R13

What Is ACH Return Code R13?

ACH return codes are used to identify the reason an ACH payment has been returned by the recipient's bank. They make it easier for originating and receiving financial institutions to spot and communicate payment failures.

ACH Return Code R13, also known as "Invalid ACH Routing Number," is a standard code used in Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. It indicates that the routing number provided in the transaction is invalid or does not correspond to a valid financial institution.

How To Address ACH Return Code R13

Nacha prescribes separate rules for handling each return code since each one represents a unique scenario. ODFIs (Originating Depository Financial Institutions) and RDFIs (Receiving Depository Financial Institutions) are responsible for handling ACH return codes according to these rules.

For example, if your business is attempting to initiate an ACH debit for $100, but you have incorrectly entered your customer’s bank routing number, the bank would return the transaction with code R13. The customer’s bank must return the transaction with code R13 within 2 banking days.

One of the best ways to avoid return code R13 is to ensure that the routing information is entered correctly before initiating the transaction. If all the information is correct and you still encounter R13, then the next course of action is to reach out to your customer directly to have them verify the information or provide updated information for a new transaction.

What Is An ACH Return Code?

ACH return codes identify the reason an ACH payment was returned by the recipient's bank. They make it easier for originating and receiving financial institutions to spot and communicate payment failures. Each code begins with 'R' followed by a two digit number. ACH return codes are standardized and maintained by NACHA, the governing body for the ACH network.