This ACH return code indicates a data entry error in the routing number. The nine-digit routing number contains a check digit (the final digit) that's calculated using a specific mathematical formula based on the first eight digits. When this check digit doesn't match what the system expects, the transaction is automatically rejected to prevent funds from being sent to the wrong bank.
Error message: "The check digit provided for the routing number isn't valid."
What Causes ACH Return Code R28?
The R28 ACH return code means "Routing Number Check Digit Error" and indicates that the check digit in the routing number doesn't match the mathematical validation used by the ACH system. Every nine-digit routing number has a check digit as its final digit, which is calculated using a specific algorithm based on the first eight digits to verify the routing number's authenticity.
R28 returns typically occur due to simple typographical errors when entering banking information, such as transposing digits or missing a number entirely. This validation system serves as an important safeguard to prevent payments from being sent to incorrect financial institutions, as even a single incorrect digit would route funds to the wrong bank.
Can You Retry R28 Payments?
Yes, you can retry R28 payments after verifying and correcting the routing number. Since this error is almost always caused by a data entry mistake, simply double-checking the routing number against the customer's check or bank statement and re-entering it correctly should resolve the issue. The transaction can be resubmitted immediately once the routing number is fixed.
How to Respond to an R28 Code
An R28 return indicates a mathematical error in the routing number's check digit, requiring verification and correction of the banking information before reprocessing the transaction.
When Your Customer's Payment Fails
- Verify the Routing Number Immediately
Check the routing number against the customer's physical check, bank statement, or official bank documentation. - Look for Common Entry Errors
Review for transposed digits, missing numbers, or extra digits that could cause the check digit validation to fail. - Contact Customer If Needed
If the routing number appears correct, reach out to confirm their current banking information hasn't changed. - Correct and Resubmit
Once you have the accurate routing number, reprocess the transaction immediately.
Subject: Payment Processing Error - Banking Information Needed
Hi [Customer Name],
We encountered an issue processing your recent payment due to an error with the routing number on file. This typically happens when there's a small typo in the banking information.
Could you please verify the nine-digit routing number from your check or bank statement? You can find this number in the bottom-left corner of your check, before your account number.
Once we have the correct routing number, we'll reprocess your payment immediately. This is a quick fix that should resolve the issue right away.
Thanks,
[Your Company Name]
When Your Payment to Vendors Fails
An R28 return on vendor payments means there's an error in the routing number you entered for your vendor's bank account. This requires immediate verification and correction to ensure your vendor gets paid on time.
- Double-check the routing number against your vendor's payment instructions or W-9 form
- Look for any transposed or missing digits in the nine-digit routing number
- Contact your vendor to confirm their current banking details if the number appears correct
- Correct the routing number and resubmit the payment once verified
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