Rejections & Returns

Rejection Reasons

A check deposit may be rejected before it is submitted to the check network as part of an X9 file, either automatically by Unit or manually by a reviewer. A common rejection reason is image quality: a JPEG that looks readable may become unusable after conversion to the black-and-white TIFF format used for check clearing. Rejecting the item before network submission can help prevent a later return if the paying financial institution cannot read or process the image. To improve approval rates, capture the check in good lighting, on a flat contrasting surface, and ensure the image is clear and the check includes the complete endorsement required by your bank partner. Below are some of the more common rejection reasons; Unit may update this list from time to time to provide greater clarity on why a check was rejected and how the issue may be resolved.

Reject Reason	Description	Required Action
Blank Check	The check has not been filled out and appears blank.	The check appears blank. Please complete all required fields, including the date, amount, and payee, before depositing.
Missing date	The check does not include a date, which is required for processing.	The check is missing a date. Please ensure the date is written on the check before depositing.
Post dated	The check is dated for a future date and cannot be deposited yet.	The check is dated for a future date. Please wait until the date written on the check before depositing it.
Stale dated	The check is too old to be processed and is no longer valid.	The check is dated too far in the past and is no longer valid. Please request a replacement check from the issuer.
Missing signature	The check is not signed by the issuer, making it invalid.	The check is missing the issuer's signature. Please contact the check issuer to sign the check before depositing.
Missing endorsement	The check is missing a signature and a required restrictive endorsement.	The check is missing your endorsement. Please sign the back of the check before depositing.
Partial endorsement	The endorsement is incomplete or incorrect.	The check is missing a full endorsement. Ensure your signature and any required restrictive endorsement follow the bank's format before depositing.
Amount mismatch - MDC doesn't match check	Entered amount doesn't match the check.	The amount entered doesn't match the amount written on the check. Please ensure the amounts match before resubmitting.
Amount mismatch - Legal text doesn't match numeric amount	The written amount doesn't match the numeric amount.	The amount written in words doesn't match the numeric amount on the check. Please contact the issuer to correct and reissue the check before depositing.
Name mismatch - Beneficiary	The name on the check doesn't match your account.	The check is addressed to a name that doesn't match your account. Please ensure the check is issued to the correct name or contact the issuer for assistance.
Duplicated check	This check was already deposited.	This check has already been deposited. Please verify your records to avoid duplicate submissions.
Ineligible item - Screen Captured Image	Screenshots of checks are not allowed.	The check image submitted appears to be a screenshot and is not valid for deposit. Please upload a proper image of the physical check.
Ineligible item - Folded or Torn Corners	The check is damaged and not eligible.	The check is not eligible for deposit due to folds or torn corners. Please request a replacement check from the issuer.
Altered/Fictitious item	The check appears altered or is not a valid financial instrument.	The check cannot be processed. Please verify its authenticity with the issuer or request a new check.

Return Reasons

A check deposit may be returned after it has already been submitted to the check network as part of an X9 file, either while in Clearing or after reaching Sent and the funds have been made available. Returns may result from network rules, automated or manual review by the paying financial institution, customer-configured controls, or an inability to reliably read or process the check image. The return reason provides the available explanation for why the check was returned and may help inform a future deposit attempt, although some return reasons may not provide enough detail to identify the exact issue or corrective action. Because returns occur after network submission, they may also create a more disruptive experience for the depositor than a rejection. Below are some of the more common return reasons; Unit may update this list from time to time to provide greater clarity on why a check was returned and how the issue may be resolved.

Return Reason	Description
Not Sufficient Funds	Check owner account does not have enough funds.
Uncollected Funds Hold	The funds are on hold at the paying bank.
Stop Payment	The owner of the check requested their bank not honor the check.
Closed Account	Check owner account is closed.
Frozen Account	Check owner account is Frozen.
Unable to Locate Account	The issuing bank was not able to locate the bank account.
Refer to Maker	There has been an issue with paying the check. Please refer to check owner.
Duplicate Presentment	The check has already been deposited in the past.