diff --git a/lnbits/core/views/api.py b/lnbits/core/views/api.py
index 894b4a444..02769f79b 100644
--- a/lnbits/core/views/api.py
+++ b/lnbits/core/views/api.py
@@ -329,7 +329,9 @@ async def api_payment(payment_hash):
     await check_invoice_status(payment.wallet_id, payment_hash)
     payment = await get_standalone_payment(payment_hash)
     if not payment:
-        return {"message": "Payment does not exist."}
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=HTTPStatus.NOT_FOUND, detail="Payment does not exist."
+        )
     elif not payment.pending:
         return {"paid": True, "preimage": payment.preimage}