R13

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High-Priority Return Code

This ACH return code indicates that the routing number in the transaction is either incorrectly formatted, doesn't exist, or doesn't correspond to a valid financial institution. This is often caused by simple data entry errors but can also result from bank mergers or acquisitions that change routing numbers.

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Error message: "Entry contains a receiving DFI identification or gateway identification that is not a valid ACH routing number."

What Causes ACH Return Code R13?

The R13 ACH return code means "Invalid ACH Routing Number" and indicates that the routing number provided in the transaction doesn't correspond to a valid financial institution in the ACH network. Routing numbers are unique nine-digit identifiers assigned to each financial institution, and the ACH system validates these numbers before processing transactions.

R13 returns commonly occur due to typographical errors when entering routing numbers, but they can also happen when banks undergo mergers or acquisitions that result in routing number changes. Unlike account-specific issues, R13 specifically relates to the institutional identifier rather than individual account problems.

Can You Retry R13 Payments?

Yes, you can retry R13 payments after verifying and correcting the routing number. However, you must create a new transaction with the accurate routing information rather than simply retrying the original transaction. Most routing numbers can be verified through the bank's official website or by contacting the financial institution directly.

Common Causes

Typographical errors when entering the routing number

Bank mergers or acquisitions that changed routing numbers

Using outdated routing number information

Incorrect routing number provided by customer

Transposed digits in the routing number

Key Information

Return timeframe: 2 banking days

Can be retried with correct routing number

Must verify routing number accuracy before resubmitting

Create new transaction rather than retrying original

Routing numbers can be verified through bank websites

How to Respond to an R13 Code

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An R13 return indicates an invalid routing number that must be verified and corrected before reprocessing. Focus on obtaining the accurate routing information from reliable sources.

When Your Customer's Payment Fails

Verify the Routing Number
‍Check the routing number against the customer's bank website or official documentation to confirm accuracy.
Contact Customer for Confirmation
‍Reach out to verify the routing number and obtain a voided check or bank statement for verification.
Check for Recent Bank Changes
‍Determine if the customer's bank has undergone mergers or acquisitions that might have changed routing numbers.
Create New Transaction
‍Process a completely new transaction with the verified routing number rather than retrying the original.

Email Template

Subject: Routing Number Verification Needed

Hi [Customer Name],

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Your recent payment was returned because the routing number we have on file appears to be invalid or may have changed recently.

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Could you please verify your current routing number? You can find this on:

A voided check (first 9 digits at the bottom)
Your bank statement
Your bank's official website

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If your bank has recently merged with another institution, the routing number may have changed. Please provide the most current routing number so we can process your payment successfully.

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Thanks,

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[Your Company Name]

When Your Payment to Vendors Fails

An R13 return on vendor payments indicates you have an invalid routing number for the vendor's bank. This requires verifying the current routing information, especially if the vendor's bank has undergone recent changes or mergers.