How does Spring Retry integrate with Spring's @Transactional?

The interaction between @Retryable and @Transactional depends critically on the order of proxy application. If a method is annotated with both, the retry proxy must wrap the transaction proxy — not the other way around. This ensures that when a failure occurs, the transaction is fully rolled back before the next retry attempt begins in a fresh transaction.

Correct ordering (retry wraps transaction):

@Retryable(retryFor = TransientDataAccessException.class, maxAttempts = 3)
@Transactional
public void saveOrder(Order order) {
    orderRepository.save(order);
    inventoryService.deduct(order.getItemId());
}

When a TransientDataAccessException is thrown inside the transaction, the transaction rolls back, control returns to the retry proxy, which waits (per backoff policy) and re-invokes the method — starting a new transaction from scratch. This is correct behavior.

Wrong ordering (transaction wraps retry): If the transaction is the outer proxy and retry is inner, a failure inside the transaction puts it into a rollback-only state. The retry then re-invokes the inner method still inside the same poisoned transaction, which will fail again even if the underlying cause is resolved.

To ensure correct ordering, set @EnableRetry before @EnableTransactionManagement or explicitly set @EnableTransactionManagement(order = Ordered.LOWEST_PRECEDENCE) and rely on default retry advisor ordering.

Invest now in Acorns!!! 🚀
Join Acorns and get your $5 bonus!

Acorns is a micro-investing app that automatically invests your "spare change" from daily purchases into diversified, expert-built portfolios of ETFs. It is designed for beginners, allowing you to start investing with as little as $5. The service automates saving and investing. Disclosure: I may receive a referral bonus.

Invest now!!! Get Free equity stock (US, UK only)!

Use Robinhood app to invest in stocks. It is safe and secure. Use the Referral link to claim your free stock when you sign up!.

The Robinhood app makes it easy to trade stocks, crypto and more.

Webull! Receive free stock by signing up using the link: Webull signup.