This ACH return code indicates that the ABA routing number (also called routing transit number) provided for the transaction was incorrect. ABA numbers are nine-digit codes that identify specific financial institutions in the United States. R58 returns occur when the routing number doesn't match the receiving bank's records, preventing the transaction from being processed to the intended financial institution.
Error message: "The transaction was returned because the ABA number (a routing number for a financial institution) was not correct."
What Causes ACH Return Code R58?
The R58 ACH return code means "Incorrect ABA Number" and indicates that the nine-digit ABA routing number provided for the transaction doesn't match the receiving bank's records. ABA numbers, developed by the American Bankers Association in 1910, serve as unique identifiers for financial institutions and are essential for routing electronic payments to the correct bank.
This return occurs when there's a mismatch between the routing number submitted and the actual routing number associated with the receiving financial institution. Unlike account-specific errors, R58 specifically relates to the bank identification portion of the transaction. The routing number acts as the "address" for the financial institution, so an incorrect ABA number means the payment can't be delivered to the intended bank.
Can You Retry R58 Payments?
You can retry R58 payments after verifying and correcting the ABA routing number. Before reprocessing, confirm the correct nine-digit routing number with the receiving bank or through official banking resources. Since this error is specifically about bank identification rather than account details or authorization issues, correcting the routing number should resolve the problem.
How to Respond to an R58 Code
An R58 return requires immediate verification of the ABA routing number through official bank sources, followed by correction and reprocessing of the payment with the accurate routing information.
When Your Customer's Payment Fails
- Verify Routing Number Immediately
Contact the customer's bank directly or check their official website to confirm the correct nine-digit ABA routing number for ACH transactions. - Check for Multiple Routing Numbers
Some banks have different routing numbers for different purposes (wire transfers vs. ACH), so ensure you're using the ACH-specific number. - Validate Against Official Sources
Use the American Bankers Association lookup tool or the bank's official website rather than relying on third-party sources. - Update Records Before Retry
Correct the routing number in your system and verify the change before reprocessing the payment.
Subject: Payment Issue - Need to Verify Bank Routing Number
Hi [Customer Name],
We encountered an issue processing your recent payment because the bank routing number we have on file appears to be incorrect.
To resolve this quickly, could you please verify the correct ABA routing number for your bank account? You can find this nine-digit number:
- On the bottom left of your checks
- Through your bank's official website
- By calling your bank directly
Once we have the correct routing number, we'll process your payment again right away. Please reply with the verified routing number or call us at [phone number].
Thanks for helping us get this sorted out.
[Your Company Name]
When Your Payment to Vendors Fails
An R58 return on vendor payments means the ABA routing number you have for the vendor's bank is incorrect. This requires verification of the correct routing number from official bank sources before reprocessing the payment.
- Contact the vendor to verify their bank's correct ABA routing number for ACH transactions
- Cross-reference the routing number with the bank's official website or customer service
- Ensure you're using the ACH routing number, not the wire transfer routing number
- Update your vendor payment records with the correct routing number and reprocess the payment
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