When processing card payments, encountering Error 190 on a datafono can cause confusion and disrupt both sales and customer experience. This error appears when a transaction is declined by the card issuer without specifying the reason, commonly corresponding to a “Do Not Honor” response in card network protocols. Though vague, the issue is often related to the cardholder’s bank, account status, or technical transmission errors between systems.
What Is Error 190 on a Datafono?
Error 190 is a generic card transaction decline, shown when the card issuer refuses authorization but doesn’t give a specific explanation. On Visa and Mastercard networks, this maps to a Code 05: Do Not Honor response. (see Visa’s official rules and Mastercard decline codes).
While not necessarily indicating fraud or technical malfunction, the code implies the bank did not approve the transaction and hasn’t disclosed a reason.
This error can appear on various POS systems globally and in Spanish as: “Tarjeta denegada: causa 190.”
Common Causes of Error 190
Because Error 190 does not specify a detailed reason, it can be triggered by several underlying issues. Understanding the potential triggers helps users and merchants decide the next best course of action.
- Insufficient Funds
The cardholder’s account may not have enough balance or available credit to cover the purchase. - Exceeded Credit Limit or Daily Limit
Some cards have preset spending caps which, if breached, automatically result in a declined transaction. - Issuer Restrictions or Suspicious Activity Blocks
The card may be temporarily suspended due to fraud alerts, geographic use restrictions, or spending anomalies. - Card Usage Rules or Merchant Category Blocks
Some cards (e.g., business or prepaid cards) are not allowed to process payments in specific merchant categories. - Technical or Network Failures
Communication errors between the terminal, payment gateway, and the bank can also cause Error 190. - Issuer System Downtime
The card-issuing bank’s authorization servers may be temporarily offline or undergoing maintenance.
How Merchants Can Fix Error 190
When Error 190 appears during checkout, merchants should follow a structured troubleshooting process to avoid lost sales and maintain customer satisfaction.
- Request Customer Verification
Ask the customer to check their available funds or credit through their mobile banking app or contact their bank. - Retry the Transaction
After confirming terminal connectivity, retrying the payment often resolves transient issues. - Offer an Alternative Payment Option
Suggest using a different card, mobile payment (e.g., Apple Pay), or cash to complete the sale. - Check Terminal Connection and Configuration
Make sure the POS terminal is connected to a stable network. Restart the terminal if necessary. - Contact Your Payment Processor
If multiple cards are declined or issues persist, escalate the matter to your merchant service provider for backend investigation.
What Customers Should Do When Receiving Error 190
Cardholders can also take proactive steps to resolve the issue when their card is unexpectedly declined.
- Review Account Status
Log in to mobile or online banking to check for sufficient funds, available credit, or suspicious activity alerts. - Contact the Bank
Call the number on the back of the card to get clarity on the transaction denial. The bank can provide insights and may authorize the payment manually. - Try a Lower Amount
Reduce the purchase value to test whether a card limit was breached. - Use a Different Card or Payment Method
Switching to another card or digital wallet is often the quickest solution.
Tips to Prevent Card Decline Error
Although this is a bank-level error, both merchants and customers can reduce the chance of running into it through best practices.
For Merchants:
- Keep POS software and hardware regularly updated.
- Maintain reliable internet connections on terminals.
- Train staff to handle declines professionally and guide customers through alternative options.
- Offer multiple payment methods to reduce reliance on card transactions alone.
For Customers:
- Monitor credit limits and available balances frequently.
- Inform your bank ahead of international or high-value transactions.
- Respond promptly to fraud alert notifications from your issuer.
When to Escalate the Issue
Sometimes, standard solutions won’t fix recurring instances of Error 190. It’s best to seek formal support in cases such as:
- All cards are being declined on a specific terminal despite funds being available.
- A specific cardholder experiences repeated declines across different merchant terminals.
- Your payment processor confirms there are no visible issues on their end.
In such cases, coordination between the merchant’s acquiring bank and the customer’s card issuer may be necessary to trace the authorization pathway and resolve systemic issues.
Error 190 may not always have an obvious explanation, but with the right approach, it can be managed efficiently. Understanding the nature of this generic decline, combined with proactive resolution steps from both parties, ensures that most transactions can proceed without long-term disruption.
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