Troubleshooting Square Payment Errors in Zibster
Square payment errors can occur for several different reasons during checkout, and the same error code may apply to multiple situations. One of the most common error codes Zibster users see is s296, which Square uses for many authorization and payment-related issues. Because of this, the full error message shown during checkout is more important than the error code itself.
This guide explains the most common Square payment errors in Zibster, what they mean, and the exact steps to take so your clients can complete payment successfully.
Before You Troubleshoot
When a Square payment fails, start by identifying the full error message shown on the form, invoice, or checkout screen. The message determines whether the issue is related to your Square connection or a card-specific decline.
The steps in this guide apply to Square payments made through Zibster forms, invoices, and checkout pages.
Check Square System Status
If multiple payments are failing at the same time, Square may be experiencing a temporary outage. In this case, reconnecting Square in Zibster will not resolve the issue until Square service is restored.
You can check Square’s current system status at:
https://www.issquareup.com
If Square is operating normally, continue with the troubleshooting steps below.
Error: “This request could not be authorized.” (s296)
On forms, this error may appear as:
“There was a problem processing the order (e94): This request could not be authorized. (s296)”
What This Means
Square is blocking the payment request because the connection between Zibster and Square needs updated permissions.
What to Do
STEP ONE
Reconnect your Square account in Zibster. Reconnecting refreshes permissions and resolves most authorization-related issues.
STEP TWO
If the error continues after reconnecting, remove Square from your Zibster account.
STEP THREE
Add Square back as a new merchant using the same Square account.
FINAL STEP
If the same error appears again after re-adding Square, contact Zibster Support so the issue can be reviewed further.
Error: “The credit card was declined.” 208 (s296)
This message means the payment was declined by Square, not by Zibster.
Why This Happens
Square may decline a card for several reasons, including:
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Insufficient funds
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Card expiration or restrictions
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Bank authorization issues
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Fraud or security checks
The exact decline reason is determined by Square and is not controlled by Zibster.
What to Do
STEP ONE
Log into your Square account and review the declined transaction.
STEP TWO
Check the specific decline reason provided by Square.
FINAL STEP
Based on the decline reason, have the client either use a different card or contact their bank before attempting payment again.
Important: Client Refresh Required After Fixing Payment Issues
After reconnecting Square, re-adding Square, or resolving a declined payment, your client must refresh the payment page before trying again.
If the page is not refreshed, the form, invoice, or checkout screen may still be using the old Square connection, and the payment will continue to fail.
Have your client:
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Refresh the page where payment information is entered
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Re-enter their payment details
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Submit the payment again
