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When a Payment Fails Because of an ID Mismatch
ACH payments run on precision—correct routing numbers, accurate account numbers, and in many cases, valid identification numbers that link the transaction to the right individual. If the identification tied to the payment doesn’t match what the receiving bank expects, the transaction can be rejected.
That’s when you’ll see ACH Return Code R64.
Let’s walk through what R64 – Incorrect Individual Identification means, why it happens, and how to correct it if you encounter it.
What Does ACH Return Code R64 Mean?
ACH Return Code R64 stands for:
“Incorrect Individual Identification.”
According to NACHA’s official definition:
R64 – Incorrect Individual Identification: The individual identification information provided in the ACH transaction does not match the information on file at the Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI).
In other words: the receiving bank couldn’t match the identification information in the transaction to the intended account holder, so the payment was sent back.
Why Would an R64 Return Happen?
Here are some common reasons you might run into an R64 return:
The individual ID number entered was incorrect (wrong SSN, employee ID, or internal reference number)
Typos or data formatting errors in the individual identification field
Outdated information (for example, if a customer changed their bank account but the ID wasn’t updated)
Incorrect linkage between accounts and IDs during the payment setup process
Mismatch between the payer’s file and the bank’s record
Even small mistakes in identification fields can cause an ACH entry to be rejected under R64.
How to Handle ACH Return Code R64
Here’s what to do if you receive an R64 return:
1. Review the Identification Information Submitted
Compare the individual ID information you used against your original records. Look for missing digits, transposed numbers, or other discrepancies.
2. Contact the Customer or Recipient
Reach out to confirm their identification number or reference ID as it appears on their account. Ask them to verify the correct details to update your system.
3. Update and Correct Your Records
Once you have the right identification information, correct your internal records and make sure everything is aligned properly for future transactions.
4. Resubmit If Needed
After verifying and correcting the identification, you can reinitiate the ACH payment.
How to Avoid R64 ACH Returns in the Future
To reduce the chance of R64 returns, focus on tightening your customer onboarding and payment setup processes:
Verify identification numbers carefully during account setup
Use validation tools to check ID formats and completeness before submitting payments
Ask customers to double-check the information they provide when signing ACH authorization forms
Keep customer account information current
Automate ACH file creation to pull the most up-to-date ID information directly from your system
Making sure identification fields are complete, correct, and consistent will keep your payments flowing smoothly.
Get ACH Payment Processing with Durango merchant Services
ACH Return Code R64—“Incorrect Individual Identification”—means the payment couldn’t be processed because the individual ID information didn’t match what the bank had on file. While it’s usually a small clerical issue, it can cause frustrating delays if not handled quickly.
At Durango Merchant Services, we help businesses streamline their ACH payment processes, reduce return codes, and build systems that protect against small but costly mistakes like R64. Whether you’re billing customers, paying employees, or managing high-volume transactions, we’re here to help you stay accurate and efficient.
