ACH Return Codes Explained
Although Biller Genie is not responsible for authorizing transactions - there are some useful reason codes passed from the gateway to help troubleshoot failed transactions.
Table of Contents
Overview
ACH return codes are generated by the receiving bank when a payment cannot be processed. Biller Genie displays these codes exactly as they are returned by the processor but does not control authorization decisions.
Common ACH Return Codes
| Code | Reason | Description |
|---|---|---|
| R01 | Insufficient Funds | The available balance in the account was not enough to cover the transaction amount. |
| R02 | Account Closed | The bank account has been closed. |
| R03 | No Account / Unable to Locate Account | The account number does not match an open account. |
| R04 | Invalid Account Number | The account number format is incorrect or fails validation. |
| R05 | Improper Debit to Consumer Account | The debit was not authorized for the type of account being charged. |
| R06 | Returned per ODFI’s Request | The originating financial institution requested the return of the transaction. |
| R07 | Authorization Revoked by Customer | The customer previously authorized the payment but has since revoked authorization. |
| R08 | Payment Stopped | A stop payment was placed on the transaction. |
| R09 | Uncollected Funds | The account balance may appear sufficient but funds are not yet available. |
| R10 | Customer Advises Not Authorized | The customer notified their bank that the transaction was not authorized. |
| R11 | Check Truncation Entry Returned | Used when returning a check-related entry. The specific reason is included in the return details. |
| R12 | Branch Sold to Another DFI | The branch associated with the account has been sold to another financial institution. |
| R14 | Account-holder Deceased | The account holder is deceased. |
| R15 | Beneficiary Deceased | The individual entitled to the payment is deceased. |
| R16 | Account Frozen | Funds are unavailable due to legal action or bank restriction. |
| R17 | File Record Edit Criteria | The transaction failed bank editing requirements. |
| R20 | Non-Transaction Account | The account type does not allow ACH transactions. |
| R21 | Invalid Company Identification | The company ID provided in the transaction is incorrect. |
| R29 | Corporate Customer Advises Not Authorized | A business account holder notified their bank that the debit was not authorized. Restrictions may remain until resolved with the bank. |
If you need clarification on a specific return code, retry eligibility, or account restrictions, contact your merchant service provider directly for further guidance.