| Return Code | \nReturn Reason | \n
|---|---|
| AC04 | \nAccount closed | \n
| AC05 | \nAccount not Found | \n
| AG01 | \nAuthority Cancelled | \n
| AM04 | \nInsufficient Funds | \n
| BE05 | \nNo Authority Loaded | \n
| MS01 | \nPayment Stopped | \n
There are a couple of methods you can use to submit Direct Debit payments to BECS. In this final section, we'll outline what they are and how to do this.
\n\nShort for for Bulk Exchange Clearing System, BECS is the New Zealand-based system used to transfer payments directly from one bank account to another.
\nAs an initiator, you’ll submit payment requests to BECS by uploading a file to your bank that contains the requests. Your bank will then process it and send their own file to the BECS framework. File contents depend on the submission, but the process is always the same. The steps are as follows:
\nThere are at least three records in every file, including the following:
\nYour bank may have its own standards and rules for creating and uploading payment files. We recommend you contact them to discuss the exact requirements before submitting a file.
\nIf a customer changes their account, their bank will notify you of the new details by sending a Direct Debit transfer advice form to your sponsor bank. Your bank will then forward you the form, so you can update the account details on record for your customer. You must also retain a copy of the transfer advice, in case of a customer claim.
\nGoCardless makes this complicated process much easier. We provide a simple but powerful user interface for creating Direct Debit instructions and payment requests. We can create and submit all messages on your behalf to BECS. We also manage all incoming messages from BECS. If any issues crop up, we’ll notify you immediately and work with you to resolve them. Ready to explore more about GoCardless Direct Debit? Visit our support centre.
\nUnder the scheme rules, the acceptor can ask their bank to cancel a Direct Debit authority linked to their account. This means that the bank will dishonour all subsequent Direct Debits made under this authority.
\nFor you as the initiator, there’s a stand down period of nine months before you can initiate a new Direct Debit arrangement. However, the customer can reinstate the same authority code against the same account within nine months of cancellation.
\nTo do this, they’ll need to sign a new Direct Debit authority paper form using the standard initiator process. This new authority is then handed over to the acceptor's bank for loading against the customer’s account.
\nTo reinstate the same authorisation code, these are the two processes that can be used:
\nIt’s possible for the acceptor to reinstate the same authority code against the same account after the nine month period has passed. They can do this by following the normal process for establishing a new Direct Debit authority, as used by the preferred initiator.
\n| Return Code | \nReturn Reason | \n
|---|---|
| 001 | \nInvalid BSB Number | \n
| 002 | \nPayment Stopped | \n
| 003 | \nAccount Closed | \n
| 004 | \nCustomer Deceased | \n
| 005 | \nNo account or incorrect account number | \n
| 006 | \nRefer to customer | \n
| 008 | \nInvalid User ID Number | \n
| 009 | \nTechnically invalid | \n