ACH Forms

R51 ACH return code: RCK Entry Ineligible or Improper

What R51 means

A re-presented check (RCK) entry was not eligible or not proper. For example, the customer was not told about the policy, the signature was not genuine, the check was altered, or the amount was read wrongly.

Checked against 5 sources. Last reviewed .

R51 key facts

Official title Item Related to RCK Entry is Ineligible or RCK Entry is Improper
Returned by Receiving bank (RDFI)
Time frame 60 calendar days
The receiving bank can send the return for up to 60 calendar days after the payment settled. It first gets a signed Written Statement of Unauthorized Debit from the account holder, then must send the return within six banking days of finishing its review.
Applies to Consumer accounts
Can you send it again? No. Collect outside the ACH network.
Type of return Re-presented check (RCK). Counts toward your unauthorized return rate. Nacha's limit is 0.5% of your debits.
Written statement The bank needs a signed Written Statement of Unauthorized Debit from the account holder.

Why R51 happens

  • The check was not eligible to be re-presented as an ACH payment.
  • The customer was not given notice that a bounced check could be collected electronically.
  • The amount on the entry does not match the check.

What to do next

If you sent the payment

  1. Do not send the entry again.
  2. Collect the bounced check outside the ACH network.

If you got the notice about your own account

  1. Tell your bank as soon as you see the payment. Your bank can send it back through the ACH network for 60 days after it was taken.
  2. Your bank will ask you to sign a Written Statement of Unauthorized Debit.

Got a return file from your bank? Open it in the ACH file viewer to see the code next to each payment.

Sources

  1. ACH Network Risk and Enforcement Topics (return rates, reinitiation), Nacha
  2. Originator Essentials, Nacha Risk Management Advisory Group
  3. 2024 ACH Quick Reference Guide, EPCOR
  4. 2024 ACH Quick Reference Guide for Corporate Users, EPCOR
  5. ACH Return, NOC and Transaction Codes, Commerce Bank

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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.