Electronic Check Processing Benton Harbor MI

It is an electronic version of a paper check. Like the paper check, the electronic check is a legally binding promise to pay. On screen, it looks just like a paper check and is filled out the same way. It includes all details like date, payee name, amount, signature, memo line, and endorsements. It is embedded in a secure electronic file in which the user defines data regarding the purpose of the check.

Electronic checks are signed, co-signed, endorsed, deposited, cleared, and settled like paper checks. The current check law governs payments made through the electronic check processing system.

Electronic checks can be used in almost all situations where a paper check is used today. They can also be used to authorize payments through other payment systems that are not check based. For example, an electronic check can be used to authorize a wire transfer payment, or ACH debit and credit transactions.

The paying or depositing bank can validate the signatures on electronic checks by automatically verifying them. Smaller businesses using paper filing systems can print electronic check records and include them in the current filing procedure.

Electronic check processing fits in with the current business practices. This eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming process re-engineering. It also improves existing bank accounts with new e-commerce features. Electronic checks can be linked with unlimited information and can be directly exchanged between parties.

Electronic checks capture the crucial features and end user benefits of paper checks in an all-electronic form.

The payment system for paper checks is very forgiving of errors. Checks get processed, cleared, and settled even when many kinds of errors occur. Dates could be omitted, amounts could be encoded incorrectly, or the processing equipment may fail to read the check. In these cases, checks are passed, sometimes after repair with a new MICR encoding strip.

Electronic check processing does not accommodate errors. In fact, this payment system prevents erroneous payments completely. Before processing, electronic checks must be totally and precisely created and digitally signed by an authorized party. The use of strong digital signatures and automated software edits makes this compulsory.

Electronic checks deliver clear benefits over paper checks to all parties involved. They are faster, with fewer errors and reduced costs. They significantly reduce the operating costs and losses related to check payments. They eliminate most of the manual steps required for processing paper checks and allow information to flow freely between the payer and payee. Customer identification and state of the art security systems reduce the costs associated with fraudulent checks. Since the system is fully automated, electronic checks are protected against alteration and forgery. Reconciliation is also easier due to payer assigned check numbers. All this will save payers and payees a lot of expenses.

Electronic checks can have unlimited information attached and sent with the payment. Since it is in electronic form, it can be easily transferred to existing systems without manual re-entry.

Electronic checks work much in the same way as paper checks. The electronic checkbook is an electronic token device that contains encryption tools, public and private key pairs, certificates, utilities to unlock software, and utilities to perform other functions. It can also contain instructions to maintain a secure log of transactions.

Whenever a payment needs to be made, a blank check is brought up onto the payer’s screen. The date, payee, memo fields, and amount are all filled in. To sign the electronic check, the payer inserts his electronic checkbook into the reader (it is a separate device that is plugged in) and enters the pin to unlock his checkbook. The electronic check serial number is filled in by the electronic checkbook. The electronic checkbook then reads the entire check, attaches the digital signature, logs the information from the electronic check, and returns the signed check.

Every electronic check issued can be retained by the originator for records and remains a “perfect copy.” Since only one copy of an electronic check will be paid by the bank, copies can be kept with anyone and even resent.

Usually, electronic checks are received by email and are opened just like any other email message. Digital signatures on electronic checks can be validated at any time by online check verification to authenticate the source and to confirm that it has not been tampered with. Electronic check processing works the same way as paper check processing.