What does "Your card does not support this type of purchase" mean?

Short answer: the customer's bank turned down this card for this kind of purchase. It isn't a problem with your Stripe account or the app — and nothing on your side will change it. Ask for a different card.

Why does it happen?

You'll see this message when the card issuer declines the charge with Stripe's card_not_supported code. It means the card itself is restricted, whether the customer tapped, inserted, or typed it. The most common cases:

• HSA and FSA cards. These usually only work at healthcare providers and pharmacies, so the bank declines any other kind of purchase.
• Cards from another country. Some banks block purchases made outside their own country.
• Bank-set limits. Some issuers restrict other purchase types too. Only the bank knows the exact rule.

What should I do?

1. Ask for another card. Most customers get through on the next try.
2. If they really want to use this card, they'll need to call the number on the back of it. Stripe and the app only see the decline code the bank sends; the bank has the actual reason and is the only one who can lift the restriction.
3. Skip retrying the same card. The answer won't change, and a run of declines can make the bank more cautious with that card.

Is this the same as a regular decline?

Not quite. A plain "Your card was declined" can mean almost anything, while this message tells you the card isn't allowed for this purchase. For other decline messages, see My customer's cards keep getting declined and What does an insufficient funds error mean?

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