R04

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High-Priority Return Code

This is a common ACH return code that indicates the account number format is structurally invalid and failed basic validation checks. Unlike R03 where the format appears valid but the account can't be located, R04 means the number itself doesn't conform to banking standards.

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Error message: "The account number structure is not valid."

What Causes ACH Return Code R04?

The R04 ACH return code means "Invalid Account Number" and indicates that the bank cannot process your ACH transaction because the account number structure is fundamentally incorrect. This return occurs when the account number fails basic formatting validation before the bank even attempts to locate the account.

Unlike other return codes such as R02 (account closed) or R03 (unable to locate account), R04 specifically identifies structural problems with the account number format itself. The account number may have too many digits, too few digits, contain invalid characters, or fail check digit validation algorithms that banks use to verify account number integrity.

Can You Retry R04 Payments?

Yes, you can retry R04 payments once you obtain the correctly formatted account number. Since R04 indicates a structural formatting issue rather than account closure, the payment can be reprocessed with the proper account number format. However, you must verify and correct the account number before retrying to avoid additional returns.

Common Causes

Typos resulting in wrong number of digits in the account number

Extra characters or spaces in the account number field

Account number that doesn't pass check digit validation

Wrong account type selected during transaction setup

Account number format that doesn't match the bank's requirements

Key Information

Return timeframe: 2 banking days

Can be retried with corrected account number

Requires verification of proper account number format

Most common cause is simple data entry errors

How to Respond to an R04 Code

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An R04 return indicates a formatting problem with the account number that must be corrected before reprocessing. Quick verification and correction of the account structure ensures successful payment processing on the next attempt.

When Your Customer's Payment Fails

Verify Account Number Structure
‍Check for missing digits, extra characters, or formatting errors in the account number.
Contact Customer for Verification
‍Request the customer provide their account number again, preferably from a voided check or bank statement.
Validate Against Bank Requirements
‍Ensure the account number format matches the receiving bank's structural requirements.
Retry with Corrected Format
‍Reprocess the payment once the properly formatted account number is verified.

Email Template

Subject: Account Number Verification Required

Hi [Customer Name],

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We encountered a formatting issue with the account number for your recent payment. The account number structure doesn't match your bank's requirements, which prevented us from processing the transaction.

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Could you please double-check your account number and provide it again? If possible, please reference a recent bank statement or voided check to ensure accuracy. We want to make sure we have the correct number of digits and format.

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Once we receive the corrected information, we'll process your payment right away.

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Thanks,

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[Your Company Name]

When Your Payment to Vendors Fails

An R04 return on vendor payments indicates incorrect account number formatting in your payment system. This can delay critical supplier payments and requires immediate correction to maintain good vendor relationships.

Review the account number format in your vendor payment records
Contact the vendor to verify the correct account number structure
Request a voided check or bank verification form to confirm formatting
Update your system with the properly formatted account number and reprocess payment