Helix account locks

Lock types

There are three types of account locks that can be applied on an account in Helix Admin Console.

Demographic lock

A demographic lock prohibits a customer from opening a new account and locks any associated accounts, cards, and external accounts. When a demographic lock is removed, all associated accounts, cards, and external accounts are unlocked.

A joint account will be locked if one of the owners has a demographic lock applied.

Account lock

An account lock prohibits the account from accepting credit or debit transactions.

Lock type codes

There are two types of lock type codes that can be applied to an account lock.

System

System locks can also be applied using Helix Admin Console, and can only be removed using Helix Admin Console. Refer to the Applying and removing locks using Helix Admin Console section for more details.

Locks applied by the system are done automatically as part of background processing (e.g., an ACH return) or if a user wants to apply a lock type that cannot be unlocked through the Helix API. For a listing of Nacha return codes that result in a system lock, refer to Nacha Return Codes.

Locks applied by the System can only be removed using Helix Admin Console by bank users or users with administrative privileges.

Customer

Locks applied by the customer can be applied and, in some most situations, removed using Helix Admin Console or Helix API by a client or bank user.

Lock type reasons

The following lock type reasons apply to accounts locked by either the System or Customer.

Administrative (ADM)

Reason type specified when the lock was applied using Helix Admin Console. This can be removed using Helix Admin Console or Helix API by bank users or users with Customer Support Enhanced security privileges.

Credits Only (CO)

Reason type specified to allow only credit transactions to post to an account. Accounts with this reason type can only initiate ODFI/RDFI deposits, all other debit transactions, including card transactions, will be denied. This can be removed using Helix Admin Console or Helix API by bank users or users with Customer Support Enhanced security privileges.

Freeze (FRZ)

Reason type specified when a customer wants a lock applied when the account is not in use. This can be removed using Helix Admin Console or Helix API by bank users or users with Customer Support Enhanced security privileges.

Suspect Fraud (FRD)

Reason type specified when there is suspected fraud on the account. This lock cannot be removed using the Helix API, it can be removed using Helix Admin Console by bank users or users with Customer Support Enhanced security privileges.

Fraud investigation (FRDINV)

Reason type specified while investigating suspected fraud on the account. This lock cannot be removed using the Helix API, it can be removed using Helix Admin Console by bank users or users with Customer Support Enhanced security privileges.

Temporary (TMP)

Reason type specified when a customer wants a temporary lock applied to the account. This can be removed using Helix Admin Console or Helix API by bank users or users with Customer Support Enhanced security privileges.

Unknown (UNK)

Reason type specified when a lock is applied using Helix Admin Console. This can be removed using Helix Admin Console or Helix API by bank users or users with Customer Support Enhanced security privileges.