Zeffy Help Center
Making a Payment

Troubleshooting payment errors - a guide for donors

Payment errors can happen for a number of reasons. Here's how to identify what's going on and get back on track quickly.

First, check the Basics

Before troubleshooting, make sure:

  • Credit card details are correct 💳 – double-check your card number, expiration date, and CVV.

  • All required fields are completed ❓ – some forms include mandatory custom questions. Scroll through the form to make sure nothing is missing.

  • You've checked your phone or email 🏦 – in rare cases, your bank may send a verification code to authorize the payment. Check for any messages from your bank before trying again.

Common Error Messages

If the basic troubleshooting steps did not help resolve the issue, here are additional details specific to each error message you could be receiving.

➡️ You cannot create a charge with the 'on_behalf_of' parameter set to a connected account with 'transfers' but without the 'card_payments' capability enabled.

This error means the organization you are trying to pay currently has outstanding verification or compliance requirements on their payment account, which is preventing them from processing payments. We recommend contacting the organization directly to either:

  • ask them to let you know once the issue has been resolved, or

  • request an alternative payment method in the meantime.

➡️ Error 203

Error 203 is one of the more common errors users encounter. Here's how to resolve it depending on your payment method.

If you were using Apple Pay or Google Pay:

Try the payment again, but this time enter your card details manually instead of using your digital wallet. When Apple Pay or Google Pay is used, billing details are pulled automatically from your wallet - if anything there is incomplete or outdated, the payment can fail. Entering your information directly on the form usually clears this right up.

If you were using a credit card:

This error is most commonly related to a browser or connection issue. Start by making sure your browser is up to date - you can check quickly at whatismybrowser.com. If an update is available, install it and try again.

If your browser is already up to date, try one or more of the following:

  • Turn off any VPN or proxy you may be using, as these can interfere with the security check during payment.

  • Try a different browser, device, or internet connection.

  • Temporarily disable browser extensions such as ad blockers or privacy tools, as these can sometimes block parts of the payment process.

If you were paying via ACH / PAD:

Error 203 is most often related to incomplete bank account verification. Try switching to an alternative verification method – specifically, if you've been entering your account information manually, try logging in to your online banking instead. This tends to resolve the issue.

If the error persists, contact your bank and ask them to confirm that no additional authentication requirements (such as two-factor authentication) are blocking the payment. You may also want to try a different payment method if one is available on the form.

Other Troubleshooting Steps

If you're seeing a different error or the steps above haven't resolved the issue, work through the following:

  • Close the tab and reopen it - Sometimes all it takes is a fresh start. Close the form tab and reopen the link.

  • Try a different browser - If you're on Chrome, try Firefox or Safari, and vice versa.

  • Switch devices - If you're on a computer, try a smartphone or tablet.

  • Clear your browser cache - Stored data can sometimes interfere with payments.

    • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data

    • Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data

    • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All

    • Reboot your device – A simple restart can clear temporary glitches affecting the payment process.

Additional Tips

Check your internet connection: A stable connection is essential for online payments. You can also try from an incognito window or a private LTE connection to rule out any network restrictions.

Disable ad blockers: Ad blockers can occasionally interfere with payment forms. Try disabling them temporarily and retrying.

Still Having Trouble?

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, our support team is happy to help! The fastest way to reach us is through our chat – click on the icon in the b head to zeffy.com and click the message icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.

When you reach out, let us know which payment method you were using and share the link to the campaign where the payment is being made — that way we can take a closer look and get things sorted as quickly as possible. 💚

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