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When a Reversal or Mistake in a Debit Needs to Be Corrected
ACH transactions are designed to be fast and reliable—but mistakes can happen. Sometimes a debit is sent to the wrong account, processed for the wrong amount, or duplicated. When that happens, businesses often try to correct the error by sending a reversing entry.
But if the reversal itself is incorrect, or if the situation wasn’t handled properly, the receiving bank can reject the debit with ACH Return Code R62.
Let’s go over what R62 – Return of Erroneous or Reversing Debit means, why it happens, and how to fix it if it shows up.
What Does ACH Return Code R62 Mean?
ACH Return Code R62 stands for:
“Return of Erroneous or Reversing Debit.”
Here’s NACHA’s official definition:
R62 – Return of Erroneous or Reversing Debit: The Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI) is returning a debit entry because it was either entered in error or because a reversing debit was improperly initiated.
In simple terms: a debit that was supposed to fix a previous mistake—or the original debit itself—was not processed correctly and is being rejected by the receiving bank.
What Can Trigger an R62 ACH Return Code?
here are a few common scenarios that lead to an R62 return:
A duplicate debit was sent and a reversal was attempted incorrectly
A reversal entry was submitted improperly (wrong format, wrong timing, or not matching the original transaction)
The original debit was wrong, and the customer or bank disputes the attempted fix
The reversing debit wasn’t properly authorized according to NACHA rules
The RDFI determined the reversal didn’t align with allowable ACH reversal guidelines
In short: either the original debit or the attempt to fix it didn’t meet the standards needed for ACH transactions.
How to Handle ACH Return Code R62
Here’s what you should do if you receive an R62 return:
1. Review the Original and Reversing Entries
Look at both the original debit and any reversing transactions. Make sure they match properly and follow ACH reversal rules.
2. Confirm the Reason for the Return
The RDFI may return the entry if the reversal didn’t match the original, was outside the allowed timeframe, or wasn’t properly formatted. Find out exactly why the return was triggered.
3. Contact the Customer (If Appropriate)
If the customer is involved in the dispute, reach out to them to explain the situation and discuss options for correcting the payment.
4. Consult Your ACH Provider
Your payment processor can help you understand if a corrected transaction can be resubmitted—or whether a different approach (like issuing a credit or new debit) is needed.
5. Document Everything
Keep clear records of the original debit, the reversal, the R62 return, and any customer communications. ACH audits and compliance reviews may require this documentation.
How to Avoid R62 ACH Returns in the Future
Here are a few practical tips to avoid R62 returns:
Double-check entries before submitting them to catch errors early
Use the correct ACH reversal process when fixing mistakes (including proper formatting and timing)
Train your team on how to handle duplicate or erroneous transactions
Work with ACH software that provides error-checking for reversals
Understand NACHA’s reversal rules, including timing windows and matching requirements
Fixing errors correctly the first time keeps customers happy and reduces the chance of rejected transactions.
Get ACH Payment Processing with Durango merchant Services
ACH Return Code R62—“Return of Erroneous or Reversing Debit”—means that either the original debit was flawed or the attempt to fix it didn’t meet ACH standards. It’s a reminder that even small mistakes need to be handled carefully when dealing with customer payments.
At Durango Merchant Services, we help businesses manage ACH payments the right way—from day-to-day transactions to error resolution and compliance support. Whether you’re processing thousands of entries or just getting started, we’ll make sure you have the tools and expertise you need.
