Learn about the different reasons by ePayments fail.
An ePayment can fail for multiple reasons. When an ePayment fails, we send an email notification to users who are verified on the originating bank account. The email will contain a return code from the vendor's bank, giving the exact reason for the failure.
Return code errors
Below are the top return codes for a failed ePayment but there are many other return codes that are possible.
- R01: Insufficient Funds - available balance isn't sufficient to cover the dollar amount of the debit entry
- R02: Account Closed - previously active account has been closed by customer or customer's bank
- R03: No Account/Unable to Locate Account - account structure is valid and passes editing process, but doesn't correspond to individual or isn't an open account
- R16: Account and/or its funds are currently not available
- R29: Corporate Customer Advises Not Authorized - RDFI has been notified by Receiver (non-consumer) that entry wasn't authorized
If the payment fails due to one of the following return codes, we'll disable the bank account in BILL, and you'll no longer be able to send a payment to that bank account. The vendor will need to add a new bank account for payments.
- R02: Account closed
- R03: No account/Unable to locate account
- R04: Invalid account number
- R14: Representative payee deceased or unable to continue in that capacity
- R15: Beneficiary or account holder deceased
We process ePayments via ACH (Automated Clearing House) and can't deposit to some accounts, for example, accounts that don't accept ACH in CCD format. We send business bank to business bank files, which also work for personal accounts.
Resolve the cause of the failure
If the return code was one of the following codes, we'll disable to bank account in BILL. The vendor will need to add a new bank to receive payment.
- R02: Account closed
- R03: No account/Unable to locate account
- R04: Invalid account number
- R14: Representative payee deceased or unable to continue in that capacity
- R15: Beneficiary or account holder deceased
If the error code wasn't one of the ones listed above, there are different resolutions depending on how the bank account was setup:
Vendor bank account information was entered manually
- If the ePayment failed because the Pay to name didn't match the name on the bank account, correct the vendor name or pay to name on the vendor record, void and reissue the payment
- If the account number and/or routing number was incorrect, confirm the bank information with the vendor. Correct the vendor bank account information, void and reissue the payment.
- If the ePayment failed for another reason (account closed, unable to locate account, etc.), contact the vendor directly; the vendor may need to contact their bank's ACH department for more information
Vendor was sent an invite to receive ePayments
- Contact the vendor directly. Since the vendor set up a free receivables account to get paid, the vendor controls their subscription-free remittance information and will need to make all changes in their account.
- You can also disconnect from the vendor's account and either manually enter their bank information in your account, or send them paper checks. See the articles at the bottom of this page for details.
- If the ePayment failed for another reason (account closed, unable to locate account, etc.), the vendor might need to contact their bank's ACH department for more information
Resolve the failed ePayment
After resolving the cause of the payment failure, or adding a new bank, below are steps to take depending on whether the payment still needs to be sent.
Void and reissue
If you need to send payment again
- Select Payments Out in the navigation menu
- Select Failed payments tab
- Note: You can only see the Failed payments tab if you are verified on a bank account.
- Select Void under the Action column
- Select Reissue a new payment to the vendor
- This will resend the same funds that were already debited. It won't initiate a new debit
- Enter a reason for the void
- Select Submit Request
Void and remit
If you need to void the payment completely and return the funds to the originating bank account:
- Select Payments Out in the navigation menu
- Select Failed payments tab
- Note: You can only see the Failed payments tab if you are verified on a bank account.
- Select Void under the Action column
- Select Remit funds back to my account
- Enter a reason for the void
- Select Submit Request
Things to know
- If you take no action on a failed ePayment after 90 days from the return date, we'll automatically void the payment. We'll remit the funds to the original bank account (if it is still active), and the original bill(s) will return to unpaid or partially paid.
- These voided payments will try to sync to your accounting system if you sync with one, and may cause errors if the payment date is within a closed period. You can clear these errors from your sync status page if the option is available, or contact Customer Support for assistance.