diff --git a/lnbits/core/views/api.py b/lnbits/core/views/api.py
index fbe5f100..5a6d1140 100644
--- a/lnbits/core/views/api.py
+++ b/lnbits/core/views/api.py
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ async def api_payments_create(
         return await api_payments_create_invoice(invoiceData, wallet.wallet)
     else:
         raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=HTTPStatus.BAD_REQUEST,
+            status_code=HTTPStatus.UNAUTHORIZED,
             detail="Invoice (or Admin) key required.",
         )