R51

What Is ACH Return Code R51?

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 R51, also known as "Item Related to RCK Entry Is Ineligible or RCK Entry Is Improper," is a standard code used in Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. This code indicates that an ACH transaction contains a Represented Check Entry (RCK) and that there is an issue with the associated RCK.

A Represented Check Entry (RCK) is a specific type of Automated Clearing House (ACH) entry used for the electronic re-presentment of a paper check that has been returned due to insufficient funds or uncollected funds. In other words, it provides a way for a merchant or entity to electronically re-present a bounced check to the check writer's bank.

How To Address ACH Return Code R51

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.

R51 is generally triggered by one of a few scenarios:

1. The RCK is ineligible to be applied to the given transaction
2. The originator of the transaction did not provide appropriate notice of the RCK
3. The signature on the physical check is invalid or not genuine (fraudulent)
4. The RCK item has been altered or the amount of the entry is incorrect

There is no clearly defined timeline for a transaction being returned with R51.

If you encounter R51, you should start by reaching out to the RDFI to get a better understanding of why the transaction has been returned. The context around the return will be essential to understanding your options for processing the transaction again.

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.