ArcMap batch geocoding not working? Here’s How to Fix It

Why ArcMap Batch Geocoding Fails

ArcMap requires ArcGIS Online service credits for batch geocoding. This was not always the case. Geocoding used to be included, but Esri changed this several years ago. Not all accounts have credits, and some accounts have limited credits that run out faster than expected.

The problem is that ArcMap does not clearly tell you when credits are the issue. Instead, you get generic errors that point you toward data formatting problems. ArcMap’s support forums are full of threads where the eventual answer was “you’re out of credits,” but it takes pages of troubleshooting to get there.

Common ArcMap Geocoding Errors (and What They Mean)

If you’re seeing any of these, credits are likely the culprit:

• “There was an error trying to process this table” — the most common. No mention of credits anywhere in the error.

• Geocoding starts but stops partway through — your credits ran out mid-batch.

• “Unable to connect to the geocoding service” — can indicate expired credits or an account that doesn’t have batch geocoding access.

• Results return with no matches — sometimes a credits issue masquerades as a data quality problem.

Before spending time reformatting your data or debugging your address columns, check your ArcGIS Online account to see how many credits you have left.

How to Check Your ArcGIS Credit Balance

1. Sign in to ArcGIS Online (arcgis.com)

2. Click your user icon in the top right, then “My Settings”

3. Look for “Credits remaining” on the overview page

If the number is low or zero, that’s your answer. According to Esri, batch geocoding consumes credits for every successfully matched address. Storage-enabled geocoding costs 40 credits per 1,000 addresses. Standard geocoding costs 4 credits per 1,000.

What to Do When You’re Out of Credits

Getting more ArcGIS credits can take time. If your account is managed by a university, agency, or employer, you may need approvals, budget requests, or procurement paperwork. Your deadline probably will not wait for that.

You can geocode your addresses outside of ArcMap and bring the results back in. Here’s how:

Step 1: Export your addresses from ArcMap. Save your address table as a CSV file.

Step 2: Geocode with Geocodio. Go to geocod.io/upload and upload your CSV. Geocodio will add latitude, longitude, and (optionally) data like Census tracts, FIPS codes, Congressional districts, and timezones. The first 2,500 lookups per day are free. No credit card or account approval needed.

Step 3: Download and import back into ArcMap. Download the geocoded CSV and add it back to ArcMap as an XY data layer using the latitude and longitude columns. Your analysis continues from where you left off.

The whole process takes about 15 minutes for most datasets.

Why Geocodio Works Well as an ArcMap Alternative

Geocodio is not a replacement for ArcMap. ArcMap is a full GIS platform. Geocodio is a geocoding and data enrichment service. They do different things.

But for the specific task of turning addresses into coordinates, Geocodio handles it without the credit system:

• 2,500 free lookups per day. No credit card, no account approval, no waiting.

• Pay-as-you-go after that. $0.50 per 1,000 lookups. 100,000 addresses costs about $35.

• No wasted credits. Upload a file with formatting issues? Just fix it and re-upload. Geocodio does not charge for failed lookups.

• Data enrichment in the same step. Add Census geographies, FIPS codes, school districts, timezones, and more alongside your coordinates.

• Results import directly into ArcMap. The output CSV works as an XY data layer.

Geocodio supports US, Canadian, and Mexican addresses.

Preventing ArcMap Geocoding Problems

A few things to check before running a batch geocode in ArcMap:

• Verify your credit balance first. Don’t find out mid-batch.

• Use the right locator. Make sure you’re pointed at the ArcGIS World Geocoding Service (or your organization’s locator, if applicable).

• Format your address fields correctly. ArcMap expects specific column names. Check Esri’s documentation for the expected schema.

• Try a small sample first. Geocode 10 addresses before committing your full dataset. This catches credit issues and formatting problems early.

If credits are a recurring problem, geocoding outside of ArcMap and importing the results may be a more reliable workflow long-term.