ACH Return Codes (R01 - R33): Understanding What They Mean and What to Do

ACH Return Codes (R01 – R33): Understanding What They Mean

ACH return codes are generated when an ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment fails to process and therefore gets returned. ACH payments, which essentially transfer funds between financial institutions, can be a huge convenience. They allow you to set up automatic monthly bill pay and receive direct deposit of one’s paycheck, for instance. There are, however, likely to be times when a transaction doesn’t work as expected, perhaps due to incorrect coding or insufficient funds. ACH return codes indicate exactly what went wrong.

Here, you’ll learn about what ACH return codes are and what steps you can take to help complete this kind of banking transaction, especially if you are managing a business that relies upon them.

What Are ACH Return Codes?

First, know that ACH refers to the Automated Clearing House, a U.S. financial network that provides electronic transfers among banks and credit unions. If you receive your paycheck by direct deposit or set up bill pay from your checking account, you are using the ACH system. It’s considered a fast, secure, and simple way to move money.

ACH returns occur when an ACH payment can’t be completed.

There are a few reasons why these transactions aren’t successful, including:

•   The originator (the entity who requested payment) provided inaccurate or incomplete payment information or data.

•   The originator isn’t authorized to debit the client’s account with an ACH payment.

•   There aren’t sufficient funds to complete the transaction.

The ACH return code alerts the parties involved so they know there’s an issue, whether a recurring automatic bill pay suddenly stopped or a one-time payment could not go through. The specific reason can then help the situation be remedied so the payment can hopefully be sent again properly.

Here’s an example to clarify this concept: Perhaps your wifi provider is authorized to withdraw payment monthly from your checking account. If the Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI; the wifi provider’s bank) or the Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI; the entity receiving the payment request; aka your bank) isn’t able to transfer funds, a return code will be generated to explain exactly why the transaction wasn’t completed.

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How ACH Returns Work

If an ACH payment can’t be completed, as mentioned above, a specific return code will be generated. The person or business originating the payment request can then work to resolve the issue.

A few details to note about how ACH returns work:

•   If an ACH return occurs due to insufficient funds, the consumer may be on the hook for an ACH return charge. It’s similar to when a check bounces; the end user pays a small fee; in this case, usually $2 to $5.

•   Timing-wise, most ACH returns only take about two banking days, though a few of these ACH codes involve transactions that can take up to 60 days to process.


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Common ACH Return Codes

There are 85 distinct ACH return codes. Here, you’ll learn about some of the most common ones. These return codes are typically received by the entity requesting payment and their bank.

Code: R01
Meaning: Insufficient funds (the account’s available balance isn’t sufficient to cover the funds transfer, similar to being in overdraft)
What to do: The entity requesting payment can attempt the transaction again as a new transaction within 30 days of the original authorization date (up to two times), or contact the customer for an alternate payment method.

Code: R02
Meaning: Account closed (a once-active account has been closed).
What to do: The entity requesting payment can ask the customer to correct their account information or provide a different bank account or form of payment to complete the transaction.

Code: R03
Meaning: No account exists or unable to locate account (even though the account number structure is valid, it doesn’t pass the check digit validation).
What to do: The request’s originator should contact the customer to confirm their routing number, bank account number, and the name on the bank account. If this information differs from what was originally entered, they can submit a new payment with these new details. Or request another form of payment.

Code: R04
Meaning: Invalid account number.
What to do: The entity requesting payment should check the account number, and retry the transaction. Or obtain the correct bank account number and submit a new payment with that account number.

Code: R05
Meaning: This transaction should have been processed as a consumer, not corporate, transaction.
What to do: The request’s originator should check that you have used the right codes. They can contact the customer and ask for a new form of payment. In some cases, they may need to file an appeal with Nacha (the non-profit organization that manages the ACH network) for this kind of returned transaction.

Code: R06
Meaning: Returned at ODFI’s request (ODFI requested that the RDFI return the ACH entry), often because the transaction is believed to be fraudulent.
What to do: The entity seeking payment should contact the ODFI to understand why the transaction was rejected, and then, depending on the response, resubmit or alter the request.

Code: R07
Meaning: The previous authorization for an ACH transaction was revoked by the customer.
What to do: The originator of the request should suspend recurring payment schedules entered for this specific bank account to prevent additional transactions from being returned. Then they need to address the issue with the customer, and try to resolve the issue by getting a new form of payment or asking to debit a different bank account.

Code: R08
Meaning: The customer has issued a stop payment on the item.
What to do: The entity requesting funds should contact the customer to resolve the issue, and then re-enter the returned transaction again with proper authorization from the customer. Or request a new form of payment.

Code: R09
Meaning: Due to uncollected funds, the originator can’t access enough money to cover the transaction.
What to do: The originator should try the transaction again, and re-enter it as a new one within 30 days of the original authorization date (up to two times in 60 days).

Code: R10
Meaning: The customer advised this transaction is not authorized or is improper in some way.
What to do: The entity requesting payment should check the details and authorization on the transaction to determine if an error was made. They can connect with the customer to determine why this code was triggered. If the details can be rectified, they can resubmit the transaction per ACH guidelines.

Code: R11
Meaning: An electronic check deposit was not executed correctly.
What to do: The originator of the request can correct the underlying error and resubmit the corrected electronic deposit within 60 calendar days.

Code: R12
Meaning: The branch where the account is held was sold to another DFI (development financial institution).
What to do: The entity making the request should obtain the customer’s new routing and bank account information, and submit a new transaction.

Recommended: What is Liquid Net Worth

More ACH Return Codes

The following ACH return codes are less common than those mentioned previously, but still occur and are worth knowing. Here’s a look at what makes these codes tick:

Code: R13
Meaning: Invalid routing number provided.
What to do: The request’s originator should get the correct routing number from the customer to use when resubmitting the request.

Code: R14
Meaning: The account was being managed by someone who is now deceased or can no longer continue overseeing the account (such as an account held for a minor or an incapacitated person).
What to do: This is handled on a case-by-case basis; the request’s originator might try to contact the beneficiary or new representative for the account.

Code: R15
Meaning: Beneficiary or account holder is deceased.
What to do: No further action can typically be taken.

Code: R16
Meaning: Account is frozen and funds are unavailable.
What to do: The entity making the request should obtain a new payment form.

Code: R17
Meaning: Known as a “file record edit criteria” code, this indicates that there is a discrepancy in the file code, and the transaction cannot be processed.
What to do: The fields causing the processing error need to be identified (typically by the originator of the request) in the addenda record information field of the return to complete the transaction.

Code: R20
Meaning: The receiving account is not a transaction account (aka, it’s an account against which transactions are prohibited or limited).
What to do: The entity making the request can contact the customer, and request either the authorization to charge a different bank account or a new form of payment.

Code: R21
Meaning: The ACH file contains an invalid or incorrect company identification number.
What to do: The originator of the request should double-check their information, or contact the company to obtain the correct information.

Code: R22
Meaning: The individual ID number is invalid.
What to do: The entity making the request should check their information and resubmit, or contact the customer to obtain the correct information.

Code: R23
Meaning: The account holder or their bank is refusing to accept the transaction.
What to do: The originator of the request can work with the customer to clear up the issue, or ask them to contact their bank to resolve it.

Code: R24
Meaning: Duplicate entry.
What to do: If the transaction is indeed a duplicate, there’s nothing else to do. If it isn’t, the entity making the request can contact their customer or their customer’s bank to resolve the error.

Code: R29
Meaning: The customer has notified their bank that the requesting entity is not authorized to conduct this transaction.
What to do: The originator of the request should suspend recurring payment schedules, and then address the issue with the customer. For instance, they could request new payment information from the customer or ask them to contact their bank to authorize the payment.

Code: R31
Meaning: This indicates that the receiving bank is requesting to return a certain kind of ACH transaction (a CCD, or cash concentration disbursement, and CTX, or corporate trade exchange, only).
What to do: The entity making the request can reach out to their customer to resolve this issue or request a different form of payment.

Code: R33
Meaning: There is an issue with a transaction involving a converted check (known as XCK), such as when a damaged paper check is converted to an electronic version.
What to do: The originator of the request should contact their customer for another payment form.

Recommended: Average Savings by Age

The Takeaway

ACH return codes express the reason why an electronic Automated Clearing House payment could not be completed. Knowing what each code represents can help determine what the next steps should be to keep payments flowing smoothly or get refunds completed.

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FAQ

What causes an ACH return?

ACH returns occur when an Automated Clearing House payment can’t be completed, perhaps due to inaccurate or incomplete information or insufficient funds. When this happens, an ACH return code is generated, providing a reason for the return.

What is ACH return fee?

When ACH returns occur, especially due to insufficient funds, a fee can be charged. It’s similar to how a bounced check incurs a fee. The amount is generally around $2 to $5.

How long does an ACH refund take?

Typically, an ACH refund takes about five to 10 banking days to occur, though some situations can take longer to resolve..


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Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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How Refinancing Credit Card Debt Works

Spending is on the rise — and so is consumer debt. Americans carry, on average, three credit cards and have $6,501 in credit card debt. Overall, U.S. credit card debt is $129 billion higher than it was one year ago.

That amount of debt can be a challenge to pay down along with regular monthly household expenses. Some people may choose to refinance their high-interest credit card debt in an effort to secure a lower interest rate or a lower monthly payment. Refinancing credit card debt can be one way to make progress toward eliminating it completely.

What Is Credit Card Debt?

If you’re putting more purchases on credit cards than you can pay off in a monthly billing cycle, you have credit card debt.

Interest will accrue on the balance that carries over to the next billing cycle. If you don’t pay at least the minimum amount due, you’ll likely also be charged a late fee. Since credit cards use compound interest, you’ll be charged interest on accrued interest and fees. That can add up quickly and make it more difficult to get out of debt.

Carrying a balance on more than one credit card can make the debt even more difficult to manage. If your goal is to be free of credit card debt, refinancing can be one way to achieve that.

What Are Some Benefits of Refinancing Credit Card Debt?

Credit cards are revolving debt and typically have variable annual percentage rates (APRs).

Refinancing credit card debt with an installment loan that has a fixed interest rate, such as a personal loan, will mean you’ll have a fixed end date to your debt and will have the same APR for the entire term of the loan.

If you’re refinancing multiple credit card balances into one new loan or line of credit, you’ll have fewer bills to pay each month. That could potentially make monthly budgeting a simpler task.

Recommended: What Is a Good APR for a Credit Card?

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How Might Debt Refinancing Affect Your Credit Score?

Something to keep in mind when your goal is to pay down debt is that it’s a long game.

That being said, in the short term your credit score can decrease slightly when you apply for new credit and the lender looks at your credit report. During the formal application process, the lender will perform a hard inquiry into your credit report, which may result in a slight temporary drop of your credit score.

If you’re comparing multiple lenders, and they offer prequalification, they’ll do a soft inquiry into your credit report, which won’t affect your credit score.

Building your credit — or rebuilding it — through refinancing credit card debt can be possible if you make on-time, regular payments on the new loan. Reducing your credit utilization can be another positive result of refinancing credit card debt. Both of these can potentially increase your credit score.

It’s important not to overuse the credit cards you refinanced into a new loan, however, or you might accumulate even more debt than you started with.

Will Canceling My Unused Credit Cards Affect my Credit Score?

After you’ve refinanced your existing credit card debt into a new loan, you might be tempted to cancel those credit cards. But that strategy could negatively affect your credit score.

Whether it’s a good idea to cancel a credit card really depends on the card. If you’ve had the credit card for a long time, closing it would shorten your credit history, which could result in a credit score drop. But if it’s a card you genuinely don’t have a reason to keep, such as a retail card for a store you no longer shop at or a card that has a high annual fee that can’t be justified with your current spending habits, closing the account might be the right step for you.

If you plan to keep a credit card open, it may be a good idea to use it for a small, recurring charge so the card issuer doesn’t close it for inactivity. Setting up autopay can make this a convenient way to ensure the card stays open but is paid in full each month.

What Are Some Options for Refinancing Credit Card Debt?

Your overall creditworthiness will be a determining factor in finding available refinancing options. Lenders will look at your credit report and credit score, paying attention to how you’ve handled credit in the past and how much total debt you have in relation to your income.

Balance Transfer Credit Card

If you can qualify for a low- or no-interest credit card, you could use it to transfer a balance from another credit card. You’ll typically be charged a balance transfer fee equal to a percentage of the balance you’re transferring. The promotional rate on these types of cards is temporary, sometimes lasting up to 18 months or so, but can be as short as 6 months.

If you pay the transferred balance in full within the promotional period, you may not pay any interest at all, or a minimal amount. However, if you still have an outstanding balance on the card when the promotional period is over, the APR will revert to the card’s standard rate for balance transfers.

Home Equity Loan

A potential source of refinancing funds might be your home, if you have equity in it. Funds from a home equity loan can be used for just about anything, even things unrelated to your home. You can calculate how much equity you have in your home by subtracting the amount you owe on your mortgage from the current market value of your home.

In addition to the amount of equity you have in your home, lenders will typically also look at your income and your credit history to determine how much you might qualify for. It’s common for lenders to limit a home equity loan to no more than 80% to 85% of the equity you have in your home. There are typically closing costs with a home equity loan including appraisal fee, title search, origination fee, or other fees, and can be between 2% and 5% of the loan amount.

A home equity loan is a second mortgage secured by your home. If you fail to repay the loan, the lender can foreclose on your home.

Debt Consolidation Loan

Some lenders offer loans specifically for debt consolidation. These are actually personal loans, the funds from which can be used to pay off your existing credit card debt. Then, you’ll be responsible for repaying the debt consolidation loan. There may be fees charged on this type of loan, so be sure to look over the loan agreement carefully before signing it.

For a credit card consolidation loan to be as effective as possible at reducing your debt, it will ideally have a lower APR than you’re paying on your credit cards. In this way, you would be paying less in interest over the life of the loan. If a lower monthly payment is your goal, you may opt for a longer-term loan, but may pay a higher interest rate.

Recommended: How to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan with Bad Credit

The Takeaway

If your credit card debt is piling up and you’re finding it challenging to pay it down, you may be considering refinancing. Some credit card refinancing options include balance transfer credit cards with a promotional APR, a home equity loan, or a debt consolidation loan.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.


SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.


SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Checking Your Rates: To check the rates and terms you may qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Root Canal Cost: How Much and How To Pay for It

Having to get a root canal is already painful enough — but then comes the prospect of paying for it.

While the specific cost of a root canal will vary depending on your geographical location, the location of the tooth, your dentist, and other factors, it can easily cost as much as $1,600 or even more out of pocket if you don’t have insurance — and several hundred even if you do.

Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to finance dental work that make it possible to afford the care your teeth require. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a dental treatment that can remove infection and bacteria from the pulp beneath the hard exterior of the tooth. It’s a pretty common procedure — millions of them are performed each year.

While root canals are often characterized as unpleasant, modern dentistry means this medical intervention can take place relatively painlessly while preserving the natural tooth for both chewing and complementing a smile. All of which is to say, if you’re in need of a root canal, you’re not alone.

Reasons for a Root Canal

There are many different reasons your dentist might prescribe a root canal, including:

•   Tooth decay

•   Large cavities

•   Chips in tooth enamel

•   Periodontal disease

•   Dental trauma

In any of these situations, bacteria might infect the pulp of the tooth and, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding structures such as gums, other teeth, or even the jawbone. In extreme cases, dental infections can contribute to heart attack or stroke, along with causing a lot of pain.

Taking good care of your teeth can help prevent these causes, but sometimes, accidents or predisposition to decay can play into the equation. In any case, if your dentist prescribes a root canal, it’s probably worth heeding their advice.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost on Average?

While, again, the cost of a root canal procedure varies greatly depending on factors we’ll dive into in more depth below, the average cost hovers around $1,600 without insurance. With insurance, your bill might be considerably lower: between $200-$1,000 out of pocket, depending on your coverage and the extent of the procedure.

Recommended: Guide to Dental Loans

How Much Is a Root Canal and a Crown?

In many cases, you may also require a crown along with a root canal, which can help protect the tooth for future chewing and use. A crown can add a substantial amount to the overall bill: as much as $1,000 if you’re paying out of pocket.

Factors That Impact the Cost of a Root Canal

Here are some of the specific factors at play that can pull the cost of your root canal up or down.

Insurance Coverage

Obviously, the cost of a root canal — or any dental or medical procedure — is likely to be higher if you don’t have insurance coverage or if your provider is out of your insurance company’s network. Because root canals are usually medically necessary, as opposed to just cosmetic, it’s likely your insurer will cover the procedure itself.

Tooth Location

The location of the infected tooth in your mouth can also have an impact on the total cost of the root canal. That’s because certain teeth are more difficult for dentists to work on than others.

For instance, molars, which are set more deeply in the mouth, are harder to reach and thus command higher costs for dental procedures. Bicuspids, or premolars, cost slightly less, while front teeth needing root canals are likely to cost the least.

Geographical Location

Like most other goods and services, the cost of a root canal can vary largely depending on the local economy — or the prices set by the dental professional you choose.

Type of Dentist

While most general dentists can perform a simple root canal, some teeth with more complicated infections might require an endodontist, who specializes in dental pulp specifically (the part that is treated during the procedure).

Root canal treatment cost by a specialist may be more expensive than treatment by your general dental professional, as can the use of high-tech equipment such as an ultrasonic needle or water laser.

Root Canal Complications

Although they’re very common and generally safe, like most other medical procedures, root canals do come with some risk.

For example, the root canal can fail due to a breakdown of materials or the provider’s failure to remove all of the bacteria during the procedure. In addition, sometimes the tooth becomes slightly discolored after the procedure due to bleeding on the inside of the tooth.

Ways to Pay For a Root Canal

Although root canals can be expensive, there are many ways to pay for this vitally important procedure without chewing through your savings.

Dental Insurance

Carrying dental insurance is a great way to lower the cost of procedures such as root canal — though keep in mind you’ll be responsible for monthly premiums as well as a potential copay or coinsurance costs.

Health Savings Account

A health savings account is a tax-incentivized account that can help you save and pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses more affordable. However, you must have a high deductible health plan to contribute to one.

Personal Loan

Personal loans are a type of financial product that allows you to borrow money for almost any purpose, including dental or medical care. Because they’re unsecured, meaning no collateral is required, they tend to have higher interest rates than auto loans or mortgages — but the rates can be lower than those offered by credit cards.

As with most financial products, your specific rates and terms will vary depending on your credit score and other financial aspects. While rates may be higher, there are still personal loans for low-credit borrowers — and taking one out may still make more financial sense than decimating your emergency fund or putting the procedure on credit.

Credit Card

Although they usually have fairly high interest rates, credit cards are another option for paying for necessary medical interventions in a pinch. If you can qualify for a credit card with a 0% promotional interest rate, you’ll have some time to pay the balance without interest if you can pay it off before the promotional period ends.

Recommended: Can Medical Bills Affect Your Credit Report?

Other Dental Procedures a Personal Loan Can Cover

Along with root canals, personal loans can be used to cover other common dental procedures, as well, including:

•   Periodontal surgery

•   Dentures

•   Tooth bonding

•   Wisdom tooth removal

•   Dental fillings

The Takeaway

Having a root canal can be an important medical intervention for your health and the survival of your affected tooth. And although the procedure is expensive, there are ways to pay for it that won’t add financial pain to your dental pain.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

SoFi’s Personal Loan was named NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Personal Loan overall.

FAQ

How much is a root canal and a crown?

A root canal procedure averages $1,600, and the restorative crown can add another $1,000 the total cost. Costs can vary depending on what part of the country the procedure is performed in and which tooth is being treated.

Why is a root canal so expensive?

Root canals are performed by licensed medical professionals who use specialized equipment. More complex situations may need to be treated by an endodontist, a dental specialist who has completed additional years of training beyond dental school.

What does a root canal cost without insurance?

The full, out-of-pocket cost of a root canal may range from $800 to $1,800, depending on a variety of factors.


Photo credit: iStock/AndreyPopov

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.


Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Understanding ACH Returns: What They Are & How to Return an ACH Payment

Understanding ACH Returns: What They Are & How to Return an ACH Payment

The Automated Clearing House Network, or ACH, is a network that allows individuals and businesses to electronically move money between bank accounts — often within the same day. But sometimes things just don’t go according to plan, and those quick, convenient ACH payments wind up getting returned or needing to be reversed. Usually, these electronic transactions run smoothly, but at times, the funds don’t or can’t get from point A to point B.

Here, we’ll take a look at why ACH payments are sometimes returned. We’ll cover:

•   What ACH turns are

•   Terms to know about ACH returns

•   What the difference is between an ACH return and a Notice of Change

•   How to return an ACH payment

What Are ACH Returns?

While most ACH payments are likely to go through, ACH returns occur when an ACH payment fails to be completed. This can happen for a few reasons, such as:

•   The originator providing inaccurate payment information or data

•   The originator providing non-existent or inadequate authorization

•   The originator isn’t authorized to debit the client’s account with an ACH payment

•   Insufficient funds to cover the transaction (which can happen, especially if the person paying doesn’t balance their bank account regularly)

Next, let’s look at how an ACH return transpires. If a merchant wants to debit their customer’s or client’s account, the merchant’s bank (at the merchant’s request) will send a request for an ACH debit from the customer’s account. The customer’s relevant ACH network will then receive an ACH payment request. Then the merchant’s bank will debit the customer’s account and the merchant’s account will be credited with the amount of money indicated in the ACH payment request.

If for some reason the customer’s bank account alerts the ACH network that they are not able to complete the transaction, the money will remain in the customer’s account. That’s an ACH return.

It costs money to process an ACH return, and that cost generally falls on the consumer. Similar to how consumers get charged a fee when they bounce a check, the consumer will typically need to pay a fee if an ACH return occurs. This bank fee is fairly small and typically only costs $2 to $5 per return.

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Important Terms to Know About ACH Returns

To better understand how ACH returns work, it’s helpful to know a bit of the industry’s vocabulary — particularly ODFI and RDFI (which are the two parties involved in every ACH return). Here’s what these acronyms mean:

•   ODFI (Originating Depository Financial Institution): The originator of the transaction who’ll send funds

•   RDFI (Receiving Depository Financial Institution): The receiver of the funds

Another facet of ACH lingo that’s helpful to know are ACH return codes. Any ACH return that occurs will generate an ACH return code. These ACH return codes are made up of the letter R followed by some numerals. Each code represents a different reason for a return. These codes can be helpful because they inform the originator of why the ACH return happened.

The following ACH return codes are fairly common:

•   R01 – Insufficient funds. This code means that the available assets can’t cover the debit entry (like when an account is overdrawn).

•   R02 – Account closed. In other words, the client or the RDFI closed the account that should be debited or credited through an ACH payment.

•   R03 – No account/unable to locate account. In this case, the return occurred because the account intended for ACH payment doesn’t exist or the account’s owner is not the one noted by the debit entry.

•   R04 – Invalid account number structure. If something is wrong with the client’s bank account number or the number doesn’t pass validation, a R04 return code results.

•   R05 – Unauthorized debit to a consumer account. If the receiver hasn’t authorized the originator to request an ACH transfer from their bank account, the transfer can be blocked, and this ACH code will occur.

It’s worth noting that R05 return codes work a bit differently. Unlike the other ACH return codes listed, the return time frame for R05 is 60 banking days instead of two. This longer time frame gives the originator a chance to ask the receiver to allow the ACH transfer to occur or to provide them with a new bank account number to complete the transaction.

Recommended: Routing Number vs Account Number: How to Find Both

What Is the Difference Between a Notice of Change (NOC) And ACH Return?

It’s easy to confuse a Notice of Change (NOC) and an ACH return, but these are two different things. An NOC is a method used by financial institutions to notify a federal agency to correct or change account information. It applies to an entry processed by the federal agency through the ACH. A NOC is not a form of payment in and of itself. Nor does it represent a failure to complete an ACH payment transaction. It’s a request for an edit, basically, while an ACH return actually stops a transaction.

Recommended: How to Transfer Money From One Bank to Another

When Can You Request a Reversal of an ACH Payment?

For a reversal to occur on an ACH payment, certain requirements have to be met. Here are the guidelines for successfully putting the brakes on a transaction:

•   The reversal entry has to be transmitted to the bank within five banking days after the settlement date of the erroneous file.

•   Transmitting the reversing file has to occur within 24 hours of discovering the error.

If these criteria are met, the reversal of an ACH payment can proceed.

Why You Might Be Receiving an ACH Return

As you monitor your bank account, you may see that an ACH transaction, which usually happens so smoothly, is being returned. This can occur for a variety of reasons. For instance, the originator may have provided inaccurate payment information or may not have been authorized to debit the customer’s or client’s account with an ACH payment. The codes reviewed above can also shed light on why the transfer of funds was stopped. By the way, both returned mobile ACH payments and returned ACH card payments can occur.

How to Return an ACH Payment

Account holders and merchants who encounter issues with ACH payments can stop or reverse them.

If you may need to delay or adjust an ACH debit (which is an automatic “pull” from your account) as a consumer, you’ll want to contact the organization that is initiating the payment, whether this is the biller or your bank. If it is your bank, you’ll need to give them the name of the business or organization that is making the ACH debit and the amount. Ideally, you want to do this three business days before the scheduled payment date.

If you want to stop an ACH credit, which is when your bank “pulls” money from someone else’s account, you will need to notify your bank before the payment is debited. You will typically need to provide the name of the person or business that is paying you, the exact payment amount, and your account details.

The Takeaway

While ACH payments are a convenient payment method, sometimes a funds transfer fails to go through. In this situation, a returned ACH payment occurs. ACH returns can happen for a few reasons (such as the client’s bank account contains insufficient funds to complete the transfer). The entire process is fairly quick and is usually completed within two banking days. As more and more electronic transfers happen, it’s wise to be aware of this system that can step in if details are incorrect or one party can’t or won’t hold up their end of the arrangement.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What’s the time frame for an ACH debit return?

It usually takes two banking days for an ACH return to complete. However, there are select ACH return codes that result in a 60-day return period.

How much are ACH return fees?

Fees vary, but they usually cost about $2 to $5 per return. The consumer pays this charge. It’s similar to paying a fee for a bounced check.

What are ACH return codes?

Every time an ACH return happens, the originator will be sent an ACH return code. This code is represented by the letter R and a two-figure number and explains why the return happened. For example, a R01 return code indicates that the client’s bank account contains insufficient funds to complete the transfer.

Can returned ACH payments be disputed?

Yes, ACH returns can be disputed. What that process looks like varies with the reason why the ACH return occurred. Every ACH return code has a specific return time frame associated with it. Generally, the client needs to dispute the ACH return during that time frame.


Photo credit: iStock/Nicola Katie

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.


Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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How to Write a Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

The basic steps of check-writing sound pretty straightforward: Fill out the date, amount, payee name, and add your signature.

There are, however, right and wrong ways to complete this process. And, despite the current age of online banking, there may still be times when you need to write checks and want to do so correctly. Make an error, and your check may not be cashed, which can lead to hassles and fees.

By learning the simple step-by-step process, you can fill out a check properly when you need to.

Key Points

•   Writing a check involves filling out the date, amount, payee name, and your signature.

•   Errors in check writing can lead to uncashed checks and potential fees.

•   Postdating a check allows it to be deposited at a future date.

•   Writing the dollar amount in words and numbers helps prevent fraud.

•   Signing the check is crucial as an unsigned check is invalid.

1. Date the Check

First things first: Write today’s date on the space provided in the upper right-hand corner of the check. Putting the date on your check will provide evidence of when you wrote the check.

You can also postdate a check and request for the recipient not to deposit the amount until on or after that future date.

filling out date on a check



💡 Quick Tip: Make money easy. Open a bank account online so you can manage bills, deposits, transfers — all from one convenient app.

2. Add the Recipient’s Name

In the line, “Pay to the order of,” write the name of the individual or company you are paying. Be sure to double check the spelling of the person’s name and the official vendor name to avoid any payment mishaps.

You can also make a check out to “cash,” but this poses a security risk. If you or the payee loses the check, anyone who finds it will be able to cash it. You can also write a check to yourself if you need to transfer funds from your checking account to another personal account.

adding recipients name to check

3. Write the Payment Amount in Numbers

Write the dollar and cents amount in the rectangular box, located to the right of the payee line. (Example: $156.99.) It’s essential to write the payment amount clearly for the ATM or bank worker.

filling in payment amount on check

4. Write the Payment Amount in Words

To help prevent error or fraud, write the check amount out in words on the line provided.

How to Write a Check with Cents

To write a check with cents, you’ll express the cents amount as a fraction. For example, $156.99 would read as “One hundred and fifty-six and 99/100.”

How to Write a Check with No Cents

If the dollar amount is whole ($156.00), it should read “one hundred and fifty-six and 00/100.” A banker or ATM will check that your numerical amount matches the spelled-out amount.

Recommended: What Is an Outstanding Check?

writing payment amount on check

5. Sign the Check

One of the biggest mistakes check writers make is forgetting to sign the check. Neglecting to do so makes the check invalid and uncashable. Be sure and write your signature on the bottom right-hand line of the check.

adding signature to a check

6. Add a Memo

Adding a note in the memo line on a check is optional, but it’s a good idea. Doing so will help you remember why you wrote the check in the first place: “July 1st rent” or “Beyoncé tix reimbursement.”

Some payees may require additional information which you can put on the memo line on the bottom-left corner. The IRS, for example, will ask you to write your Social Security number on your check.

adding a memo to a check

Example of Writing a Check

Now that you’ve read about writing a check, here’s what a properly filled out one looks like:

example of a filled out check

Tips for Filling Out Checks

The steps on how to write a check are pretty clear. But there are additional tips that can help protect your account and ensure a successful transaction.

Use a Pen

Protect your money. Always fill out a check in ink — preferably blue or black ink for easier readability. Using a pencil is a recipe for theft. You don’t want your payee and dollar amounts being erased and rewritten (aka an altered check).

Don’t Sign a Blank Check

Don’t sign your name on the bottom of the check until it is completely filled out. If a check has your signature, but no payee name or dollar amount, you are leaving yourself wide open for any thief with a pen to fill in the blanks.

Keep Your Signature Consistent

Maintaining a consistent signature can help a bank teller or ATM detect signs of identity fraud. You’ll be better able to prove someone other than you signed your check if you have clear signature samples.

Save a Copy of Your Check

Having a copy of your check can act as proof of payment. You can take a picture of it with your cell phone. Some banks will issue checkbooks with carbon copies—a duplicate check attached to the back of a paper one. If you press down hard enough, your writing will transfer onto the duplicate check.

Recommended: Overdraft vs Non-Sufficient Funds Fees: What’s the Difference?

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How to Protect Your Accounts When Writing Paper Checks

After mailing or handing over a check, it’s wise to keep tabs on its path and your bank account. Here are some smart moves that can help keep your records straight.

Record the Payment

Most checkbooks come with a check register — a place to record your check usage and current bank balance. It’s important to dot down:

•   The check number

•   The date you wrote the check

•   The payee information

•   The dollar amount

Doing so will help you balance your checkbook and avoid ending up with a negative balance.

Monitor for Fraud or Lost Checks

Having a record of your checks will help you avoid overdraft fees and keep track of any outstanding checks that payees have yet to cash. When you receive your monthly statement, compare it against your check register to catch any suspicious activity.

This can reveal a check that might have been cashed for a different amount than what you filled it out for. This could indicate a kind of fraud called “check washing,” in which a criminal gets a hold of your check, erases information, and fills it out to themselves.

Or you might spot that a check hasn’t been cashed in a timely manner, indicating that it’s a lost check, worth following up on.

Check Your Available Balance

You don’t want to write a check for more money than you currently have, so keep an eye on your bank balance to avoid bouncing a check. Whether you have a traditional or online checking account, you should be able to easily monitor this on your financial institution’s website or app.

Consider Automated Payments

While checks can still have their time and place in your financial life, online and mobile banking can make it easy to pay bills and otherwise send funds to other accounts. This can be accomplished quickly, easily, and securely by automating your finances.

For example, instead of writing paper checks, you could set up recurring transfers to pay bills online every month or make one-off payments as needed. These actions can be done safely and simply, and they eliminate the need for envelopes and postage stamps, too.

Recommended: ACH vs Checks: Key Differences

The Takeaway

It’s possible that check payments could eventually become a thing of the past. Until then, it’s important to know how to write a check and avoid making little errors that could result in big headaches.

Most bank accounts come with checks, but that’s not the only feature to consider when shopping for a new account.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy up to 4.00% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What makes a check invalid?

Banks can refuse to cash a check due to a missing signature, insufficient account funds, invalid or illegible account numbers, or if too much time has passed since the check was dated (typically six months).

Can someone steal your identity with a check?

It is possible for criminals to use the information on your check — your name, your address, your routing number — to steal your identity. They might be able to apply for loans in your name or open bank accounts.

Where is the bank routing number on a check?

The bank routing number is at the bottom of the check, to the left. Just to the right of it is your account number, and then at the far right, the check number.

Who signs the back of a check?

The payee endorses the back of the check in order to make a deposit or cash it.


Photo credit: iStock/payphoto

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2024 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.


SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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