HTTP 201 Created vs 402 Payment Required
HTTP 201 (Created) is a 2xx Success response, while 402 (Payment Required) is a 4xx Client Error response. 201 indicates that the request succeeded and a new resource was created. Typically returned after POST or PUT requests that create a new entity. In contrast, 402 means that reserved for future use. Originally intended for digital payment systems, some APIs use it to indicate a billing or subscription issue.
Description
The request succeeded and a new resource was created. Typically returned after POST or PUT requests that create a new entity.
When You See It
After successfully creating a new user, post, order, or other resource via a REST API.
How to Fix
No fix needed. Check the Location header for the URL of the new resource.
Description
Reserved for future use. Originally intended for digital payment systems, some APIs use it to indicate a billing or subscription issue.
When You See It
On some APIs when a subscription has expired or payment is needed.
How to Fix
Check your billing status, update payment method, or upgrade your subscription.
Key Differences
201 is a 2xx Success response, while 402 is a 4xx Client Error response.
HTTP 201: The request succeeded and a new resource was created. Typically returned after POST or PUT requests that create a new entity.
HTTP 402: Reserved for future use. Originally intended for digital payment systems, some APIs use it to indicate a billing or subscription issue.
You encounter 201 when after successfully creating a new user, post, order, or other resource via a REST API.
You encounter 402 when on some APIs when a subscription has expired or payment is needed.
When to Use Which
For 201 (Created): No fix needed. Check the Location header for the URL of the new resource. For 402 (Payment Required): Check your billing status, update payment method, or upgrade your subscription.