Return Codes

ACH return codes (R-codes) are defined by Nacha and returned by the receiving bank when a transaction cannot be processed. Returns are typically received within 2 business days, though unauthorized return codes (R05, R07, R10, R11, R29) may arrive up to 60 days after settlement.

NSF returns (R01): The transaction may be retried up to two times within 30 days of the original authorization date. Unauthorized returns (R05, R07, R10, R11, R29) must not be retried.

Return rate thresholds (industry benchmarks): Exceeding these may trigger enhanced monitoring, reserve requirements, transaction caps, or program suspension.

  • Unauthorized return rate: below 0.5%
  • Overall return rate: below 15%
  • Administrative return rate monitored for trends
CodeDescriptionCategory
R01Insufficient FundsNSF
R02Account ClosedAdministrative
R03No Account / Unable to Locate AccountAdministrative
R04Invalid Account NumberAdministrative
R05Unauthorized Debit to Consumer AccountUnauthorized
R06Returned per ODFI's RequestAdministrative
R07Authorization Revoked by CustomerUnauthorized
R08Payment Stopped / Stop Payment on ItemAdministrative
R09Uncollected FundsAdministrative
R10Customer Advises Not AuthorizedUnauthorized
R11Entry Not in Accordance with Authorization TermsUnauthorized
R12Branch Sold to Another DFIAdministrative
R13Invalid ACH Routing NumberAdministrative
R14Representative Payee Deceased or Unable to ContinueAdministrative
R15Beneficiary or Account Holder DeceasedAdministrative
R16Account FrozenAdministrative
R17File Record Edit CriteriaAdministrative
R20Non-Transaction AccountAdministrative
R21Invalid Company IdentificationAdministrative
R22Invalid Individual ID NumberAdministrative
R23Credit Entry Refused by ReceiverAdministrative
R24Duplicate EntryAdministrative
R28Routing Number or Check Digit ErrorAdministrative
R29Corporate Customer Advises Not AuthorizedUnauthorized
R31Permissible Return EntryAdministrative
R33Return of XCK EntryAdministrative
R38Stop Payment on Source DocumentAdministrative