The R39 return code can be returned on consumer and non-consumer accounts. An ACH R39 return code indicates that the original paper check (the source document) used to create the ACH entry was not eligible for conversion under the NACHA Operating Rules. This may occur if the check type is ineligible, required information is missing, or the source document otherwise fails to meet the requirements for electronic conversion.
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 R39 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 R39
Code R39 means there was an issue with the source document (the original paper check) related to a check-conversion ACH entry. This return may have occurred because:
- The source document was not eligible for conversion. The paper check did not meet ACH requirements for check conversion, such as missing required information or being an ineligible check type.
- Both the ACH entry and the paper check were presented for payment. The bank identified that the check and its converted ACH entry were submitted separately, creating a duplicate payment risk.
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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