HTTP 303 See Other vs 402 Payment Required
HTTP 303 (See Other) is a 3xx Redirection response, while 402 (Payment Required) is a 4xx Client Error response. 303 indicates that the server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern). 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 server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
When You See It
After form submissions to prevent resubmission on browser refresh.
How to Fix
Follow the Location header with a GET request. This is intentional — part of the PRG pattern.
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
303 is a 3xx Redirection response, while 402 is a 4xx Client Error response.
HTTP 303: The server is redirecting to a different resource using GET, typically after a POST operation (Post/Redirect/Get pattern).
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 303 when after form submissions to prevent resubmission on browser refresh.
You encounter 402 when on some APIs when a subscription has expired or payment is needed.
When to Use Which
For 303 (See Other): Follow the Location header with a GET request. This is intentional — part of the PRG pattern. For 402 (Payment Required): Check your billing status, update payment method, or upgrade your subscription.