MS03 Reason Code: Not Specified Reason Agent Generated

Official definition

What it means in practice

In a pacs.004 payment return, a return reason code explains why funds that were already settled are being sent back. It sits in TxInf/RtrRsnInf/Rsn/Cd, and bank statements (camt.053, camt.054) repeat it in RtrInf/Rsn/Cd.

The bank gave no specific reason. Banks use it when the real reason cannot be disclosed (data protection, compliance, sanctions screening) or when no code fits.

It is meant as a last resort. A payment rejected with MS03 needs a conversation, not a resend.

What to do

• Read AddtlInf in the status or return message; banks often add a short explanation there.
• Ask your bank or correspondent for the reason through an investigation before you send the payment again.

Messages and fields that use ExternalReturnReason1Code

Related reason codes

• MS02Not Specified Reason Customer Generated
• MD05Collection Not Due
• MD06Refund Request By End Customer
• MD07End Customer Deceased
• NARRNarrative
• NOASNo Answer From Customer
• NOCMNot Compliant
• NOORNo Original Transaction Received

MS03 in other code sets

• MS03 in ExternalStatusReason1Code
• MS03 in ExternalMandateReason1Code
• MS03 in ExternalReversalReason1Code
• MS03 in ExternalUnableToApplyMissingData1Code
• MS03 in ExternalVerificationReason1Code

MS03 questions

What does MS03 mean in ISO 20022?

MS03 is Not Specified Reason Agent Generated in the ExternalReturnReason1Code code set: Reason has not been specified by agent.

What should I do when I get MS03?

Read AddtlInf in the status or return message; banks often add a short explanation there. Ask your bank or correspondent for the reason through an investigation before you send the payment again.

Where does MS03 appear in a message?

For example in pacs.004, element TxInf/RtrRsnInf/Rsn/Cd.