Alipay & WeChat Pay Error Code Master List
If you've encountered a strange error message or a confusing code while trying to pay in China, you're in the right place. This master list covers many of the less common issues foreigners face.
| Error Code / Message | Possible Meaning | Quick Solution & Recommended Reading |
|---|---|---|
RISK_CONTROL or "Risk Detected" | The system's security algorithm flagged your payment as unusual (e.g., large amount, new device, unusual location). | Wait a few minutes and try again. Use a different network (Wi-Fi vs. cellular). For persistent issues, see our main Troubleshooting Guide. |
ACCOUNT_FROZEN or "Account has been frozen" | Your account is temporarily locked for security reasons, often related to failed verification or suspicious activity. | Try to re-do the Real-Name Verification process. Often, this is caused by a name issue. Please check our Name Mismatch Fix Guide. |
ISSUER_DECLINED or (C6-1011) | This is not an Alipay/WeChat Pay issue. Your own bank (Visa/Mastercard issuer) actively blocked the transaction. | Call the number on the back of your card and ask their fraud department to unblock transactions from China. See our specific Issuer Declined Guide. |
| "Unsupported Card for This Service" | The platform does not support your specific card type (e.g., it might be a pre-paid card, gift card, or from an unsupported network). | Try a different card, preferably a major credit card from an international bank. Learn more in our Unsupported Card Fix Guide. |
PAYMENT_AMOUNT_EXCEED_LIMIT | The transaction amount is higher than the single payment limit set for foreign cards. | Split the payment into smaller amounts if possible. To understand why this happens, read our guide on Payment Limits for Foreigners. |
USER_ACCOUNT_STATUS_ERROR | There's an issue with your account's current status, possibly incomplete verification or pending actions. | Log out and log back in. Go to your profile and ensure all verification steps are green-lit and complete. |
SYSTEM_BUSY or "System is busy, please try again later" | This is a temporary server-side issue with Alipay or WeChat Pay. It's not your fault. | This is the easiest fix: just wait 5-10 minutes and try the payment again. It almost always resolves itself. |
ILLEGAL_EXTERIOR_USER_SCENE | A technical error indicating a foreigner is trying to use a service or feature reserved for Chinese ID holders (e.g., certain financial products, specific red packets). | Stick to basic payment functions (paying in stores, taxis, etc.). You can safely ignore this error if you are not trying to use advanced features. |
PARAMETER_INVALID | A generic technical error meaning some data sent to the server was incorrect. | This is often a temporary glitch in the app. Restart the app completely. If that doesn't work, clearing the app's cache in your phone settings can help. |
| No SMS Verification Code Received | The SMS from China is being blocked by your home mobile carrier, or there's a network delay. | Toggle Airplane Mode on and off. Check your spam/junk SMS folder. See our detailed SMS Verification Code Guide for more solutions. |
Can't Find Your Error Code?
If your specific error isn't on this list, don't worry. Most problems can be solved by following the general steps in our master WeChat Pay Declined Fix guide. It covers the most common solutions that fix over 90% of all payment issues.