Generate Automatic Check Numbers

This article was developed to describe the Auto-Generated Check Number feature within the Forth Pay system. It is organized into the following sections:

• Overview
• Why?
• How Does It Work?
• Benefits

Overview

To ensure efficiency with settlement payment exception management, we implemented an automated system for generating unique check numbers for Check-by-Phone / Remotely Created Checks (RCC) payments. It is required that all DRSPs utilize this new system as it is essential to mitigate any issues arising from duplicate check numbers and erroneous return payments.

IMPORTANT:

• DRSPs may exclude any payments scheduled to go to Chase as they already use unique check numbers.
• If a creditor cannot accept the full check number due to its length, please have the DRSP use the final numbers in the sequence that meet their requirements.

Why?

Previously, check settlements were being rejected due to duplicate check numbers. This led to issues generating separate check images for individual transactions as duplicate numbers were displayed as a single image. To address this, we have implemented a unique check number enforcement system.

How Does It Work?

• Automated Check Number Generation: When settlement offers reach the "completed" and "accepted" status with the transaction type "Check by Phone," the system now automatically generates a 10-digit unique ID for each transaction. The last two digits will be incremental numbers ranging from 00 to 99 for each payment within the term.
  
  NOTE: Please stress the importance of using individual check numbers to your creditors. This is critical to ensuring that payments are applied correctly!
  
  Example: For a settlement with check number 45149437 and three payments, the system will generate 4514943700, 4514943701, and 4514943702.

• Enhanced Visibility: The generated check numbers and associated bank information are now displayed in key areas of the Forth platform:
  • Completed Settlement Offer Page: View check numbers and bank details for each settlement payment.
    
    
    
  • Add/Edit Payment Modal: The check number and bank information for a check-by-phone transaction are now visible in all CRM sections where the Add/Edit Payment dialog box is accessible. This includes the Accounting Tab (image below on the left) and the Enrollments Tab (image below on the right). The following bank information is displayed: Forth Pay Bank Name, Forth Pay Bank Address, Forth Pay Bank Routing and Account Numbers, and the Forth Check Number.
    

Benefits:

• Reduced Duplicates: Minimize issuing duplicate check numbers, ensuring each Check by Phone / RCC has a unique identifier.
• Improved Settlement Acceptance: Prevent settlement rejections due to duplicate check numbers, enhancing compliance with banking regulations.
• Streamlined Processes: The automated check number generation process simplifies and speeds up settlement transactions.

NOTE: This modification applies to Forth Pay only.

In summary, this automatic check number generation process ensures uniqueness to prevent the duplication of check numbers across different Check by Phone / RCC payments/transactions.

Should you have any questions or require assistance, contact us at support@setforth.com.

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