R12 | Branch sold to another bank
This code indicates the receiving branch or institution relationship changed, and the entry could not be processed under the prior routing/branch structure.
What This Code Means
R12 is returned when an ACH entry is presented to a branch or institution endpoint that has been sold or transferred to another bank, making the original routing relationship no longer valid for posting the entry as presented. The return reflects a routing and ownership change rather than a funds issue or authorization dispute. It signals that the account relationship is no longer served under the same branch/institution configuration used at origination. This code does not automatically mean the account is closed; it indicates the receiving path used for the entry is no longer correct due to an institutional change. The outcome is administrative: the RDFI cannot post the entry as addressed.
Where Users Usually See This Code
- ACH returns in processor settlement and reconciliation reports
- Bank operations dashboards during routing change periods
- Payment failure notifications tied to bank acquisitions or branch transfers
Why This Code Appears
- The receiving branch was transferred to another bank entity
- Routing information on file is outdated relative to current bank ownership
- The RDFI’s routing tables no longer recognize the branch path used in the entry
- Institutional changes created a mismatch between origination details and current receiving structure
What Typically Happens Next
- The entry is returned with R12 through standard ACH return flows
- The originator records the item as returned due to routing/branch change
- Future entries using the same outdated receiving path are likely to return until updated
What This Code Is Not
- It is not an invalid account number (see R04)
- It is not a closed account confirmation (see R02)
- It is not insufficient funds (see R01/R09)
Troubleshooting Checklist
- □ Verify whether the receiver’s bank details have changed due to acquisition or branch transfer
- □ Compare current account/routing details on file to recent successful transactions
- □ Document the return as a routing-change outcome for reconciliation
- □ Coordinate with your ODFI or processor to confirm updated receiving information requirements
Notes And Edge Cases
Branch sales and institutional transfers can lead to transitional periods where legacy details work intermittently depending on cutover schedules. In some cases, a branch transfer may preserve account numbers but require updated routing or receiving identifiers. Different institutions may map similar conditions to R12 or to “unable to locate” depending on how routing conversion is implemented. The return code does not include the new bank’s details; it only communicates that the prior receiving relationship is no longer valid.