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Last updated: June 4, 2026
The following error codes can be returned in the cancel URL the merchant receives. The format for the error codes returned in the cancel URL is: example.com/checkout/cancel?errorcode=internal_server_error&token=XXX.
Note: The query parameters in the cancel URL are not case sensitive.
| Error code | Description |
|---|---|
order_not_confirmed | The order hasn't been validated. You might see this error when the order status is not in the PAYER_ACTION_REQUIRED state or when a payment method hasn't been attached to the order. Call the Confirm payment method endpoint. |
system_config_error | An authentication failure has occurred or the request is invalid. |
invalid_payment_method | An unexpected payment method is attached to the order. This can happen when the wrong order ID is attached to a payment method. Confirm the order ID is correct. |
payee_not_enabled_for_payment_method | You aren't authorized to accept this payment method. |
payment_method_change_not_allowed | Related to idempotency check. Make sure the following aren't missing or incorrect: the PayPal-Request-Id, the payment ID, and the payment payload. |
processing_error | Related to idempotency check. The PayPal-Request-Id and payload match an order, but the order is no longer in the PENDING state. |
min_amount_required_by_payment_method | The transaction amount doesn't meet the minimum transaction requirement of the payment method. |
payment_method_error | The transaction initiation was declined by the payment method. |
declined_by_payment_method | The transaction initiation was declined by the payment method. |
currency_not_supported_by_payment_method | The currency specified isn't supported by the payment method. |
country_not_supported_by_payment_method | The country specified isn't supported by the payment method. |
invalid_expiry_date | Expiry date should be a date in future and within the threshold for the payment source. |
unsupported_processing_instruction | The specified processing_instruction isn't supported for the given payment_source. Please refer to processing_instruction for the list of payment_source options that you can use for this value. |
order_complete_on_payment_approval | A processing_instruction of ORDER_COMPLETE_ON_PAYMENT_APPROVAL is required for the specified payment_source. |
order_completion_in_progress | The order was created with a processing_instruction of ORDER_COMPLETE_ON_PAYMENT_APPROVAL. The customer has approved the payment and PayPal is still in the process of capturing the order on your behalf as instructed. Please try your request again. |
internal_server_error | This error includes: encryption/description, database connection issues, timeouts, and unknown errors. |
not_enabled_for_payment_source | The API caller or payee can't process the selected payment source. If you have already completed the steps to authorize the API caller or payee, allow 2 business days for PayPal to complete the setup. If you continue to receive this error, contact your Account Manager or check the request status. |
payment_error | All other errors. |
Custom payment field styles
Use PayPal's style options to match your checkout design by customizing the style of payment fields with supported variables and rules parameters.
Authorization and honor period
Understand PayPal's authorization and honor period for two-step payments, including capture timing, reauthorization, and partial captures.