TransNational Transactions - “Return Funds” Arrow
Why the arrow to "Return Funds" is sometimes accessible and sometimes not in the TransNational Transaction page.
Here's a cleaned-up tip sheet version:
Understanding TransNational Transaction Statuses and Return Funds
Overview
The availability of the Return Funds option is directly tied to the status of the transaction.
Transactions that have a status of Settled will display the Return Funds option. Transactions in other statuses typically will not display this option because the payment is still processing, has failed, or has otherwise not completed successfully.
Important: Return Funds vs. Refund
These are two different processes.
Return Funds
The Return Funds function does not refund money back to the client's payment method.
Instead, it only returns the payment amount to the invoice balance within Aaniie.
This action reopens the balance on the invoice so it can be managed appropriately within the system.
Refund
If money needs to be returned to the client's credit card or bank account, the refund must be processed directly through the TransNational portal.
The proper process is:
Log into the TransNational portal.
Process the refund through TransNational.
Verify the refund has been submitted successfully.
Return to the Aaniie TransNational Transactions page.
Select Return Funds to place the refunded amount back onto the invoice.
This ensures both systems remain synchronized and the invoice accurately reflects the outstanding balance.
Transaction Statuses That Do Not Allow Return Funds
The Return Funds option is generally unavailable when a transaction has not successfully settled.
Examples include:
Pending Settlement
Late Return
Failed Transactions
Rejected Transactions
Because funds were never successfully deposited, there is no settled payment available to return.
Understanding Late Return Transactions
A Late Return occurs when an ACH (Automated Clearing House) transaction is returned or rejected after the normal processing timeline.
In many cases, the transaction may initially appear to be progressing normally before ultimately being returned by the receiving financial institution.
Common Causes of Late Returns
Insufficient Funds
The payer's bank account did not contain enough money to complete the transaction.
The receiving bank may initially accept the transaction and later return it after determining insufficient funds exist.
Closed Account
The bank account receiving or funding the transaction has been closed or is no longer active.
Once discovered by the bank, the transaction is returned.
Invalid Account Information
Incorrect routing numbers or account numbers can result in the transaction being returned after processing attempts.
Authorization Issues
The transaction may lack valid authorization.
Examples include:
Revoked authorizations
Expired authorizations
Unauthorized ACH activity
Bank Holidays and Weekends
ACH transactions follow banking schedules.
Transactions submitted during weekends or holidays may experience delays that contribute to return timing.
Processing Errors
Occasionally, errors within banking systems or transaction processing networks can result in ACH returns.
Handling Late Return Transactions
When a transaction is marked as Late Return, the payment did not successfully clear through the banking system.
Because the funds were never successfully deposited:
The Return Funds option is not available.
No refund action is required.
The invoice balance must be corrected manually if necessary.
Recommended Process
Before making any adjustments:
Verify the transaction status within the TransNational portal.
Confirm through TransNational reporting or bank statements that funds were not deposited.
Verify the transaction has officially failed or been returned.
Remove the associated receipt from Payer Invoicing if necessary.
Rebill or recollect payment as appropriate.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Transaction Status | Return Funds Available? | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Settled | Yes | Process refund in TransNational first if needed, then use Return Funds in Aaniie |
| Pending Settlement | No | Wait for settlement to complete |
| Late Return | No | Verify failed payment and remove receipt if appropriate |
| Failed | No | Verify payment failure and recollect payment |
| Rejected | No | Correct issue and resubmit payment |
Key Takeaway
The Return Funds option is only available for successfully settled transactions. It does not refund money to the client's payment method; it only restores the amount to the invoice balance within Aaniie. For ACH transactions marked as Late Return, the payment never successfully settled, so Return Funds is unavailable. Always verify the transaction status through the TransNational portal and bank records before making invoice adjustments.
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