C03 ACH NOC code: Incorrect Routing Number and Incorrect DFI Account Number
Both the routing number and the account number you used need to change, often because a merger changed the bank's numbers. The receiving bank is sending you both correct numbers.
C03 key facts
| Official title | Incorrect Routing Number and Incorrect DFI Account Number |
|---|---|
| Status | In use |
| What the notice gives you | The correct routing number and the correct account number. In the corrected data, the routing number is in positions 1 to 9, positions 10 to 12 are spaces, and the account number is in positions 13 to 29. |
| Used with | Most payment types. Not available for outbound international (IAT) payments. |
| Sent by | Receiving bank (RDFI), within 2 banking days of the payment settling |
| Your deadline | Within six banking days of receiving the notice, or before you send another payment to that account, whichever is later. For a one-time payment you may choose whether to act on it. |
| Was the payment returned? | No. A Notification of Change means the payment was posted. |
Update your records
- Replace both the routing number and the account number with the ones in the notice.
- Use the new numbers on every future payment.
- Change the details everywhere they are stored: payroll, accounts payable, and saved templates at your bank.
Questions and answers
Is C03 an ACH return code?
No. C03 is a change code on a Notification of Change (NOC). The payment was posted, and the bank is giving you the routing number and account number to use on future payments.
How long do I have to act on a C03 notice?
Within six banking days of receiving the notice, or before you send another payment to that account, whichever is later. For a one-time payment you may choose whether to act on it. The receiving bank sends the notice within two banking days of the payment settling, and your bank passes it to you within two banking days after that.
Sources
- Minor Rules Topics, effective June 21, 2024 (Originator action on Notification of Change), Nacha
- ISO 20022 Guide to Mapping U.S. ACH Return Items and Notifications of Change, August 2023 (Table 1, pages 64 and 65), Nacha
- IAT Frequently Asked Questions, Nacha
- Green Book, chapter 6: Notification of Change, US Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service
- FedACH Notification of Change exception form, Federal Reserve Financial Services
- 2026 Corporate User ACH Quick Reference Cards, EPCOR
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.