authentication_required
Customer must complete 3D Secure authentication.
What just happened
Issuer requires Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) — common in EU under PSD2.
Retry strategy
Don't retry blindly. Send the customer a 3DS confirmation link.
What to tell the customer
Your bank requires you to confirm this charge. Click the link to authenticate.
Recommended action
Surface a hosted Stripe 3DS confirmation flow. Email customer immediately with auth link.
Want to see what this looks like on your Stripe?
See how often "authentication_required" hits your Stripe account in the last 30 days — and how much MRR is at risk because of it.
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is "authentication_required" a soft or hard decline?+
It's classified as a soft decline: Temporary issue. Retry later — most resolve within 7 days with the right cadence.
Should I retry a "authentication_required" decline?+
Don't retry blindly. Send the customer a 3DS confirmation link.
What should I tell my customer when this happens?+
Your bank requires you to confirm this charge. Click the link to authenticate.
How do I prevent this decline going forward?+
Surface a hosted Stripe 3DS confirmation flow. Email customer immediately with auth link.
Does Rechurn handle this decline code automatically?+
Yes. Rechurn classifies "authentication_required" and runs the optimal retry cadence with a personalized email sequence. Run a free audit to see how many of your failed charges are this code.