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.

Written by Ellis Roe ()

Updated

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.