American Express Payment Decline Code
American Express Decline Code 122: Invalid Card Security Code
Category Fraud or SecurityRetry Guidance Hard Decline (Editorial Classification)By Payment Defender Editorial TeamUpdated July 17, 2026Last reviewed July 17, 2026
What American Express Decline Code 122 Means
American Express declined the transaction because the card security code (CID) submitted did not match the value on file.
Where the Response May Come From
This response comes from American Express. The security code provided did not match, which is a common fraud-prevention safeguard.
Common Reasons for This Response
Common causes include a mistyped security code, an incorrect code from a stored profile, or a card the customer does not physically hold.
Should the Merchant Retry the Payment?
Retrying with the same code will not succeed. A corrected security code is required before another attempt.
Recommended Merchant Action
Prompt the customer to re-enter the four-digit code from the front of their American Express card, or use another card.
What to Tell the Customer
Ask the customer to check the four-digit code on the front of their American Express card and re-enter it.
How to Reduce Similar Payment Failures
Requiring and validating the security code at checkout may reduce fraud exposure while helping legitimate customers correct entry errors.
Important Limitations
Decline-code meanings vary by processor, gateway, and payment environment, and American Express does not always disclose the specific reason behind a response. The retry classification on this page is Payment Defender editorial guidance, not an official network rule. Merchants should confirm handling with their processor or gateway.
Related Decline Codes
Sources and Review Information
- American Express: American Express Merchant Regulations
- PayPal Braintree: Braintree Processor Response Codes
Last reviewed July 17, 2026
Raw network-response codes are supplemental to the complete processor or gateway response. Meanings and recommended actions can vary by issuer, processor, gateway, card network, payment method, region, and merchant configuration.