FedACH® Back Office Conversion Resource Center – POP Overview

This resource provides an overview of the Point-of-Purchase (POP) standard entry class (SEC) code, including a process flow chart.

What is POP and How Does it Work?

POP is the SEC code that gives consumers and businesses the ability to convert paper checks into electronic payments at the point-of-purchase (e.g., the store’s register.) The voided check is handed back to the consumer after it has been scanned, and the consumer signs an authorization form.  The consumer may opt out of check conversion, at which time the merchant may choose to offer an alternative payment option. 
The check acts as the source document. The MICR information from the paper check is captured by a MICR reader, and the information is used to process a one-time ACH debit to the consumer’s bank account.

How Does POP Work?

  1. Consumer presents a merchant with a check.
  2. Merchant runs the check through a MICR reader, capturing all pertinent information.
  3. Merchant key enters the amount of the transaction and other pertinent consumer data.
  4. Authorization is printed, similar to the authorizations printed in other Point-of-sale transactions.
  5. Consumer signs the authorization and keeps a copy as a record of the purchase.  The authorization and the receipt may be combined into one document.
  6. Merchant returns the check to the consumer marked or stamped “VOID, Not Negotiable.”
  7. Merchant initiates a one-time ACH debit transaction with its financial institution (ODFI).
Point-of-Purchase Flow

Click here for more information on Accounts Receivable Conversion (ARC) and Back Office Conversion (BOC).

For more information about FedACH Services or BOC, visit the service offerings pages or contact your FedACH Sales Specialist.

Top of Page