The R38 return code can be returned on consumer and non-consumer accounts. An ACH R38 return code indicates that the receiver placed a stop payment order on the original paper check (the source document) that was converted into an electronic ACH entry. This return code applies specifically to ARC (Accounts Receivable Conversion), BOC (Back Office Conversion), and POP (Point-of-Purchase) entries and is not used for standard ACH credits or debits.
The Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI) must transmit an R38 return so it is made available to the Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI) by the opening of business on the banking day following the 60th calendar day after settlement, provided the receiver submits the required written statement under penalty of perjury.
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What is an ACH Return Code?
An ACH return code is a standardized code used to explain why an Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction was returned by the receiving bank.
Codes are issued by the Receiving Depository Financial Institution (RDFI) and maintained by Nacha, the organization that governs the ACH Network. Certain codes may apply to consumer accounts, non-consumer (business) accounts, or both. These codes help banks, payment processors, and originators understand what went wrong during an ACH transaction so they can determine the appropriate next steps, such as retrying the payment, correcting information, or contacting the customer.
Why you're seeing ACH Return Code R38
Code R38 means a stop payment order was placed on the original source document (the paper check) associated with an ACH entry. This return may have occurred because:
- The receiver placed a stop payment on the paper check. After the check was written, the account holder instructed their bank not to honor it.
- The stop payment applied to the converted ACH entry. When a paper check is converted to an ACH entry, any stop payment on the original check also applies to the ACH transaction.
Sending ACH Payments with Slash
You can send domestic or international ACH payments using Slash by following these steps:
- Navigate to the Payments dashboard and click Transfer Funds in the top-right corner.
- Select a recipient using saved contact and banking information, or add a new recipient by entering their contact and bank details.
- Choose the Slash account you want to use as the payment source, select ACH Transfer as the payment method, choose the destination bank account, and enter the payment amount (in USD).
- Optionally, send the recipient an email confirmation with a payment description. You can also add a memo with internal notes that are visible only to you and other Slash account administrators.
- Review the recipient's bank name, account number, and ACH routing number to ensure the payment details are correct.
- Once all information is confirmed, click Send Payment.
Slash offers 24/7 support by phone and email to help resolve any issues with sending payments. You can also improve how you manage ACH transfers by scheduling recurring ACH payments, receiving low-balance notifications, and tracking returned payments alongside other transactions. With Slash, you can view all account balances, ACH activity, and transfers in one centralized dashboard.
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