What is an ACH prenote?

An ACH prenote is a zero-dollar entry you send to test an account before live credits or debits. The receiving bank can accept it or return it with a reason. A prenote does not move money. It reduces the chance the first real payment dies on a bad account number.

How does a prenote work?

You file a $0 credit or debit with the prenote flag. The RDFI has a window to return it. Silence is usually acceptance. A return means fix the account before you send real funds. Some banks skip prenotes and prefer a penny test instead.

Prenote vs penny test

A prenote is a Nacha zero-dollar entry. A penny test sends a small live amount you then reverse or leave. Prenotes do not prove the name on the account. Pennies show up on the customer’s statement. Pick one. Do not treat either as KYC.

Do you post $0 in the ledger?

You can skip a ledger post and store the result on the identity. If you want an audit trail, post a $0 transaction or a metadata-only record. Do not credit a wallet for a prenote.

How it works with Blnk

Keep the prenote off the wallet. Store the result on the identity or in metadata on a verification record. Credit the wallet only when a real debit or credit settles.