R09 ACH return code: Uncollected Funds
The account balance looks high enough, but part of the money is not yet available to spend, for example because a deposit is still on hold.
R09 key facts
| Official title | Uncollected Funds |
|---|---|
| Returned by | Receiving bank (RDFI) |
| Time frame | 2 banking days The receiving bank must send the return so that it reaches the sending bank by the opening of business on the second banking day after the payment settled. |
| Applies to | Consumer and business accounts |
| Can you send it again? | Yes. You may send it again up to two more times, within 180 days of the original settlement date, for exactly the same amount. The retry must be labeled RETRY PYMT. |
| Type of return | Standard return |
Why R09 happens
- A recent deposit has not cleared yet.
- The bank placed a hold on part of the balance.
What to do next
If you sent the payment
- Tell the customer the payment came back and ask when the funds will be available.
- Try again if you wish. You may retry up to two more times, within 180 days of the original payment, for exactly the same amount, labeled RETRY PYMT.
- Do not add a fee to the retried amount.
Message you can send the customer
Change the words in [square brackets] before you send it.
Hello [name], Your ACH payment of [amount] dated [date] was returned by your bank because the money in the account was not yet available (return code R09). Please tell us when the money will be available. We will try again on that date for the same amount. If you would rather pay another way, let us know. Thank you, [business]
If you got the notice about your own account
- Ask your bank when the held funds will be available.
- Tell the business when it can try again, or pay another way.
Got a return file from your bank? Open it in the ACH file viewer to see the code next to each payment.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between R01 and R09?
With R01 the account simply does not have enough money. With R09 the money is in the account but is not yet available, usually because a deposit is on hold. Both can be retried under the same rule.
Sources
- FedGlobal ACH Payments Origination Manual, Federal Reserve Financial Services
- 2024 ACH Quick Reference Guide, EPCOR
- 2024 ACH Quick Reference Guide for Corporate Users, EPCOR
- ACH Return, NOC and Transaction Codes, Commerce Bank
- ACH Return Reason Codes and Time Frames, CBS Bank
General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change and banks set their own requirements. Check with your bank before you act. ACH Forms is not affiliated with Nacha.