Accepting checks is a preferred payment type for many merchants — especially those selling big-ticket items — and is a reliable tool for increasing sales and widening customer reach. Accepting checks is one thing, but deciding how to accept check payments safely is another. That is why many merchants choose payment solutions like CrossCheck’s Electronic Check Processing to securely accept, process and deposit checks into their business accounts without leaving the office.
Summary
- How to accept check payments from customers?
- The safest way to accept check payments.
- How to accept check payments using Electronic Check Processing.
- Last words on ‘How to accept check payments?’
How to accept check payments from customers?
The traditional method of accepting check payments from customers is a routine task for some merchants, but for others, it may require a little practice. Seven pieces of key information should be displayed on a check before it can be safely accepted:
- The name of the payer and the current date.
- The customer’s bank ID and routing number.
- The name of the payee (your business name), a dollar amount, and a signature.
After, and only after, you have all of this information in hand, you can accept a check payment with confidence, and later deposit the check into your business account.
To make the check acceptance process faster and more efficient, you can add a check scanner into the mix at the point of sale (see Electronic Check Processing below).
The safest way to accept check payments.
Merchants can safely accept checks by following a few recommended guidelines. First, establish a company check acceptance policy detailing the forms of ID you are willing to accept and place a dollar limit on the check amounts. Also, make sure that the information on the check matches that of the ID provided and ensure the information is legible.
After taking the extra steps to verify the information, there is still room to make accepting checks even safer. One of the best ways to accept check payments is with CrossCheck’s Electronic Check Processing (ECP) services.
How to accept check payments using Electronic Check Processing.
Merchants using Electronic Check Processing can use check imaging devices to accept checks approved by CrossCheck.
On the other hand, merchants using Standard Guarantee can mail items returned from the bank unpaid to CrossCheck to receive compensation. Electronic Check Processing is faster and more efficient than Standard Check Guarantee.
With ECP, merchant business accounts usually are funded within 48-72 hours or less. It’s interesting to know that merchants using ECP generally aren’t aware checks were returned from the bank unpaid unless they phone CrossCheck’s 24/7/356 Customer Service department for another reason.
Last words on ‘How to accept check payments?’
Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) is CrossCheck’s most versatile form of Electronic Check Processing. RDC allows merchants to accept one check or up to four if they have bundled RDC with the Multiple Check Premium service.
Multiple Check is a great sales tool because it gives consumers a little extra time (usually 30 days) to replenish their checking accounts.
RDC also eliminates claims submissions, bank visits to deposit checks, missed deposits, the collection of bad checks, and more:
- A wider acceptance of checks and fewer administrative returns.
- 24/7 processing, transaction reporting and review, and tech support.
- Green-friendly paperless recordkeeping and processing.
- Loaner equipment is available at no additional charge.
- Consolidated reporting and banking.
Finally, accepting checks using CrossCheck’s Electronic Check Processing can help increase sales and mitigate risk, while saving time and money. Take the first step toward higher-income by downloading our free guide to RDC.
