prohibited Transaction Type: The most direct cause, as per the reference, is when the card is not authorized for the specific transaction type being attempted. Examples include:
- An offline transaction being attempted when the card explicitly requires online authorization.
- A cash advance or purchase with cash transaction that the card issuer restricts.
- Insufficient Funds: The cardholder's account lacks the necessary balance to cover the transaction.
- Fraud Suspicion: The issuer's fraud detection system flags the transaction as potentially fraudulent.
- Expired Card: The card's expiration date has passed, making it invalid.
- Incorrect PIN/CVV: The cardholder entered an incorrect Personal Identification Number (PIN) or Card Verification Value (CVV).
- Card Blocked/Inactive: The card has been reported lost or stolen, or the account is frozen/inactive.
- Daily/Transaction Limits: The transaction exceeds predefined spending limits set by the issuer.
Technical Reading Errors
These issues arise when the card's chip or the card reader has a malfunction, preventing proper data exchange.
- Damaged Chip: The ICC chip on the card is scratched, bent, or otherwise physically damaged.
- Dirty Chip or Reader: Debris, dust, or residue on the chip or within the card reader slot can obstruct the electrical connection.
- Reader Malfunction: The POS terminal's chip reader may be faulty or require a software update.
- Improper Card Insertion: The card was not fully inserted into the reader or was removed too quickly.
Understanding ICC Declined Errors in Detail
When you encounter an "ICC Declined" error, it's crucial to understand that the refusal comes directly from the card issuer. Unlike a simple "declined" due to insufficient funds, an ICC Declined error specifically highlights that the issuer does not permit the nature of the transaction itself. This means even if there are sufficient funds, the transaction could still be rejected if it falls outside the card's permitted usage parameters. For example, some credit cards, particularly corporate cards or specific debit cards, might have strict rules against certain types of transactions to manage risk or control spending.
How to Resolve ICC Card Errors
Resolving an ICC card error often involves a few systematic steps, depending on whether the issue is technical or an issuer decline.
Common ICC Card Error Codes & Solutions
| Error Code/Message | Common Meaning | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Declined | Card issuer explicitly declined transaction type. | Try a different payment method. Contact card issuer for clarification. |
| Chip Read Error | Card chip could not be read. | Clean card chip, try reinserting. Try a different card. Use magnetic stripe (if allowed). |
| Invalid Card | Card is expired, inactive, or not recognized. | Check expiration date. Contact card issuer. Try a different card. |
| Insufficient Funds | Account balance is too low. | Use a different card. Pay with cash. |
| Transaction Not Allowed | Card or merchant not authorized for this transaction. | Contact card issuer. Merchant may need to adjust POS settings. |
| Call Issuer | Transaction requires direct authorization from bank. | Cardholder must call their bank for approval. |
Practical Troubleshooting Steps
- Re-attempt the Transaction: Sometimes, minor communication glitches occur. Ensure the card is inserted correctly and left in the reader until prompted to remove it.
- Inspect and Clean the Card:
- Check the card's chip for any visible damage (scratches, bends).
- Gently clean the chip with a soft cloth or a pencil eraser to remove dirt or smudges.
- Try a Different Payment Method: If the error persists, use a different credit/debit card, or an alternative payment method like cash or a mobile payment app.
- Contact the Card Issuer (Cardholder):
- If you receive an "ICC Declined" or "Call Issuer" message, call the customer service number on the back of your card.
- Inquire about the specific reason for the decline, especially if it's related to the transaction type.
- Verify if there are any restrictions on your card for offline or cash-related transactions.
- Contact Your Payment Processor (Merchant):
- If multiple cards are experiencing "Chip Read Errors" on a single terminal, the POS device might be faulty.
- Confirm your POS system's software is up to date and correctly configured for all transaction types.
- Your payment processor support can help diagnose terminal issues or network problems.
- Use the Magnetic Stripe (if available and permitted): In some cases, if the chip fails, the terminal may prompt you to swipe the card using the magnetic stripe. Note that EMV liability shift rules often make this less desirable for merchants as it shifts liability for fraud back to them.
Preventing Future Errors
For cardholders, keeping cards clean and undamaged is key. For merchants, ensuring your POS systems are regularly maintained, updated, and that staff are trained on proper card handling procedures can significantly reduce ICC card errors. Understanding the common reasons for declines, especially the specific "ICC Declined" type, helps both parties address issues more efficiently.
