Simple Transaction Guidelines for NSF Guarantee

• Name and address must be pre-printed on check
• No temp or starter checks: check number must be 101 or higher
• Input Driver’s License number into terminal
• Customer must print and sign name and write phone with area code on receipt
• Check is scanned or imaged and given back to customer once authorization is received
• If requested, merchant must provide copy of receipt to check processor within 48 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the advantages of using a check imager versus a check reader?

• A check imager stores an image of the entire check. A check reader only reads the MICR line
• Check limits above $4,000 may require an imager
• Dramatically reduces requests from the check processor for copies of signed receipts from merchants
• If merchant fails to follow any guidelines, the check processor will be in a better position to collect the check by using the image

2. Are business checks acceptable?

Most business checks are acceptable for guarantee and conversion. The terminal will determine the eligibility of the check. If not eligible for conversion, the check is still authorized/guaranteed for manual deposit in accordance with service options and should be manually deposited at the merchant’s bank.

3. Is the check writer debited immediately?

No, the check writer will still experience about a “2 day float” before funds are withdrawn. This is about the same as if the check was manually deposited at the bank and is what most check writers are familiar with.

4. What happens if a bad check is written?

Guaranteed Conversion program

• The merchant will be funded by the check processor before the check has even cleared
• If the merchant is using a check reader: The check processor will call the merchant and request a copy of the signed receipt
• Merchant must supply this receipt within 48 hours
• If the merchant is using a check imager: The check processor will use the image of the check to pursue collection, without having to call the merchant for a copy of the receipt (Merchant is still required to obtain customer information and keep the receipt on file)
• If the check does not clear, the check processor assumes responsibility for collecting from the check writer (providing that merchant followed guidelines at the Point of Sale)

Verification Conversion program

1. The merchant will be credited by the check processor before the check has even cleared
2. If check returns, the funds are debited from the merchant
3. Check will be resubmitted to attempt collection
4. If check is successfully collected, merchant is again credited for the full amount of check. If not collected, the merchant assumes responsibility for collecting the funds from the check writer
5. The check writer is flagged in the national negative database

5. What types of checks are acceptable?

• Personal checks
• Business checks on 6” personal check stock or that do not have an Aux-on-Us field

Electronic Conversion

All conversions include verification screening against a national negative database. Merchants receive payment quickly via electronic deposit of the funds into their bank account. The check is electronically transferred from the point of sale. No wasted time and labor taking paper checks to the bank.

Online Reporting

Web based reporting provides full transaction tracking with many features. Allows merchant to reconcile billing, view statements, transaction history, gain fast access to batch information and transaction detail.

Equipment Flexibility

Operates on select credit card terminals with a check reader or imager attached. (See Compatibility Sheet for options.)

Check Limits and Funding

• Check limits assigned in underwriting process and determined by industry type, with higher limits as needed
• View statements
• Merchant funded in 2-3 business days
• Funds deposited directly to merchant bank account