Return Files

Overview

When an ACH transaction is returned by the receiving bank (e.g., due to insufficient funds, a closed account, or an invalid account number), your bank places a return file on their SFTP server. FISTWorks lets you browse and download these return files directly from the ACH Drafter.

Accessing Return Files

1. Navigate to ACH Drafter and click the Returns tab.
2. The page shows your downloaded return files and provides access to browse new files from your bank.

Browsing Bank Files

1. Click the Browse Bank Files button.
2. The file browser modal opens.
3. Select an SFTP profile (bank connection) from the dropdown — this determines which bank's SFTP server to browse.
4. The system connects to the bank's SFTP server and lists available files in the configured return file directory.
5. Select the files you want to download and click Download.

Downloaded files appear in the return files table on the Returns tab.

Understanding Return Files

ACH return files follow the same NACHA format as outgoing ACH files, but contain entries with return reason codes. Common return codes include:

You can upload a return file to the ACH Validator to parse its contents and review the return reason codes in detail.

SFTP Profile Configuration

The return file browser uses the Return File Directory configured on your SFTP profile. Make sure this path is set correctly in your bank connection settings:

1. Go to Organization → Bank Connections.
2. Edit the SFTP profile.
3. Set the Return File Directory to the path where your bank places return files.

See Organization Management for more details on configuring SFTP profiles.

Tips

• Check for return files regularly — most banks make return files available within 1-2 business days.
• Cross-reference return codes with your original transactions to take corrective action (e.g., update a recipient's account number for R03 returns).
• Return files are stored in your FISTWorks account so you can review them later without reconnecting to the bank.