R61

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High-Priority Return Code

This ACH return code indicates that a return entry has been misrouted to an incorrect receiving depository financial institution (RDFI). R61 returns occur when the RDFI preparing the return entry places the wrong routing number in the receiving DFI identification field, causing the return to be sent to the wrong bank. This is a procedural error in the return process rather than an issue with the original transaction.

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Error message: "The financial institution preparing the return entry has placed the incorrect routing number in the receiving DFI identification field."

What Causes ACH Return Code R61?

The R61 ACH return code means "Misrouted Return" and indicates that when preparing a return entry, the receiving bank placed incorrect routing information in the DFI identification field, causing the return to be sent to the wrong financial institution. This is an operational error that occurs during the return processing phase, not during the original transaction.

Unlike typical return codes that relate to issues with the original payment (like insufficient funds or invalid accounts), R61 specifically addresses problems with the return routing process itself. The return was properly generated but sent to the incorrect destination due to data entry errors or system misconfiguration at the returning bank.

Can You Retry R61 Payments?

R61 returns typically require coordination between financial institutions rather than a simple retry. Since this is a routing error in the return process, you'll need to work with your bank or payment processor to ensure the return is properly routed to the correct financial institution. Once the routing issue is resolved, the return can be reprocessed through the proper channels.

Common Causes

Incorrect routing number entered when preparing the return entry

Data entry errors at the receiving bank during return processing

System configuration issues that populate wrong routing information

Manual processing errors when handling return entries

Outdated routing information in bank systems due to mergers or changes

Key Information

Return timeframe: Within 5 banking days after settlement date of return entry

Routing error in return process, not original transaction

Requires coordination between financial institutions to resolve

May not be directly controllable by payment originator

Not applicable to International ACH Transactions (IAT)

How to Respond to an R61 Code

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An R61 return requires immediate coordination with your bank or payment processor to identify the routing error and ensure the return is properly directed to the correct financial institution.

When Your Customer's Payment Fails

Contact Your Bank Immediately
Reach out to your ODFI (Originating Depository Financial Institution) to report the misrouted return and request assistance in resolving the routing issue.
Verify Routing Information
Work with your bank to confirm the correct routing information for where the return should be directed.
Request Proper Routing
Ask your bank to coordinate with the returning institution to ensure the return is sent to the correct financial institution.
Monitor Resolution
Track the reprocessing to ensure the return reaches the proper destination and is handled correctly.

Email Template

Subject: Payment Processing Update - Bank Coordination in Progress

Hi [Customer Name],

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We've received notification that there was a routing error in processing your recent payment return. This is an operational issue between financial institutions rather than a problem with your account.

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We're currently working with our bank partners to ensure the return is properly routed and processed. This coordination between institutions may take 1-2 additional business days to complete.

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No action is required on your part - this is a technical matter we're handling with the banks involved. We'll update you once the routing issue has been resolved.

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Thank you for your patience,

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[Your Company Name]

When Your Payment to Vendors Fails

An R61 return on vendor payments indicates a routing error occurred when the vendor's bank tried to return a payment. This requires coordination between your bank and the vendor's bank to ensure proper routing.

Contact your bank's ACH operations team immediately to report the misrouted return
Work with your bank to identify the correct routing information for the return
Request that your bank coordinate with the returning institution to resolve the routing error
Monitor the reprocessing to ensure the return is properly routed and the vendor payment issue is resolved