R73 ACH return code: Timely Original Return

What R73 means

The receiving bank states that its original return was sent on time. It uses this code to contest a dishonor coded R68.

Checked against 3 sources. Last reviewed .

R73 key facts

Official title Timely Original Return
Returned by Receiving bank (RDFI)
Time frame 2 banking days
The receiving bank must send the contested dishonored return within two banking days after the dishonored return settled.
Applies to Consumer and business accounts
Can you send it again? Not applicable. This code is exchanged between the banks about a return, not about your original payment.
Type of return Contested dishonored return

Why R73 happens

  • The originating bank dishonored a return as late, and the receiving bank disagrees.

What to do next

If your payment is involved

  1. Nothing in most cases. This code is the receiving bank answering a dishonored return.
  2. If the return stands, deal with the original reason for it.

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

Which code answers which

The originating bank (the bank that sent the original payment) refuses a return with a dishonored return code. The receiving bank can answer with a contested dishonored return code.

Dishonored return The receiving bank's answer
R62 Return of Erroneous or Reversing Debit R77 Non-Acceptance of R62 Dishonored Return
R67 Duplicate Return R75 Return Not a Duplicate
R68 Untimely Return R73 Timely Original Return
R69 Field Error(s) R74 (corrected return) or R76 (no errors found)

R71 and R72 contest a dishonored return that was misrouted or sent late.

Sources

  1. 2024 ACH Quick Reference Guide, EPCOR
  2. 2024 ACH Quick Reference Guide for Corporate Users, EPCOR
  3. ACH Return Reason Codes and Time Frames, CBS Bank

Last reviewed . How we check our information. Report a mistake on this page.

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.