A returned mobile ACH payment with code CONA means the bank that received the payment rejected it because the account number you provided does not match the account holder's name on file.
When you send money via mobile ACH—through your bank's app, a payment service, or a bill-pay platform—the receiving bank runs a check called Nacha name-to-account matching. If the name on the receiving account does not match the name you entered when you set up the payment, the receiving bank returns the transaction with the code CONA (Customer Initiated Entry Rejected—Account Number/Name Mismatch).
This is a safety feature designed to catch fraud and misdirected payments. The money does not sit in limbo—it bounces back to your account, usually within one to three business days. However, you still need to fix the underlying problem before you can resend the payment.
Key Takeaways
- CONA means the account number and the name on that account do not match what you entered when you initiated the payment.
- The receiving bank rejected the payment automatically; your bank did not send it through.
- Your money returns to your account within one to three business days, and you are not charged a fee for the return itself.
- To resend the payment, you must verify the correct name associated with the account number and update your payment details before trying again.
- If you are paying a business or service provider, contact them directly to confirm the exact name and account number they have on file.
Why the receiving bank rejected your payment
The CONA return code is generated by the receiving bank's automated system, not by your bank. When an ACH payment arrives, the receiving bank checks whether the name you provided matches the name registered to that account number in their system. If there is a mismatch—even a small one, like a middle initial, a nickname, or a legal name change—the bank rejects the entry.
This happens most often when you are paying someone whose legal name differs from how they go by, or when you have outdated information about a payee. For example, if you send money to "John Smith" but the account is registered to "John Michael Smith," the receiving bank will return it with CONA.
How long the money takes to return to you
ACH returns follow a set timeline. The receiving bank must return the payment within one business day of rejecting it. Your bank then processes the return, which typically takes another one to two business days. In practice, you usually see the money back in your account within one to three business days from the return date.
During this time, the funds are in transit and not available to you. You will not be charged a fee by your bank for receiving a returned ACH payment, though some banks may charge a small fee for initiating an ACH payment that fails—check your bank's fee schedule to be sure.
How to get the correct name and account information
Before you resend the payment, you need the exact name on the receiving account. If you are paying a person, ask them directly: "What is the full legal name registered to your bank account?" Do not assume a nickname or shortened version will work.
If you are paying a business, utility, or service provider, check your bill or invoice—the account name is often printed there. You can also call the company's payment department and ask for the exact account holder name and account number they have on file. Many companies have a dedicated payment line that can confirm this information in seconds.
Write down the name exactly as the receiving bank has it, including any middle initials, suffixes, or special characters. When you log into your mobile banking app or payment platform, update the payee name to match precisely before resubmitting.
Resending the payment after a CONA return
Once the money has returned to your account and you have confirmed the correct account holder name, you can resend the payment. Delete or update the original payee in your mobile banking app or payment service—do not simply resubmit the same payment, as it will likely be rejected again.
Enter the payment details again, this time using the exact name you confirmed. Double-check the account number and routing number as well; while CONA specifically flags a name mismatch, an incorrect account number could trigger a different return code. Submit the payment and monitor your account to confirm it clears within the expected timeframe.
When CONA returns happen repeatedly
If a payment is returned with CONA a second time, the problem is usually one of three things: the name you entered still does not match exactly, the account number is wrong, or the account has been closed or transferred. Contact the payee again and ask them to spell out the account holder name character by character. Ask also whether the account number has changed recently.
If the payee insists the information is correct but the bank keeps rejecting it, the account may be registered under a business name, a trust, or a legal entity rather than a person's name. In that case, you may need to use a different payment method—such as a check, wire transfer, or a payment made directly through the payee's website—until the account name issue is resolved.
CONA versus other ACH return codes
ACH returns come with different codes, each pointing to a different problem. CONA specifically means name-to-account mismatch. Other common codes include AMLB (account closed), INAC (inactive account), and NAUD (no authorization). Knowing which code you received helps you understand what went wrong and how to fix it.
If you received a return code other than CONA, the solution is different. For example, AMLB means the account is closed and no resend will work—you need a new account number from the payee. Always check the return code in your bank's transaction history or statement to make sure you are addressing the right issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be charged a fee because my payment was returned?
Your bank typically does not charge you a fee for receiving a returned ACH payment. However, some banks charge a small fee (usually $0 to $5) for initiating an ACH payment that fails. Check your bank's fee schedule or contact customer service to confirm whether your bank charges for failed ACH transactions.
Can I resend the payment right away, or do I have to wait?
You can resend the payment as soon as the money returns to your account, which is usually within one to three business days. There is no waiting period required by the ACH system. However, if you resend it with the same incorrect information, it will be rejected again, so make sure you have corrected the account holder name first.
What if the payee says the name and account number are correct but the bank keeps rejecting it?
The receiving bank's records are the authority—if they reject it, the name or account number does not match their system. Ask the payee to contact their own bank to confirm what name is registered to that account. The account may be under a business name, a trust, or a legal entity rather than a person's name, which would require a different approach.
Does CONA mean someone committed fraud?
No. CONA is a mismatch between the name you provided and the name on file at the receiving bank. It is usually an honest mistake—outdated information, a nickname instead of a legal name, or a recent name change. The return code is a safety feature that prevents money from going to the wrong account.
Can I pay this person using a different method instead?
Yes. If ACH keeps failing due to a name mismatch, you can use a check, wire transfer, or a payment made directly through the payee's website or app. Wire transfers do not use the same name-matching rules as ACH, though they are more expensive. A check bypasses the problem entirely but takes longer to clear.