This ACH return code indicates that your payment file contains formatting errors, missing required fields, or invalid data that doesn't meet NACHA technical standards. Since 2019, R17 has also been used to flag questionable or suspicious transactions, with banks required to include "QUESTIONABLE" in the description when used for this purpose.
Error message: "The entry contains invalid account information or formatting that cannot be processed by the RDFI due to file record edit criteria violations."
What Causes ACH Return Code R17?
The R17 ACH return code means "File Record Edit Criteria" and indicates that your ACH payment file contains formatting errors, missing required fields, or invalid data that prevents the receiving bank from processing the transaction. This is typically a technical issue with how your payment file was structured rather than a problem with the customer's account or funds availability.
In 2019, NACHA expanded the use of R17 to also flag questionable or suspicious transactions. When used for this purpose, the receiving bank must include "QUESTIONABLE" in the addenda information field to differentiate these returns from routine formatting errors. This helps banks identify potentially fraudulent activity while maintaining the original technical use of the code.
Can You Retry R17 Payments?
You can retry R17 payments after identifying and correcting the specific formatting or field errors in your ACH file. For technical formatting issues, fix the file structure and resubmit. However, if the return includes "QUESTIONABLE" in the description, you should investigate the transaction for potential fraud before reprocessing.
How to Respond to an R17 Code
An R17 return typically indicates technical formatting problems with your ACH file that require correction before resubmitting the transaction.
When Your Customer's Payment Fails
- Review the Exact Transaction Details
Examine the specific field information flagged in the R17 return to identify formatting errors. - Check for "QUESTIONABLE" Description
If present, investigate the transaction for potential fraud before reprocessing. - Correct File Formatting Issues
Fix missing fields, invalid characters, or incorrect data structure in your ACH file. - Validate Against NACHA Standards
Ensure your payment file meets all technical requirements before resubmitting.
Subject: Payment Processing Issue - Technical Error
Hi [Customer Name],
We encountered a technical formatting issue with your recent payment that prevented it from processing successfully. This was due to how our payment file was structured, not any issue with your account.
We've identified and corrected the formatting problem and will reprocess your payment within the next business day. You don't need to take any action on your end.
We apologize for any inconvenience and will ensure this technical issue doesn't happen again.
Thanks,
[Your Company Name]
When Your Payment to Vendors Fails
An R17 return on vendor payments indicates a technical problem with your ACH file formatting rather than any issue with the vendor's account. This requires reviewing and correcting your payment processing setup.
- Review the specific field that caused the R17 return in your payment file
- Check your ACH file generation software for configuration errors
- Validate that all required fields are properly formatted according to NACHA standards
- Reprocess the vendor payment after correcting the file structure issues
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