How to Fix 402 Error Payment Required

402 Error Payment Required is a specific error message that is widely used to hide premium website content until a payment is made.

Although using such an error message for paywalls seems useful, the 402 Error is not as widely used as you might think. However, if you have stumbled upon a Payment Required error across the web, or you want to deal with it on your own website project, then this article will help you understand better the 402 Error, what prompts it, and what you can do to fix it.

 

What is 402 Error Payment Required

402 Error is a nonstandard message, part of the HTTP status codes. A payment Required message is created to make sure that a site visitor won’t be able to open a premium online resource before a financial transaction is made.

Because of this specific characteristic of the error code, it is mainly used by business entrepreneurs who provide clients with various digital services and products. Furthermore, you can use the 402 Error message in specific cases for your website:

• You can use this status code for troubleshooting purposes.
• 402 Error message can be prompted by a payment gateway technical issue.

In such cases, your Payment Required message can inform you that there is a problem within the payment system on your website.

The payment required error message is a part of the 4xx status codes, indicating that there’s an issue with the communication between a server and a client that is rooted somewhere on the client side.  Similar 4xx errors include:

• Error 400 Bad Request
• Error 409 Conflict
• Error 404 Not Found
• Error 405 Method Not Allowed
• Error 406 Not Acceptable

 

If you are interested in the topic of HTTP status codes and want to know more about them, then check out our article explaining everything about HTTP status codes: What are HTTP Status Codes.

 

How to Fix 402 Error Payment Required

There are several methods that you can use to fix the issue:

 

Method 1: Read the Error Message for More Details

402 Error message oftentimes contains information about why it appears. Read the error message and see whether it showcases information that can help you lift the Payment Required message from the requested web page. If 402 Error doesn’t provide you with such useful information, proceed with the next method.

 

Method 2: Check Payment Details

402 Error message can appear in cases where there are wrong payment details. If you see this Error 402, check all payment details and ensure they are correct and up to date, and try again. If you still see the Payment Required message even after you made sure all details are correct and up to date, then the problem lies elsewhere. Proceed with the next method.

 

Method 3: Use Other Types of Payment Methods

Should the transaction be declined and your Web browser showcases an Error 402, try to make a payment with a different method.

 

Method 4: Clear Web Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, too many cached files might cause 402 Error. If this is the case, delete your web browser cache and cookies. Read how to do so in this article: How to Clear Browser Cache After you flush the cache, try reloading the page. If it still displays a 402 Error, proceed with the next method.

 

Method 5: Update your Web Browser

An old version of your preferred web browser might prompt 402 Error. Make sure you use a contemporary browser, and update it to the latest possible version. This will ensure that there will be numerous bug fixes and payment system updates.

 

Method 6: Contact Tech Support

Technical issues with your website and hosting service can sometimes prevent payment, which can lead to an Error 402 message.

If you are not sure how to proceed in such a case, reach out to the tech support team of your hosting provider and explain the situation and everything you tried to fix the issue so that you can receive quick and effective assistance.

For example, if you are using AwardSpace hosting services, you can quickly reach our experienced tech support team and have your issue resolved in no time.

Conclusion

402 Error message is particular and appears in different situations. However, there are various approaches you can apply to get the problem fixed: