API Coming Q3This guide is a preview of what to expect with the Return Requests API coming Q3 2026.
Overview
Wire return requests allow you to request the return of funds for a previously sent wire. Return requests are always associated with a previous wire. There are two distinct flows:- Receiving a return request for an incoming wire
- Sending a return request for an outgoing wire
Return Request Object
Return requests are represented as sub-objects within the wire resource.Receiving Return Requests
The counterparty financial institution may send a return request if they want a previously sent wire to be returned. Return requests are included as sub-objects within the wire object.- A wire may have multiple return requests over time.
- Only one incoming return request may be active and can be responded to at a time. Additional incoming return requests received while one is in
response_neededwill be automatically rejected. - You are responsible for reviewing and responding to each request.
Incoming Return Request Statuses
The lifecycle of an incomingreturn_request sub-object begins after the original wire reaches posted status. The only incoming return_request status that triggers an event is response_needed.
Key Behavior
Accepting a Return Request- Use the return a wire endpoint to accept the return request. You may return the full or partial amount.
- The return request is considered accepted once the return wire is submitted
- Done via a dedicated endpoint
- No funds are moved
- If no response is provided within 10 business days, the return request is automatically rejected
Events
Thereturn_request_response_needed event indicates that a new return request has been received which requires your response and a potential return of funds as soon as possible. Listening to this event and taking action is required.
Endpoints
Sending Return Requests
You can send a return request when you previously sent a wire and need to recover the funds. Sending a return request:- creates a new return request sub-object in the pending state within the wire.
- sends the return request to the counterparty financial institution.
- does not guarantee that funds will be returned.
Statuses
Key Behavior
- Return requests are non-binding
- The counterparty is not obligated to return funds.
- Return requests and returns are not strictly coupled
- The counterparty may return funds without accepting the return request.
- The counterparty may accept the return request without actually returning funds.
- If accepted:
- The counterparty may initiate a return wire.
- The returned amount may be full or partial.
- If rejected:
- The counterparty rejects the return request, indicating they do not intend to return funds.
- If no response is received:
- The return request may remain pending indefinitely.
Events
Endpoints
Integration Best Practices
- Track returns based on actual return wires
- Do not rely on return request status to determine if funds have been returned as they are not coupled.
- Always monitor incoming wires to confirm settlement.
- Respond within the required timeframe
- Incoming return requests must be resolved by the 10th business day.
- If no response is provided, the request is automatically rejected.
- Handle non-deterministic outcomes
- Accepted requests may not result in a return.
- Rejected requests may still result in a return.
- Pending requests may remain unresolved.
- Design for partial returns
- Returned funds may be full or partial.
- Account for multiple requests
- Outgoing: multiple return requests may be active at once.
- Incoming: only one request can be actively responded to at a time.

