R41

What Is ACH Return Code R41?

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 R41, also known as "Invalid Transaction Code," is a standard code used in Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. This code applies when the transaction code included in the ACH entry is not valid or is not appropriate for the type of account associated with the transaction.

R41 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 code be associated with these transactions. If that code is incorrectly entered or missing, a transaction will return with R41. There is currently no clearly defined timeline for a transaction being returned with R41.

How To Address ACH Return Code R41

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 R41, unless your businesses regularly works closely with the federal government. If you encounter R41, 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.