Why did I get result code 13?

This referral transaction requires approval via voice authorization by contacting your merchant bank and submitting a voice (TRXTYPE=F) transaction.

The following reasons can produce result code 13:

  • The cardholder's bank has refused the transaction because a voice referral is being issued. This is equivalent to a "Call Center" response.
  • Merchants using TSYS: An incorrect ZIP code is on record at the processor or at PayPal.
  • Some transactions can't be authorized over the internet (for example, high dollar amounts) and require manual authorization.

If you get this error message, try to resolve it using one of the following methods:

Transaction declined

Typically, you request a voice authorization from a card-issuing bank when you receive a referral error message. This error message indicates that the card issuer is requesting direct contact with you to authorize the sale. Have your merchant account information (Merchant ID, etc.), the credit card number, expiration date, and the amount available before contacting the bank.

  • For Mastercard and Visa, see your monthly statement for the toll-free authorization phone number or contact the customer service department of your merchant bank.
  • For American Express, Discover and Diners Authorization Only/Authorization Deposit, contact their authorization center.
  • If the credit card number isn't available, contact the cardholder to get it.

If the bank approves the transaction, they’ll give you a voice authorization code. You can enter it online using the Virtual Terminal within PayPal Manager. Here's how:

  1. Log in to PayPal Manager.
  2. Click Virtual Terminal.
  3. Click Single Transaction.
  4. In Step 1, set the following values:
    • Tender Type - Credit Card.
    • Transaction Type - Voice Authorization.
    • Credit Card Number - The whole credit card number, using no spaces or dashes.
    • Voice Authorization Number - The six-digit voice authorization code.
    • Transaction Mode - Live.
  5. Click Submit.
  6. In Step 2, complete additional transaction details, including the expiration date and approved dollar amount.
  7. Click Submit.

You should then receive an approval message on the next screen indicating that the transaction has been completed.

You can also submit Voice Authorization transactions via API by including the AUTHCODE in your request. Below is an example of a Voice Authorization request parameter string:

TRXTYPE=F&TENDER=C&PARTNER=PayPal&VENDOR=SuperMerchant&USER=SuperMerchant&PWD=x1y2z3&AUTHCODE=AB3456&ACCT=5555555555554444&EXPDATE=1215&AMT=123.00&VERBOSITY=HIGH

Note: Voice authorizations are immediate sales, settled with the current batch. No additional capture is needed.

Note: Voice authorizations aren't available when processing through PayPal.

TSYS - Incorrect ZIP code

If your processor is TSYS, contact your merchant bank to verify your ZIP code on file with TSYS. After confirming this information, contact Payflow Support and ask to have your TSYS information updated.

Transaction requires manual authorization

Follow your organization's procedures for handling such transactions.

See also:
RESULT Values and RESPMSG Text

More ways we can help

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