These Rules changes include:

Use of Return Reason Code R17 “Questionable” for Posted Entries

This change removes from Return Reason Code R17's description and notes sections in Part 4.2 - Table of Return Reason Codes specific references to an RDFI's determination that the entry should not be posted to the Receiver's account. This language is a holdover from when R17 "Questionable" was defined for use with entries containing invalid account numbers.

This change should eliminate confusion about whether an RDFI may use this code to return an entry it has identified as "questionable," regardless of whether it makes that determination prior to or after posting. This change is a clarification of existing return code/recognition of intent and current industry practice.

Definition of Banking Day – Removal of Reference to Participating DFI

This change removes references to "Participating DFI" from the definition of "Banking Day" (Article Eight, Section 8.15).

This change makes clear that references to Banking Days within the Nacha Operating Rules mean the days on which the ACH Network is open for business (i.e., the Banking Day of the ACH Operator). The current definition of Banking Day (with reference to both ACH Operator AND Participating DFI) creates ambiguity about whose Banking Day must be used when determining return and NOC transmission deadlines for FIs with non-standard holiday closures, but the ACH Operator is open for business. This clarification is being made to eliminate ambiguity in the existing rule.

Clarification of RDFI Requirement to Provide Payment-Related Information to Non-Consumer Receivers of CCD, CTX, CIE, and IAT Entries 

This change clarifies that the rule regarding an RDFI’s requirement to provide Payment-Related Information is intended only to apply to Non-Consumer Receivers. Although consumers sometimes receive CCD and CTX entries, the intention of this rule is to enable non-consumer Receivers to request the Payment-Related Information included with their business payments. 

In Article Three, Subsection 3.1.5.3 RDFI Must Provide Payment-Related Information to Receivers of CCD, CTX, CIE, and IAT Entries to Non-Consumer Accounts, the section calls out non-consumer Receivers, but the language can be mis-read to assume that this exclusion only applies to IAT Entries, and not also to CCD and CTX Entries. This change provides clarification for RDFIs when being requested for payment-related information from CCD, CTX, CIE, and IAT Entries.

These minor changes will become effective January 1, 2026.