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Why Payments Aren’t Sent to the Network

“Not Sent to Network” errors occur when a payment is blocked before it even reaches the card network or issuer for processing. These blocks are typically initiated by payment processors or banks due to potential fraud detection or transaction anomalies. While these mechanisms are essential for preventing fraudulent transactions, they can sometimes unintentionally block legitimate payments.

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Typical Payment Flow

The diagram below illustrates the usual flow of a payment and where the “Not Sent to Network” issue occurs:
  1. The Customer submits their payment details.
  2. The Payment Processor validates the payment and performs fraud checks.
  3. If approved, the payment is sent to the Card Network (e.g., Visa, MasterCard).
  4. The Issuer Bank authorizes or declines the payment.
If a payment is flagged during fraud checks by the Payment Processor, it is Not Sent to the Network, resulting in a block.

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Common Reasons for “Not Sent to Network” Errors

Here are some common reasons why payments might be blocked at the processor stage:
  • Fraud Detection Mechanisms: Transactions flagged due to unusual patterns or mismatched details.
  • Issuer Bank Policies: Blocks based on spending limits, regional restrictions, or account activity.
  • Unusual Transaction Amounts: Amounts outside the customer’s typical range.
  • Repeated Payment Attempts: Multiple retries in a short timeframe.
  • Behavioral Changes: Sudden shifts in the customer’s purchasing habits.
  • Incomplete or Incorrect Data: Errors like invalid CVV or expired card details.

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The Impact of False Positives

False positives can disrupt legitimate payments, causing:
  • Frustration for customers.
  • Increased involuntary churn.
  • Revenue loss due to unnecessary payment blocks.

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How Slicker Can Help

Slicker’s Whitelist Management feature analyzes flagged payments and selectively approves legitimate ones. It evaluates risk scores, transaction amounts, and customer history to minimize disruptions and ensure legitimate payments are processed. For more details, visit the Whitelist Management page.
By understanding the payment flow and addressing false positives proactively, you can improve your approval rates and reduce churn.