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When an International Payment Gets Blocked by a Bank ID Error
Processing International ACH Transactions (IATs) means dealing with more complex details than a standard domestic payment. Every piece of the transaction must line up perfectly—including the foreign bank’s identification number.
If the foreign bank’s information is wrong, missing, or formatted incorrectly, you’ll likely get back an ACH Return Code R82.
Let’s walk through what R82 – Invalid Foreign Receiving DFI Identification means, why it happens, and how to fix it if it shows up.
R82 in a Nutshell: What It Means
ACH Return Code R82 stands for:
“Invalid Foreign Receiving DFI Identification.”
Here’s the formal NACHA explanation:
R82 – Invalid Foreign Receiving DFI Identification: The entry is being returned because the foreign Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI) identification information provided in the IAT entry is incorrect or cannot be validated.
In plain English:
The information about the foreign bank the money is going to doesn’t check out—and the payment can’t proceed.
Why R82 Errors Happen
Here are some of the most common reasons you might run into an R82:
Incorrect SWIFT/BIC codes entered for the foreign bank
Missing DFI (Depository Financial Institution) identification fields
Invalid or outdated bank identification info
Typos or formatting mistakes in the foreign DFI information
Changes to the foreign bank’s routing or structure that weren’t updated in your payment system
When the receiving bank’s identity isn’t clear or verifiable, the ACH network will stop the transaction for security and regulatory reasons.
How to Handle an R82 Return
Step 1: Verify the Foreign Bank’s Information
Reach out to the sender or originator of the transaction to double-check the bank name, SWIFT/BIC code, and any other identification numbers.
Step 2: Correct Any Errors
Update the IAT file with the correct DFI information. Pay close attention to the structure and format required for the specific country and institution.
Step 3: Resubmit the IAT Payment
Once the foreign DFI identification is accurate and complete, you can safely resubmit the ACH entry.
Step 4: Confirm Compliance
Make sure your ACH platform is updated to properly handle foreign bank coding standards and international ACH requirements.
How to Prevent R82 Errors Moving Forward
Preventing R82 issues is all about careful data handling upfront. Here’s how to minimize the risk:
Use bank verification tools to validate foreign bank information before submitting IATs
Train your team on international banking formats and common country-specific differences
Work with an ACH provider experienced in international payments
Regularly update your records if working with foreign business partners or customers, as bank identifiers can change over time
Double-check SWIFT, BIC, and other codes when onboarding new payees internationally
Accuracy matters even more when sending money across borders.
Get ACH Payment Processing with Durango merchant Services
ACH Return Code R82—“Invalid Foreign Receiving DFI Identification”—means the payment couldn’t reach the intended foreign bank because the identifying information didn’t pass validation. It’s a reminder that international payments demand careful attention to detail.
At Durango Merchant Services, we help businesses manage every aspect of ACH processing—from smooth domestic payments to navigating the extra challenges of international ACH (IAT) transactions. If you’re growing globally, we’ll make sure your payments are built on a strong, compliant foundation.
