Last reviewed: · Curated by Ohmyfin Organisation editorial.
AC06 (BlockedAccount) is an ISO 20022 ExternalReturnReason code used in pacs.002 / MT103 STP rejection messages on the SWIFT network. The beneficiary account is blocked.
Details
Why it happens: Bank-imposed block — usually compliance, sanctions screening, fraud investigation or court order.
How to fix it: The beneficiary must contact their bank to unblock; the payment will be returned in the meantime.
When a bank rejects a SWIFT payment with AC06, you usually receive the code along with an MT103-STP, MT n96, or pacs.002 message. Your bank may relay the code to you with a plain-English explanation. If they don't, paste your UETR into the Ohmyfin tracker — the rejection status will show in the SWIFT GPI feed.
AC06 is part of the global ExternalReturnReason1Code code set maintained by ISO 20022. The same code is used by SWIFT, SEPA, FedNow, TARGET2 and most modern payment rails worldwide.
Key facts
Code: AC06
Full name: BlockedAccount
Standard: ISO 20022 ExternalReturnReason1Code
Carried in: pacs.002, MT103 STP rejection, MT n96
Visible on Ohmyfin: yes — paste your UETR to see the full rejection trail
Frequently asked questions
What does SWIFT reject code AC06 mean?
The beneficiary account is blocked.
How do I fix a AC06 rejection?
The beneficiary must contact their bank to unblock; the payment will be returned in the meantime.
Will I get my money back after a AC06 rejection?
Yes. SWIFT rejections automatically return the funds to the originator's account, usually within 1–5 business days. Some banks credit immediately; others wait for the actual return wire.
Can I re-send the same payment after AC06?
Yes — once you fix the underlying issue, you can re-send with a new UETR. Do NOT re-send with the same UETR; that triggers AM05 (Duplication).
Related — more from swift reject reason codes and beyond
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