What is an ACH prenote?
An ACH prenote is a zero-dollar test entry sent through the ACH network to verify that a routing number and account number can receive entries before you transmit live payroll or vendor payments.
ACH Prenote File Generator
Create a zero-dollar NACHA prenote file from CSV or Excel to verify employee or vendor bank accounts before your first live ACH credit batch. All processing stays in your browser.
What is an ACH prenote?
An ACH prenote is a test file your company sends to the bank so the ACH network can validate receiving account details. Each entry carries a $0.00 amount and uses a dedicated prenote transaction code instead of a live payment code.
Companies commonly use prenotes during payroll onboarding, vendor setup, or direct deposit verification. A successful upload does not replace your bank's return review or Notification of Change process.
ACH prenote transaction codes
| Account type | Transaction code | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Checking | 23 — credit prenote | $0.00 |
| Savings | 33 — credit prenote | $0.00 |
Live ACH credits use codes 22 and 32. This tool does not generate debit prenotes.
How the prenote process works
- Export employee or vendor bank details to CSV or Excel.
- Set amount to
0or leave amounts blank — the importer treats blank amounts as zero for prenotes. - Upload the file below and map routing, account, and name columns.
- Enter the bank header values from your ODFI instructions.
- Validate the file, download it, and upload it to your bank.
- Wait for the bank's prenote window to complete before sending live payments.
Import template
Use the NACHA import template and set the amount column to 0. Keep routing and account numbers formatted as text so leading zeros are preserved.
1. Import payment data
Choose a CSV/XLSX file or paste rows copied from a spreadsheet. The first row must contain column names. Data is read only in this browser. In Excel, format routing and account number columns as Text to preserve leading zeros. For recurring rosters, leave the amount blank to mark a recipient as unpaid in this run; the app will show every skipped row for confirmation.
Or enter payments manually
3. Confirm bank compatibility
ACH file upload is not included with every business bank account. Ask your bank whether your account can upload NACHA files and request its current ACH file instructions before entering configuration values.
ACH prenote FAQ
What is an ACH prenote credit?
A credit prenote uses transaction code 23 for checking accounts or 33 for savings accounts. The entry amount is $0.00, but the bank still processes the record to validate the account.
What ACH prenote transaction codes does this tool use?
Checking accounts use code 23. Savings accounts use code 33. This generator creates credit prenotes only. ACH debit prenotes are not supported.
How long should I wait after uploading a prenote?
Wait at least three banking days, review any returns or Notifications of Change, and follow your bank's testing requirements before sending live dollar entries.
Does a prenote move money?
No. Prenotes are account verification entries with a zero amount. They do not deposit or withdraw funds.
Related guides
ACH file format example, live payment generator, and QuickBooks to NACHA.