The next time you write a check to your local merchant, the cashier may hand it back to you after the payment has been processed ? electronically. Or maybe you're mailing a check as payment to a company. That payment, too, may be processed electronically. Why? More merchants and companies are using electronic check conversion, which converts information from your paper check into an electronic payment from your bank account. In fact, NACHA ? the Electronic Payments Association ? estimates that more than 1.7 billion paper checks were converted through in-store and mail-in transactions in 2005.



How does electronic check conversion work?

When you give your check to a store cashier, the check is run through an electronic system that captures your bank account information and the amount of the check. You're asked to sign a receipt and you get a copy for your records. When your check information has been processed and your check has been handed back to you, it should be voided or marked by the merchant so that it can't be used again. The merchant electronically sends information from the check (but not the check itself) to your bank or other financial institution, and the funds are transferred into the merchant's account.

Electronic check conversion also may be used for checks you mail to pay for a purchase or to pay on an account. The merchant or company receiving your check electronically sends information from your check (but not the check itself) through the system, and the funds are transferred into their account.

How will I know if companies I do business with use electronic check conversion?

By law, you must receive notice if your check information will be processed electronically. Notice can be given in different ways: In a store, a merchant might post a sign at the register or give you a written notice. For a mailed check, the company might include the notice on your monthly statement or under its terms and conditions. The notice also should state if the merchant or company will electronically collect from your account a fee ? like a ?bounced check? fee ? if you have insufficient funds to cover the transaction.

Will I get my checks back?

Your financial institution may be unable to give you a duplicate copy of your checks, so it's important to keep your checks ? and receipts ? when the payment has been processed electronically in a store, especially if you need proof of payment. In the case of merchants and companies that use electronic check conversion for your mailed checks, you won't get your check back because the information was transmitted through the process only electronically. However, if you need a copy of the check, you can always ask the merchant or company if they'll provide it to you. You could also consider using duplicate checks, where you keep a copy of every check you write. There may be an extra charge for duplicate checks, whether you buy them from your financial institution or a check printing company.

Will the payment be shown on my monthly bank statement?

Yes. Your bank statement must show the electronic transaction. It should include the name of the merchant or company, the payment amount, and the date the payment was electronically transferred from your account, and the transaction location. This information may be included in an area other than where your paper checks are listed, so carefully review the entire statement. It's important to keep your bank statements; they can be used as proof of payment for your transactions.

What does electronic check conversion mean to me?

There may be no float on your check. That means, if you write a check today, you need to have funds in your account today to cover it. If you don't, your check may bounce and you may be charged a fee by the merchant, your financial institution, or both. Bounced checks can blemish your credit record. If you're concerned about bounced checks, you may want to consider overdraft protection or a backup line of credit on your account. Be aware, your financial institution may charge for these services.

What if I find an error on my account?

Promptly review your bank statement for errors. For example, did two payments go through instead of one? Were you charged the wrong amount for the item purchased? You have 60 days from the date your statement was sent to you to notify your financial institution of any errors. Your financial institution might take up to 45 days from the date you notify it to investigate the situation. In most instances, if it will take more than 10 business days, your financial institution must credit your account while it investigates the error.

What if I find unauthorized transactions on my account?

Generally, if you find unauthorized electronic check conversion on your account (or someone has fraudulently obtained your banking account information), notify your financial institution immediately. Your level of loss depends on how quickly you report the problem.

Under federal law, for unauthorized electronic check conversion, you have 60 days to report these transfers after your bank account statement containing the problem is mailed to you. If you fail to report the unauthorized transfers within this time period, you risk losing all the money in your account and the unused portion of your maximum line of credit for overdrafts. It's also a good idea to report any other unauthorized transfers on your account or problems regarding any loss or theft of your checks immediately.

Contact your financial institution about any additional limits on liability they may offer.