ACH Returned | ACH entry returned
This status indicates an ACH entry was returned by the receiving institution and did not complete as a successful posting.
What This Code Means
“ACH Returned” indicates the receiving depository financial institution (RDFI) did not post the ACH entry and sent it back through the ACH network with a return reason. Returns are formal outcomes with specific return codes (such as R01, R02, or R10) that describe the category of the return. This status is a terminal processing outcome for the original entry; it means the entry did not settle as intended. It does not automatically explain why the return occurred without the associated return code. It also does not necessarily imply an authorization dispute; returns can result from funds, account status, validation, or administrative conditions.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- Bank or payment app history showing a returned ACH debit or credit
- Processor settlement reports listing returned entries
- Reconciliation files where return reason codes are provided
Why This Code Appears
- The RDFI returned the entry with a specific return reason code
- Account status or validation rules prevented posting
- Authorization-related disputes triggered a return category
- Administrative or compliance rules resulted in a return outcome
What Typically Happens Next
- The entry is marked returned and does not complete
- The system may display the associated return reason code if available
- Originators may treat the return as a failed payment and update account status accordingly
What This Code Is Not
- It is not a pending state (it is a return outcome)
- It is not the same as a reversal initiated after posting
- It is not a guarantee that a retry will succeed
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Review whether a specific return code is available for the entry
- □ Confirm whether the entry was a debit or credit, as return handling differs by context
- □ Record the return outcome for reconciliation and audit trails
- □ If the return reason is unclear, contact official support for return-code details
Notes And Edge Cases
Returned status timing can vary; an entry may appear pending and then later update to returned after the RDFI processes it. Some platforms show a generic “returned” label without disclosing the return code, even though the code exists in backend files. Returns can be re-presented as new entries depending on originator policies, but the returned entry itself remains a failed outcome. A return does not indicate whether the receiver’s account remains eligible for future entries.
Related Codes
- R01 CodeInsufficient funds
- R02 CodeAccount closed
- R10 CodeCustomer advises unauthorized
- R03 CodeNo account/unable to locate
- ACH Reversed CodeACH entry reversed/adjusted
- ACH Pending CodeACH entry in progress
- Account restricted CodeAccount permissions limited
- Payment declined CodePayment not approved