International ACH File - Company/Batch header record

Show expandable text

We moved!

Help articles have been migrated to the new Help and Support. You can find help for your products and accounts, discover FAQs, explore training, and contact us!

The File Header Record is included once at the beginning of each International (IAT) format ACH file and includes the following information (position numbers are listed in parentheses).

Field Name Contents (and position numbers)
Record Type Code

The numeral 5. (01-01) 1 numeric.
Service Class Code

Either the numerals 200, 220, or 225. Use 200 if it is marked as a balanced file on the Direct Deposit tab (or the Client Direct Deposit tab, if applicable) of the Setup > Bank Accounts screen because both debits and credits are in the file. If there are only credits in the file, use 220. If there are only debits in the file, use 225.

(02-04) 3 numeric.
IAT Indicator

For forward IAT entries, this field should be left blank.
(05-20) 16 alphanumeric.
Foreign Exchange Indicator

FF (Fixed-to-fixed). FF means the entry is originated in a fixed-value amount and is to be received in the same currency denomination. There is no foreign exchange conversion for entries transmitted using this code.
(21-22) 2 alphanumeric.
Foreign Exchange Reference Indicator

The numeral 3. This is the code used to indicate the content of the Foreign Exchange Reference field. Code 1 = Foreign Exchange Rate, 2 = Foreign Exchange Reference Number, and 3 = Space-filled.
(23-23) 1 numeric.
Foreign Exchange Reference

Blank. Because we are using the Foreign Exchange Indicator of FF (Fixed-to-fixed) and there is no foreign exchange rate taking place, this field will be space-filled.
(24-38) 15 alphanumeric.
ISO Destination Country Code

Contains the two-character country code associated with the country selected in the Destination Country field of the IAT Details dialog. The destination country is the country in which the entry is to be received. Current options are CA (Canada), MX (Mexico), and US (United States).
(39-40) 2 alphanumeric.
Originator Identification

The choice selected for Company identification (as entered in the Direct Deposit Advanced Setup dialog.


(41-50) 10 alphanumeric.
Standard Entry Class Code

IAT.
(51-53) 3 alphanumeric.
Company Entry Description
  • PAYROLL - for a payroll deposit
  • PRENOTE - for a prenote file
  • VENDOR PMT - for a commercial vendor deposit
  • 1099 PMT - for a non-commercial vendor deposit
  • CHILDSUPPT for a child support payment deposit

(54-63) 10 alphanumeric.
ISO Originating Currency Code

Contains the three character currency code associated with the country of the bank selected in the Originator bank field as entered on theDirect Deposit tab (or the Client Direct Deposit tab, if applicable) of the Bank Accounts dialog). (64-66) 3 alphanumeric.
ISO Destination Currency Code

Contains the three character currency code associated with the country selected in the Destination Country field of the IAT Details dialog. This is the country in which the entry is to be received. Current options are CAD (Canada), MXN (Mexico), and USD (United States).
(67-69) 3 alphanumeric.
Effective Entry Date

The information entered in the Effective Date field (as entered on the Direct Deposit Processing grid).
(70-75) 6 numeric YYMMDD.
Settlement Date (Julian)

Blank - completed by the ACH Operator.
(76-78).
Originator Status Code

The numeral 1.
(79-79) 1 alphanumeric.
Go Identification / Originating DFI Identification

The first 8 digits of the 9 digit bank routing number associated with the bank selected in the Originator bank field (as entered on the Direct Deposit tab (or the Client Direct Deposit tab, if applicable) of the Bank Accounts dialog).
(80-87) 8 numeric.
Batch Number

The unique number assigned to each Company / Batch Header Record in the ACH file. Batch numbers are assigned in sequential order, beginning with the numeral 1.
(88-94) 7 numeric.

Was this article helpful?

Thank you for the feedback!