What Is An ACH Prenote?

Quick Fix: Setting up direct deposit or ACH payments? Send a zero-dollar ACH prenote first. If nothing comes back in 2–3 banking days, your account details check out and you're good to go for real transactions.

What’s Happening

It’s a zero-dollar transaction banks use to verify routing and account numbers before real money starts moving. Think of it like knocking on a door before dropping off a package—except here, the package is your paycheck or vendor payment. Prenotes aren’t mandatory, but they’re worth doing to dodge failed ACH transfers that come with fees and headaches.

Step-by-Step Solution

Follow these steps carefully:

1. Collect your account details:
   • Bank routing number (9 digits)
   • Account number
   • Account type (checking or savings)
2. In your payroll or accounting system (ADP, QuickBooks, Gusto, Workday, etc.):
   • Head to Payroll > Direct Deposit > Add Employee or Edit Employee > Bank Info.
   • Enter routing and account numbers exactly as they appear on a voided check.
3. Turn on “Send Prenote.” In QuickBooks Desktop 2026, go to Employees > Payroll Center > Pay Employees > Direct Deposit > Prenote > Create Prenote. In ADP, navigate to Bank Account > Actions > Send Prenote.
4. Submit the prenote. The system fires off a $0 ACH credit to the bank. Now you wait 2–3 banking days for validation.
5. Check the prenote status:
   • In QuickBooks: Employees > Payroll Center > Prenote Status.
   • In ADP: Reports > Prenote Status.
   • If it says “Received” or “Settled,” you’re golden—the account is verified.
   • See “Returned” or “NOC” (Notification of Change)? Fix the numbers and try again.

If This Didn’t Work

Try these fixes:

• Manual prenote: Log into your bank’s online portal and send yourself (or the recipient) an ACH credit using their routing and account numbers. Add “Prenote” in the memo. Most banks handle these within 1–2 business days.
• Double-check the numbers: Re-enter everything. Even one wrong digit can bounce the prenote back. Confirm with a voided check or a bank statement no older than 3 months.
• Call the bank: Ask the recipient’s bank if their account accepts ACH transfers. Some international or prepaid accounts block these outright.

Prevention Tips

Avoid prenote failures with these simple habits:

• Always grab account numbers from a voided check or bank-generated document—never scribble them down by hand.
• Test new accounts at least 5 banking days before payroll runs. That way, you’ve got time to fix any returns.
• Update account info during a payroll cycle change, not mid-cycle. That keeps payments flowing without interruptions.
• Let your payroll software handle prenotes automatically. Manual entry? That’s just asking for typos.
• Save prenote confirmations—emails, reports, whatever. You’ll need them for compliance, especially come tax time or an audit.

According to the Nacha, the ACH network handled over 30 billion transactions worth $76.8 trillion in 2025. Those numbers make prenotes look pretty important for avoiding errors. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau adds that 60% of ACH return fees—usually $30–$50 per incident—come from bad account details. Honestly, this is the best way to dodge those unnecessary costs.