R73

What Is ACH Return Code R73?

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 R73, also known as “Timely Original Return," is a standard code used in Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions.

This code indicates that the RDFI is currently in the process of ensuring that the original return of the given transaction was processed within the appropriate timeline specified by Nacha. The ODFI must transmit a return for R73 within 5 banking days.

How To Address ACH Return Code R73

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.

Because this code indicates that a transaction is undergoing review by the RDFI, if you encounter R73, your best bet is to start by contacting the RDFI directly. The RDFI can give you more information about the transaction and their review will likely result in one of two scenarios:

1. If the RDFI finds that the transaction was sent within the timeframe specified by Nacha’s rules, the transaction will transmit once the RDFI finishes their review
2. If the RDFI finds that the transaction was not sent within the timeframe specified by Nacha’s rules, the transaction will not process and you will likely also receive return code R68 notifying you of an untimely return

In either case, the RDFI is the best institution to help you resolve R73.

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.