R26

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High-Priority Return Code

This ACH return code indicates that required fields in your transaction contain missing or invalid data that prevents processing. R26 is an operator reject code, meaning the ACH operator rejected the transaction before it reached the customer's bank. Common issues include fields filled with all spaces, all zeros, or completely blank when data is required.

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Error message: "Erroneous data or missing data in a mandatory field."

What Causes ACH Return Code R26?

The R26 ACH return code means "Mandatory Field Error" and indicates that essential information required for processing is either missing entirely or contains invalid data such as all spaces or all zeros. This is an operator reject code, which means the ACH operator identified the problem and rejected the transaction before it even reached the receiving bank.

R26 occurs when mandatory fields that must contain valid data are left blank, filled with placeholder characters, or contain formatting that doesn't meet NACHA requirements. The specific fields that trigger R26 vary by transaction type (SEC code), but commonly include individual names, identification numbers, check serial numbers, and location information required for certain payment types.

Can You Retry R26 Payments?

You can retry R26 payments after identifying and correcting the missing or invalid mandatory field data. Fill in any blank required fields with proper information, replace fields containing all spaces or zeros with valid data, and ensure all mandatory information meets NACHA formatting requirements.

Common Causes

Individual Name field contains all spaces or all zeros (MTE entries)

Individual Identification Number is blank or contains all spaces/zeros

Check Serial Number missing or contains all spaces/zeros (ARC, POP, RCK, XCK entries)

Terminal City or State fields blank or all spaces/zeros (POP entries only)

Card Transaction Type Code invalid or missing (POS and SHR entries)

Key Information

Return timeframe: Next file delivery time following processing

Operator reject code - rejected before reaching customer's bank

Can retry after correcting missing or invalid mandatory field data

Specific required fields vary by SEC code (transaction type)

Technical data entry issue rather than account or funds problem

How to Respond to an R26 Code

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An R26 return requires identifying which mandatory field contains missing or invalid data and correcting it before resubmitting the transaction.

When Your Customer's Payment Fails

Review Transaction Data Entry
Examine all required fields for missing information, blank entries, or fields filled with spaces/zeros.
Check SEC Code Requirements
Verify which fields are mandatory for your specific transaction type (CCD, PPD, WEB, etc.).
Correct Invalid Field Data
Replace any blank, all-space, or all-zero fields with proper valid information.
Validate Formatting Standards
Ensure all mandatory fields meet NACHA formatting requirements before resubmitting.

Email Template

Subject: Payment Processing Issue - Missing Information Corrected

Hi [Customer Name],

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We encountered a technical issue with your recent payment due to missing required information in our processing system. This was caused by incomplete data entry on our end, not any issue with your account.

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We've identified and corrected the missing information and will reprocess your payment within the next business day. No action is required on your part.

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We apologize for any inconvenience and have implemented additional data validation to prevent this technical issue from occurring again.

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Thanks,

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[Your Company Name]

When Your Payment to Vendors Fails

An R26 return on vendor payments indicates mandatory field information is missing or invalid in your payment file. This requires reviewing and correcting the required data before reprocessing.

Review all mandatory fields in your payment file for missing or invalid data
Check that required fields contain valid information rather than spaces, zeros, or blank entries
Verify field requirements specific to your SEC code (transaction type)
Reprocess the vendor payment with all mandatory fields properly completed