R42

What Is ACH Return Code R42?

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 R42, also known as "Routing Number/Check Digit Error," is a standard code used in Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. This code is applied when there is an error in the routing number or check digit within the ACH entry for an ENR transaction.

R42 only applies to Automated Enrollment Entry (ENR) entries, which are federal benefits that are paid out via direct deposit. As with other unique ACH transactions, an ENR transaction requires a specific routing number and check digit number be associated with these transactions. If that routing number or check digit is incorrectly entered or missing, a transaction will return with R42. There is currently no clearly defined timeline for a transaction being returned with R42.

How To Address ACH Return Code R42

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.

It is highly unlikely that you will ever encounter R42, unless your businesses regularly works closely with the federal government. If you encounter R42, there is nothing you can do as a merchant. Instead, the associated financial institutions and/or government agency will need to address the return.

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.