Electronic Check Transactions
Electronic Checks Service (ECS) supports two types of check processing:
- ECS Paper Check (Check Present)
- ACH ECheck (Check Not Present)
- This check processing type is only available in the US region.
- This check processing type supports the Conversion with Verfication and the Conversion Only service levels.
ECS Paper Check
In order to process ECS Paper Check, a check reader device is required to electronically read and capture the MICR check data and image.
ACH ECheck
When a terminal is set up for ACH ECheck processing:
- The terminal’s Region must be set to United States.
- The Service Level of the terminal must be set to Conversion with Verification or Conversion Only.
In order to accept ACH ECheck, you must capture and pass the hand-keyed check data during the initial processing which includes the:
- ABA Routing Number (
ssl_aba_number) - Full Account Number (
ssl_bank_account_number) - Account Type (
ssl_bank_account_type) - Agreement Indicator (
ssl_agree)
note
- The routing number used for the demo environment is 490000018.
- The account number can be numeric up to 16 digits.
The following transactions support ACH ECheck processing:
- Purchase (
ecspurchase) - Void (
ecsvoid) - Add Installment Payment (
ecsaddinstall) - Delete Installment Payment (
ecsdeleteinstall) - Submit Installment Payment (
ecsinstallsale) - Update Installment Payment (
ecsupdateinstall) - Add Recurring Payment (
ecsaddrecurring) - Delete Recurring Payment (
ecsdeleterecurring) - Submit Recurring Payment (
ecsrecurringsale) - Update Recurring Payment (
ecsupdaterecurring)
Default ACH Type
Converge sets the default ACH type based on the bank account type, entry mode, and market segment.
| ACH Type | Account Type | Entry Mode | Market Segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCD | Business | User Interface or Integration | MOTO or eCommerce |
| TEL | Personal | User Interface | MOTO or eCommerce |
| WEB | Personal | Integration | MOTO or eCommerce |
Optionally, the integration can override the default ACH Type by specifying one of these values in the ssl_ecs_product_code parameter:
| ACH Type | Description |
|---|---|
| WEB | Web-based Check Processing An ACH ECheck processing option for either reoccurring or single internet-initiated entry processed based on a Customer’s input of account information at a payment application website. |
| TEL | Telephone-based Check Processing An ACH ECheck processing option for either reoccurring or single entry in which an electronic payment Item is created based on a Customer’s oral authorization captured via the telephone. |
| PPD | Pre-arrange Payment and Deposit An ACH ECheck processing option for either a reoccurring or single prearranged payment entry to a Customer’s account pursuant to a written authorization that is obtained from the Customer. |
| CCD | Corporate Credit or Debit An ACH-ECheck processing option in which a debit entry is initiated by an organization to another organization. |
Best Practices
Authorization Information
Make sure the integrated application meets the following:
Amount of transaction
The effective date of transaction
The cardholder’s account number
The cardholders financial institution routing number
Revocation language
Clear and expressed authorization language
Example 1:
By Clicking the “I Agree” box below, you authorize (Merchant Name) to use information from your check to initiate a one-time fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction or bank drawn draft from your account for the amount of (total amount here). If you payment is returned due to insufficient funds, you authorize us to make a one-time electronic funds transfer or to use a bank draft drawn from your account to collect a fee as allowed by state law.
Example 2:
I authorize (Merchant Name) to use information above to initiate an electronic fund transfer from my account or to process the payment as a check transaction or bank drawn draft from my account for the amount of (total amount here). If my payment is returned due to insufficient funds, I authorize (Merchant Name) to make a one- time electronic funds transfer or to use a bank draft drawn from my account to collect a fee as allowed by state law.
Example 3:
I authorize (Merchant Name) to use information above to initiate an electronic fund transfer from my bank account with account number (Masked Account Number) and routing number of (Masked Routing Number) or to process the payment as a check transaction or bank drawn draft from my account for the amount of (total amount here). If my payment is returned due to insufficient funds, I authorize (Merchant Name) to make a one-time electronic funds transfer or to use a bank draft drawn from my account to collect a fee as allowed by state law.
Authorization Retention
Retain a copy of the authorization to the customer for all agreement electronically or by paper two years after the termination or revocation of authorization and be prepared to provide records upon request to demonstrate proof of WEB entry, provide details of transaction to show what was exchanged.
Minimize Potential Fraudulent ACH Transactions
Use robust authentication methods to verify identity of Cardholder before accepting transactions. Customers with an established business relationship with the Cardholder, whether established online, in person, over the telephone, or by some method, can usually authenticate using shared secrets, such a PIN, password or previous transaction history. Example: checking information against databases, ask a challenge question, sending a specific piece of information, either online or offline, and asking to verify that information as a second step.
TEL Transactions may only be initiated when there is an existing relationship between Customer and Cardholder or when the Cardholder initiated the call.
Solicitations
Merchants are prohibited from making direct payments on behalf of their Cardholders.