A
Authorize.netAuthorize 251
Fraud Detection Suite Decline
Fraud/Security
Suspected fraudulent activity or security blocks
Do Not Retry
Retry will not succeed
Description
The transaction was declined as a result of triggering one or more Fraud Detection Suite (FDS) filters.
Recommended Action
Review the FDS filter that triggered the decline. Adjust filter settings if needed.
Common Causes
- Transaction matched one or more FDS filter rules
- High-risk transaction characteristics
- IP, shipping, or velocity filters triggered
Recovery Tips
- Review and tune your FDS filter settings in the Merchant Interface
- Use FDS in report-only mode initially to test filter accuracy
Quick Reference
Code
251
Category
Fraud/Security
Retryable
No
Source
Authorize
Recoverability verdict
Retrying 251 will not work
This is a hard decline. Retrying code 251 will not recover the payment. But most merchants seeing this code also have soft declines they are not recovering. Check what your retry strategy is leaving behind.
Related Decline Codes
4Non-Retryable
Pick Up Card
The issuer has flagged this card for pickup. This typically indicates the card has been reported lost, stolen, or is associated with fraud.
5Non-Retryable
Invalid Amount
The transaction amount is invalid. A valid numeric amount is required.
6Non-Retryable
Invalid Credit Card Number
The credit card number provided is invalid. The number did not pass basic validation checks.
7Non-Retryable
Invalid Expiration Date
The credit card expiration date format is invalid.