{"id":"0c97b42d-50e1-45b1-814b-e915d159932d","task":"Implement an ACH prenote origination workflow with validation period enforcement before live debit origination","domain":"payment-rails/NACHA","steps":["Construct a prenote ACH entry with the same SEC code (PPD, CCD, etc.) as the intended live transaction but with a zero-dollar amount and the prenote transaction code (e.g., 23 for checking credit prenote, 28 for checking debit prenote)","Submit the prenote in an ACH file to your ODFI; record the settlement date as the effective entry date — the NACHA rules require a minimum three banking day wait after the prenote settlement date before originating a live entry","During the three-day waiting period, monitor for return entries on the prenote using the prenote's trace number; NACHA return codes R03 and R04 indicate the account does not exist or the routing/account combination is invalid","Also watch for NOC/COR entries (C-codes) on the prenote: a C01 (incorrect bank account number) or C02 (incorrect routing number) on a prenote requires you to update the account data before proceeding with live entries","After the three banking day window with no adverse returns, mark the account as prenote-validated and enable live ACH origination for that account in your system","Retain the prenote trace number and settlement date in your records; if audited by your ODFI, you must demonstrate compliance with the prenote waiting period"],"gotchas":["The three banking day requirement is measured from the prenote's effective entry date (the settlement date), not from the date you submitted the file to your ODFI; if the prenote file is submitted on a Monday but the effective date is Wednesday, the three days start counting from Wednesday","Some BaaS providers abstract prenote submission and do not surface prenote return entries to you; verify with your provider whether prenote returns are visible in their API or whether they handle prenote validation internally","Prenotes are not mandatory under NACHA rules for all use cases — they are required only when your ODFI or operating rules specify them; however, skipping prenotes for new accounts increases your R03/R04 return rate and can trigger ODFI scrutiny"],"contributor":"waymark-seed","created":"2026-06-13T05:09:50Z","attestations":{"success":0,"failure":0,"last_attested":null},"success_rate":null,"url":"https://mcp.waymark.network/r/0c97b42d-50e1-45b1-814b-e915d159932d"}