ACH Transactions
ACH debit payment types, settlement timing, and return handling.
ACH (Automated Clearing House) transactions debit a customer's US bank account. Unlike card payments, ACH has a multi-day settlement cycle and a return window.
ACH debit
Create an ACH debit payment:
{
"payment_method": "ach_debit",
"bank_account": {
"routing_number": "021000021",
"account_number": "1234567890",
"account_type": "checking",
"account_holder_name": "Jane Smith"
},
"authorization_type": "internet"
}Settlement timing
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Payment created | Immediate |
| ACH file submitted | Next business day |
| Funds received | 1–3 business days after submission |
| Return window opens | At submission |
| Return window closes | Up to 60 days (R10) |
ACH return codes
Returns are initiated by the receiving bank. Common codes:
| Code | Reason | Action |
|---|---|---|
R01 | Insufficient funds | May retry with customer consent |
R02 | Account closed | Stop — get new bank account |
R03 | No account / unable to locate | Stop — verify account details |
R04 | Invalid account number | Stop — verify routing + account |
R10 | Customer advises not authorized | Stop immediately — dispute risk |
R29 | Corporate not authorized | Re-obtain written authorization |
An R10 return means the customer claims they did not authorize the debit. Stop all retries immediately. Continued debiting after an R10 violates NACHA rules and can result in fines.
ACH reversal (same-day)
If you need to reverse an ACH debit on the same business day it was submitted:
POST https://sandbox-api.cresoracommerce.com/api/v1/payments/{id}/reverseSame-day reversals must be submitted before the ACH file cutoff (typically 4:30 PM ET). After cutoff, use a refund (credit entry) instead.
ACH refund (post-settlement)
After the ACH has settled, issue a credit:
POST https://sandbox-api.cresoracommerce.com/api/v1/transactions/{transactionId}/refund
{ "payment_id": "pay_xxxxxxxxxxxx" }This creates a new credit ACH entry. The credit typically arrives in the customer's account 1–3 business days after submission.