A
AdyenAdyen 38
Authentication Required
Soft Decline
Temporary failures that may succeed on retry
Retryable
This decline may succeed on retry
Description
The issuer declined the authentication exemption request and requires 3D Secure authentication.
Recommended Action
Retry the transaction with 3D Secure authentication.
Common Causes
- Authentication exemption was not granted by issuer
- SCA/PSD2 regulation requires authentication
Recovery Tips
- Retry with 3D Secure enabled
- For recurring payments, authenticate the card when setting up the mandate
Quick Reference
Code
38
Category
Soft Decline
Retryable
Yes
Source
Adyen
Recoverability verdict
This is a soft decline. This revenue is often recoverable.
Payments failing with code 38 are often recoverable with the right retry timing and routing. Slicker recovers up to 70% of soft declines with smart retries.
Related Decline Codes
2Retryable
Refused
The transaction was refused by the issuer without additional information.
3Retryable
Referral
The issuer requires a referral — typically a voice authorisation or manual review.
4Retryable
Acquirer Error
The transaction did not go through due to an error on the acquirer's end.
7Retryable
Invalid Amount
An amount mismatch occurred during the transaction process.