AM18 - Invalid number of transactions

What this code means

AM18 means the number of transactions declared in the file does not match what the file actually contains, or exceeds what the bank accepts in one batch.

Typical causes

• The NumberOfTransactions element does not equal the real count of transactions in the batch.
• The batch exceeds the maximum number of transactions the bank allows per file.
• The file was edited by hand after generation and the counters were not recomputed.

What to do

Regenerate the file so the declared transaction count matches its actual content — never hand-edit a pain file without recomputing the counters — and resubmit. This rejection is recoverable; ValidateFin's SEPA validator flags counter mismatches before you send.

What it looks like in a pain.002

The reason code is carried in the StsRsnInf/Rsn/Cd element of the status report.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<Document xmlns="urn:iso:std:iso:20022:tech:xsd:pain.002.001.03">
  <CstmrPmtStsRpt>
    <GrpHdr>
      <MsgId>STATUS-2026-000123</MsgId>
      <CreDtTm>2026-01-15T09:30:00</CreDtTm>
    </GrpHdr>
    <OrgnlGrpInfAndSts>
      <OrgnlMsgId>MSG-2026-000045</OrgnlMsgId>
      <OrgnlMsgNmId>pain.001.001.09</OrgnlMsgNmId>
    </OrgnlGrpInfAndSts>
    <OrgnlPmtInfAndSts>
      <OrgnlPmtInfId>PMTINF-2026-01</OrgnlPmtInfId>
      <TxInfAndSts>
        <OrgnlEndToEndId>E2E-REF-0001</OrgnlEndToEndId>
        <TxSts>RJCT</TxSts>
        <StsRsnInf>
          <Rsn>
            <Cd>AM18</Cd>
          </Rsn>
        </StsRsnInf>
      </TxInfAndSts>
    </OrgnlPmtInfAndSts>
  </CstmrPmtStsRpt>
</Document>

Tools for this code

Decode a real status report, or check a payment file before you send it — all in your browser, nothing uploaded.

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