Table of Contents
When a Returned Payment Is Sent to the Wrong Place
ACH payments run through a carefully organized system that moves money between banks quickly and securely. But when something goes wrong—like a payment needing to be reversed—the return must be sent back through the correct channels.
If a return is sent to the wrong financial institution, the ACH system flags it as a misrouted return, and you’ll see ACH Return Code R61.
Let’s take a closer look at what R61 – Misrouted Return means, why it happens, and what steps you can take to resolve it.
What Does ACH Return Code R61 Mean?
ACH Return Code R61 stands for:
“Misrouted Return.”
According to NACHA’s official definition:
R61 – Misrouted Return: The return entry was sent to the wrong Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI).
In simple terms: the return was sent back to the wrong bank, so the system can’t complete it properly until it’s corrected and routed to the right place.
How Does a Misrouted Return Happen?
Here are some of the most common reasons an R61 return occurs:
Incorrect routing number used when initiating the return
Errors in the original transaction information, leading the return to be sent back incorrectly
Manual mistakes when processing returns at the bank or processor level
Miscommunication between banks or departments during the return process
When a return doesn’t follow the correct routing path, the original transaction can’t be settled properly, and both the originator and the recipient can face unnecessary delays.
How to Handle ACH Return Code R61
Here’s what you should do if you receive an R61 return:
1. Identify the Incorrect Routing
Review the original transaction and the returned entry. Look at the routing numbers to find where the misrouting occurred.
2. Work With Your ACH Processor or Bank
They can assist you in identifying the proper routing information and reprocessing the return correctly. Banks and payment processors are experienced in rerouting returns when this kind of error happens.
3. Resend the Return Entry Correctly
Once the correct information is identified, the return needs to be resent properly through the ACH network, targeting the right receiving bank.
4. Monitor for Resolution
Keep an eye on the reprocessed transaction to ensure the return is accepted and that the payment cycle is closed properly.
How to Avoid R61 ACH Returns in the Future
While you may not be able to control every misrouting (especially if the mistake happens at the RDFI level), you can minimize the risk by:
Using ACH processing systems that automatically pull accurate routing numbers from original transactions
Validating transaction information carefully before processing returns
Providing staff training on return processing procedures and common pitfalls
Working with a payment processor that has strong return management protocols in place
Regularly reviewing ACH return reports to catch issues early before they snowball
Clean transaction records and double-checking routing details are your best defense against R61 errors.
Get ACH Payment Processing with Durango merchant Services
ACH Return Code R61—“Misrouted Return”—means a return entry didn’t make it to the correct bank. While it’s usually a clerical error, it’s important to fix it quickly to avoid payment delays, confusion, or compliance concerns.
At Durango Merchant Services, we help businesses not only process ACH payments smoothly but also manage and troubleshoot returns when issues like R61 arise. Whether you’re handling a few payments or thousands, having the right ACH support makes all the difference.
