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MS02 reason code: the payer refused the direct debit

Last updated: 28 October 2026

MS02 means that the payer instructed their bank not to pay the SEPA direct debit, without giving a reason. Unlike MS03, the refusal comes from the customer, not from the bank.

Code
MS02
Meaning in the rulebook
Refusal by the Debtor
ISO name
Not Specified Reason Customer Generated: raised by the customer, without a reason
Type of R-transaction
Refusal before the debit, reject, return or reversal
Schemes
SEPA Core and SEPA B2B
Collect again?
Only after agreement with the payer

What MS02 means

The payer can tell their bank before the debit not to pay an announced direct debit. The typical trigger is the pre-notification in which the creditor stated amount and due date: the payer does not agree and refuses. The bank then returns the direct debit with MS02.

The payer does not have to give their bank a reason. The SEPA B2B rulebook says so explicitly; the Core rulebook also provides for refusals based on the pre-notification.

MS02 differs from MD06 in timing: MS02 is a refusal before or shortly after the debit, MD06 a refund that the payer can request up to eight weeks after the debit.

What the payer and the creditor see

As the payer

If you refused the direct debit before the debit, it does not appear on your statement. If it had already been booked, you see the debit and the credit of the return.

The creditor learns from their bank that you refused the direct debit; for them the amount is still unpaid.

As the creditor

Your bank debits the amount back, usually with a fee for the return, and shows return reason MS02.

Why the payer refused is not stated anywhere. Only the payer can tell you.

Creditor's bank statementAssociation current account
DateTransactionAmount EUR
3 NovSEPA direct debit collection, 214 itemsMembership fees 11/2026+8,560.00
5 NovSEPA direct debit returnMandate M-0412, membership fee 11/2026Return reason MS02 Refused by payer−40.00
5 NovReturn fee−3.00
Example: how a return with MS02 can appear on the creditor's bank statement. Layout and fees differ from bank to bank.

Typical causes

  • The payer does not agree with the amount or date in the pre-notification.
  • They dispute the claim or consider the contract ended.
  • They want to pay another way, for example by credit transfer.
  • They refused the direct debit by mistake.

What you can do as the payer

  1. If you refused on purpose, tell the creditor why and agree how the claim will be settled. Refusing does not change whether you owe the amount.
  2. If it was a mistake, transfer the amount or agree on a new direct debit with the creditor.
  3. If you no longer want direct debits from this creditor, cancel the mandate with the creditor. The cancellation is a matter between creditor and payer, without the banks. You can also ask your bank to block this creditor's direct debits.

What you can do as the creditor

  1. Contact the payer and ask why. Check whether amount and date of the collection matched your pre-notification.
  2. Do not simply resubmit: without clarification the payer will probably refuse again.
  3. Once you have agreed, ask for a credit transfer or submit a new collection. Announce the new collection with amount and due date (pre-notification), at least 14 calendar days in advance unless agreed otherwise.
  4. If the payer cancelled the mandate, you may no longer collect under it. New collections need a new mandate.

Deadlines

A refusal with MS02 comes back before the debit or shortly afterwards: under SEPA Core no later than five bank business days after the due date, under SEPA B2B no later than three. Under SEPA Core the payer can also request a refund of a paid direct debit for eight weeks without a reason (MD06); under SEPA B2B this refund does not exist.

Related reason codes

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between MS02 and MD06?

MS02 is a refusal before or shortly after the debit. MD06 is a refund that the payer can request under SEPA Core up to eight weeks after the debit.

Do I have to give my bank a reason?

No. Tell the creditor, though, because a valid claim remains.

Does MS02 exist under SEPA B2B?

Yes. Under SEPA B2B the payer can also instruct their bank to refuse a collection before settlement without giving a reason. A refund after the debit does not exist there.

Can the creditor collect again after MS02?

Only after talking to the payer and with a new pre-notification. If the payer cancelled the mandate, a new mandate is needed first.

Sources