What is a check image?
During the electronic check conversion process a digital image that is available on-line at a secure Web site. While the transaction data is processed through the Automated Clearing House for fast and secure processing, a parallel process at the point of sale captures an image of the check and stores it in the MICR reader/check imager. The check images are then transmitted to the on-line image repository where merchants can retrieve them by logging in with a PIN number and User ID. Merchants generally use the images for two purposes: 1) collection of bounced checks; 2) copying the customers name and address information from the check for use in a mailing list or other marketing purposes.
