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When a Payment Is Sent for the Wrong Amount
ACH payments are a great way to move money quickly, but they rely on one major thing—accuracy. Even if the routing and account numbers are correct, if the payment amount doesn’t match what was expected or authorized, the transaction can be flagged and returned.
That’s where ACH Return Code R63 comes into play.
Let’s walk through what R63 – Incorrect Dollar Amount means, why it happens, and how you can fix it if you receive one.
What Does ACH Return Code R63 Mean?
ACH Return Code R63 stands for:
“Incorrect Dollar Amount.”
Here’s the NACHA definition:
R63 – Incorrect Dollar Amount: The amount of the entry does not match the amount expected by the Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI) or the customer.
In plain terms: the bank or the customer flagged the transaction because the dollar amount was wrong—it was either more or less than what was authorized or agreed upon.
Why Would an R63 Return Happen?
There are several reasons you might encounter an R63 return:
Manual entry error when creating the ACH transaction
Mismatch between the customer’s authorization and the amount debited or credited
Incorrect invoice or billing amount submitted for processing
Technical glitches that caused the wrong amount to be pulled from or sent to an account
Amended agreements where the customer expected a different amount than was processed
Even if everything else in the transaction is correct, the wrong amount can cause a return under NACHA rules.
How to Handle ACH Return Code R63
Here’s what you should do if you receive an R63 return:
1. Review the Payment and Authorization
Compare the amount sent with the customer’s original authorization or agreement. Confirm whether a data entry error or system mistake occurred.
2. Contact the Customer (If Appropriate)
If the customer initiated the return or flagged the incorrect amount, reach out to them to apologize, explain what happened, and discuss the best way to correct it.
3. Correct the Error
You may need to:
Issue a correcting credit or debit
Refund the incorrect payment and start a new, properly authorized transaction
Update any billing or subscription systems to prevent repeated errors
4. Resubmit If Needed
Once the correct dollar amount is confirmed and properly authorized, you can resubmit the ACH entry if appropriate.
How to Avoid R63 ACH Returns in the Future
Here are a few steps to reduce the risk of incorrect payment amounts:
Double-check transaction amounts before submitting ACH batches
Use automated billing systems that pull amounts directly from invoicing software
Validate customer authorizations during the payment setup process
Set up approval workflows for large or non-standard payments
Train staff carefully on entering and reviewing ACH payment amounts
Send payment confirmation emails so customers know exactly what to expect
The more transparent and accurate your payment handling process is, the fewer returns you’ll deal with.
Get ACH Payment Processing with Durango merchant Services
ACH Return Code R63—“Incorrect Dollar Amount”—means the dollar figure processed didn’t match what was expected by the bank or the customer. It’s usually an easy fix, but it’s important to address quickly to maintain trust and avoid further disruptions.
At Durango Merchant Services, we work with businesses to help ensure every ACH transaction—whether incoming or outgoing—is properly structured, authorized, and accurate. Whether you’re processing a few payments a week or thousands every month, our team can help you stay organized and minimize returns like R63.
