As previously announced (PDF), in response to customer feedback and in an effort to more effectively and securely deliver our services, FedLine access solution user authentication will be upgraded over the next few years.
With this upgrade, Subscribers currently utilizing user IDs and passwords to access FedCash® Services and/or Check Services via the FedLine Web® access solution will be transitioned to upgraded FedLine credentials. The Federal Reserve Banks will identify impacted Subscribers and notify their respective End User Authorization Contacts (EUACs) at the appropriate time to help ensure a smooth and timely transition.
As part of these upgrades, the changes noted below took effect April 30, 2012:
For more information about FedLine user authentication enhancements, please visit our Online Resource Center or call the Customer Contact Center (CCC) at (888) 333-7010, option 1.
Announcement
As previously announced (PDF), in response to customer feedback and in an effort to more effectively and securely deliver our services, FedLine® user authentication will be upgraded over the next few years. Effective April 30, 2012, changes were implemented to certain Subscriber FedLine user authentication, as well as to the Event Tracker Report and the Certification Practice Statement. For more information about FedLine user authentication upgrades, please visit our Online Resource Center or call the Customer Contact Center (CCC) at (888) 333-7010, option 1.
In an effort to simplify the process for delivering information for credential-related requests, including password reset and token unblock requests, the Customer Contact Center (CCC) is now leveraging email communications more often. These email communications may take the place of some follow-up calls to End User Authorization Contacts (EUACs) and Subscribers. This change will help process your requests in a faster, more streamlined manner.
The emails will be sent from email addresses that the CCC currently uses for communications. For questions regarding this change, please call the CCC at (888) 333-7010, option 1.
Announcement
The Customer Contact Center (CCC) is now leveraging email communications more often, in place of follow-up calls to End User Authorization Contacts (EUACs) and Subscribers, helping to process your FedLine® credential-related requests in a faster, more streamlined manner.
Effective May 14, 2012, customers can begin using Secure Client v5.8 for use with FedACH® Services and Account, Billing, Central Bank and Fedwire® Services statement services via the FedLine Command® access solution and Check Services via the FedLine Web® access solution. Customers can download Secure Client v5.8 via the Axway® (formally Tumbleweed®) Online Store by visiting https://usfrbstore.axway.com (Off-site Link) or by contacting this vendor directly.
To help ensure uninterrupted access to the services mentioned above, current SecureTransport Client customers are strongly encouraged to upgrade to Secure Client v5.8 before March 31, 2013, when support for older SecureTransport Client versions ends. Today we support SecureTransport Client v4.5.2, and customers currently using versions older than v4.5.2 are at risk of experiencing service interruptions.
As a result of this change, customers may want to schedule testing, which will be handled via normal testing procedures. To schedule a test, please contact the Customer Contact Center (CCC). Customers should also migrate all scripting to Secure Client v5.8 before March 31, 2013. For additional information on scripting, please contact Axway directly.
These changes are aligned with the Federal Reserve Banks’ commitment to remain current with the technology available in the marketplace. Secure Client v5.8 has many new features and advantages over the older SecureTransport Client versions, including:
As a reminder, personal computers used to access Federal Reserve Bank Services via the FedLine Web and FedLine Command access solutions must comply with minimum hardware and software requirements. FedLine Web hardware and software requirements are available on FRBservices.org. FedLine Command hardware and software requirements are included in the FedLine Command Security & Implementation Guide and can be acquired by calling the CCC at (888) 881-6700 for a current version of this guide. Financial institutions should review the latest hardware and software requirements and work with their IT departments to ensure compliance with these requirements.
For more information about the changes in the Federal Reserve Banks’ support for SecureTransport Client, please call the CCC at (888) 333-7010.
Announcement
Customers can begin using Secure Client v5.8 for use with FedACH® Services and Account, Billing, Central Bank and Fedwire® Services statement services via the FedLine Command® access solution and Check Services via the FedLine Web® access solution. Customers are strongly encouraged to upgrade to Secure Client v5.8 before March 31, 2013, when support for older SecureTransportTM Client versions ends. Today we support SecureTransport Client v4.5.2, and customers currently using versions older than v4.5.2 are at risk of experiencing service interruptions. For more information about the changes in the Federal Reserve Banks’ support for SecureTransport Client, please call the Customer Contact Center (CCC) at (888) 333-7010.
Last October, the Federal Reserve Banks announced (PDF) that the Capital Stock monthly statement of holdings and semi-annual dividend advices will be available via FedMail® Services. Organizations are not required to receive reports. However, the paper distribution of Capital Stock reports will be eliminated in June 2012. After that time, the FedMail Service will be the only method available to receive this information. By getting set up on the FedMail Service now, your organization will be prepared when paper statements and advices are no longer offered.
FedMail Services is a cost-effective electronic messaging system used to transmit information from the Federal Reserve Banks to organizations. Use of FedMail Services to receive these reports is encouraged to help increase the efficiency in the distribution of reports. Receipt of Capital Stock statements and advices via FedMail Services is an enhancement for financial institutions already using FedMail Services to receive information and alerts regarding other Federal Reserve Service areas. To receive Capital Stock statements and advices via FedMail Services, whether your organization is already using FedMail Services or you are new to the service, your financial institution will need to complete a new Federal Reserve Bank FedMail Request Form. If you haven’t done so already, please:
By signing up to receive Capital Stock statements and advices via the FedMail Service, you will automatically receive the Capital Stock statement of holdings monthly and the dividend advices semi-annually. These statements and advices will be quickly emailed to your organization, instead of sent via paper mail. There is no fee for this service for existing or new FedMail Services Subscribers receiving the statements and advices via email.
If you need assistance or have questions at any point in the process, please contact the Customer Contact Center at (888) 333-7010, option 1.
Announcement
Last October, the Federal Reserve Banks announced (PDF) that the Capital Stock monthly statement of holdings and semi-annual dividend advices will be available via FedMail® Services. The paper distribution of Capital Stock reports will be eliminated in June 2012. To receive Capital Stock statements and advices via FedMail Services, your financial institution will need to complete a new Federal Reserve Bank FedMail Request Form (PDF).
The Federal Reserve Banks are committed to delivering payments and information services via secure platforms. FedLine security tokens are one of the most secure means for safeguarding credentials provided to FedLine Subscribers, and they help to ensure that FedLine access solutions are only accessible to authorized individuals. When a Subscriber uses a FedLine security token to authenticate their access, the token works in concert with other controls to help to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmitted via FedLine access solutions.
FedLine security tokens are read-only, non-storage USB devices with an exclusive purpose of safeguarding FedLine credentials. They cannot be used to store or retrieve other information from a Subscriber's personal computer.
FedLine security tokens provide multi-factor authentication to the FedLine access solutions. As an accepted best-practice, the financial services industry is migrating toward multi-factor technologies as they offer customers heightened levels of authentication security relative to traditional user IDs and passwords. Multi-factor technology combines various identifying information to uniquely distinguish an individual.
FedLine security tokens are two-factor devices, as they physically contain a unique identifier for each FedLine Subscriber, and they require knowledge of a passphrase to access that unique identifier. The unique information stored on the token remains with that device, providing token holders additional assurance over the protection of their electronic credentials.
For more information about FedLine security tokens, please call the Customer Contact Center (CCC) at (888) 333-7010, option 1.
Announcement
FedLine® security tokens are one of the most secure means for safeguarding the credential provided to FedLine Subscribers, and they help to ensure that the FedLine access solutions are only accessible to authorized individuals. For more information about FedLine security tokens, please call the Customer Contact Center (CCC) at (888) 333-7010, option 1.
As processing of redeemed paper savings bond deposits has moved from EZ Clear to image-enabled processing, the Federal Reserve Banks are transitioning adjustment requirements and edits in support of the change.
The Adjustments Transition Information for Savings Bonds (PDF) provides an overview of the changes regarding savings bonds adjustments as we transition from EZ Clear to image-enabled savings bond processing. For detailed information regarding savings bonds adjustments, please visit the Image-enabled Savings Bond Processing Resource Center. Below are some of the key changes related to savings bond adjustments:
Note: Adjustment requests that are sent to an alternative location may be delayed in processing. Your adjustment requests will not be processed until received at the proper location.
For regular mail deliveries:
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Attn: Check Adjustments
P.O. Box 89420
Cleveland, OH 44101-6420
For deliveries requiring a signature:
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Attn: Check Adjustments
1455 East Sixth Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
Adjustments resources
To support your adjustment activities we offer a series of Check Adjustments Webinars and other resources to assist you in finding information and answers quickly. In addition, our online Check Adjustments Quick Reference Guide provides information on the various investigation types handled as adjustments and the timeframes for timely submission. You might also find that our Check Adjustments Tips (PDF) provide answers to many of your adjustment-related questions.
Our national Check Customer Support Center is staffed with specially trained representatives to assist you. For all inquiries related to adjustments, please call (877) FRB-CHKS or (877) 372-2457.
Announcement
As the method for processing redeemed paper savings bonds has moved from EZ Clear to image-enabled processing, the Federal Reserve Banks are transitioning adjustment requirements and edits in support of the change. Our national Check Adjustments Customer Support Center is staffed with specially trained representatives to assist you. For all inquiries related to adjustments, please call (877) FRB-CHKS or (877) 372-2457.
Effective April 16, 2012, the Federal Reserve Banks began accepting savings bonds via image-enabled processing. As of the end of April, a third of savings bond redemptions from financial institutions were deposited in separately sorted and mixed image cash letters.
While image-based processing is the preferred method for redeeming savings bonds, paper savings bonds deposits will continue to be accepted. For financial institutions planning to continue submitting paper savings bonds, below are some tips to help expedite the process.
Paper and facsimile savings bonds
Credit for paper and facsimile savings bonds will be passed when the savings bonds reach the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Paper savings bonds deposited in mixed paper cash letters or in the wrong type of paper cash letter may be returned to the depositor. Credit for paper savings bonds submitted on cash letter forms without a routing number or mailed to the wrong location may also be delayed.
Getting set up as a FedForward® Services customer
The transition to image-enabled processing provides financial institutions a more streamlined and cost-effective alternative for processing redeemed savings bonds. If your financial institution would like to begin using image-enabled processing for redeemed savings bonds but is not already a FedForward Services depositor, either directly or through a processor or correspondent, contact your account executive or Check Services Customer Support at (877) 372-2457 to begin the process of signing up. The FedForward Services Setup page provides step-by-step instructions for becoming a FedForward Services depositor.
You can also reference the EZ Clear to Image-enabled Savings Bond Processing Quick Reference Guide (PDF) that outlines the major operational changes. Once you are set up as a FedFoward Services customer, your financial institution can begin submitting savings bonds in image cash letters (ICLs).
Visit the online resource center
Detailed information regarding this initiative, including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), can be found at the Image-enabled Savings Bond Processing Resource Center. This site provides a central location for all communications. Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference.
Announcement
Effective April 16, 2012, the Federal Reserve Banks began accepting savings bonds via image-enabled processing. As of the end of April, a third of savings bond redemptions from financial institutions were deposited in separately sorted and mixed image cash letters. If your financial institution would like to begin using image-enabled processing to redeem savings bonds, but is not already a FedForward® Services depositor, either directly or through a processor or correspondent, contact your account executive or Check Services Customer Support at (877) 372-2457 to begin the process of signing up.
The Federal Reserve Banks are making a number of changes to the Check Adjustments requirements and edits, effective May 21, 2012. These changes, which are applicable for all adjustment requests (submitted using the paper adjustment request form or electronically using the FedLine Web® access solution) should simplify and streamline the process for submitting adjustment requests, and will help ensure that information provided is logical and aligned with case submission requirements.
The major changes include:
Several other changes are outlined in the table below:
| ITYP | Edit Change |
|---|---|
| Advice Request (AREQ) | Account Number (ANO) changing from Not Allowed to Optional |
| Claim of Late Return (LC) |
FCL changing from Optional to Required |
| Encoding Error (ENC) | The system will verify consistent and logical information is being provided by evaluating information provided in the FCL, TCL, Listed As (LAS) and Should Be (SBE) fields against the ETYP associated with the request. This will help ensure the request is submitted for the correct ETYP. These new edits will prevent the use of the Request for Information (RFI) ETYP. |
| Entry in Error (ERR) | A special edit is being added to allow the Federal Reserve Banks to function small dollar entries using the ERR ITYP. Use of this capability will be limited to reversals of paid twice cases, which today are functioned using the Paid Item (PAID) ITYP. |
| Late Return Disclaimer (LR) |
FCL changing from Optional to Required |
| Listed Not Enclosed (LNE) | A special edit which allows the Sequence Number (SEQ) to be blank is being removed. The SEQ will now be required. |
| Listing Error (LST) | The system will verify consistent and logical information is being provided by evaluating information provided in the FCL, TCL, LAS and SBE fields against the ETYP associated with the request. This will help ensure the request is submitted for the correct ETYP. These new edits will prevent the use of the Request for Information (RFI) ETYP. |
| Missing Cash Letter (MCL) | Tape Total (TT) changing from Optional to Not Allowed |
| Non-Cash Item (NCH) | The system will verify that the FCL field contains a valid Federal Reserve Bank routing number. |
| Non-Cash Item (NCH) | ANO changing from Not Allowed to Optional. |
| Non-Cash Item (NCH) |
The following optional fields will be required: |
| Paid Item (PAID) | The system will verify that the ETYP is RFI when the FCL does not contain a valid Federal Reserve Bank routing number. The Federal Reserve Banks will not accept a PAID request for Debit from a Financial Institution. |
If you are using the file upload/download process in the FedLine Web access solution, an updated Computer Interface Protocol Specifications (CIPS) document reflecting these changes is posted in the Documentation section of the Support Center in the Learning Center on FedLine®, which requires credentials to access. Requests to submit and receive test files may be made through the Check Services Customer Support Center at (877) FRB-CHKS or (877) 372-2457. These changes will be reflected in the Check Adjustments Quick Reference Guide on the effective date of May 21, 2012.
These changes support ongoing efforts to streamline and expedite the adjustments case submission, research and resolution processes. Please contact the Check Services Customer Support Center at (877) FRB-CHKS or (877) 372-2457 if you have any questions, or for additional information.
Effective Date
May 21, 2012
The Federal Reserve Banks are making a number of changes to the Check Adjustment requirements and edits. These changes, which are applicable for all adjustment requests, should simplify and streamline the process for submitting adjustment requests and will help ensure that information provided is logical and aligned with case submission requirements.
Please contact the Check Services Customer Support Center at (877) FRB-CHKS or (877) 372-2457 if you have any questions, or for additional information.
New FedReceipt routing transit numbers (RTNs) will take effect May 21, 2012. The credit availability and pricing schedule on new FedReceipt RTNs for FedForward® and FedReturn® Services deposits will be modified and announced approximately one week in advance of the effective date. For more information, please visit Check 21-Enabled Services Endpoint Tier Listings.
New reports are now available from the FedPayments Reporter Service (formerly named the FedEDI Plus® Service), as well as an additional format for the straight-through processing file:
Please refer to the FedACH® Services 2012 Fee Schedule to review the fees associated with these new reports.
To start automatically generating any of the new reports, current customers of the service need only go into the FedPayments Reporter Service screens in their FedLine® access solution and change the drop down field associated with the desired report from "no report" to the report format of their choice.
To learn more about how to get started generating automated FedACH reports, review the FedPayments Reporter Service page or use the My FedDirectory® Service to find customized contact information for account executives and FedACH sales specialists.
Announcement
New reports and an additional format are now available from the FedPayments® Reporter Service (formerly named the FedEDI Plus® Service). The new additions include an ACH Volume Summary by SEC Code Report, as well as an option to generate the Payment Data Information File in a NACHA format. To learn more about how to get started generating automated FedACH® Services reports, review the FedPayments Reporter Service page or use the My FedDirectory® Service to find customized contact information for account executives and FedACH sales specialists.
As previously communicated (PDF), we are making changes to the FedLine Web access solution for FedCash Services. Effective May 21, 2012, the following enhancements will be implemented:
Enhancement for Depository Institutions
Enhancements for Coin Terminal (CT) and Custodial Inventory (CI) locations
Extended Custodial Inventory (ECI) locations
Additional details about these enhancements will be made available at FedCash Services Education on May 21, 2012. No action is necessary on your part. If you have any questions, please contact your local Federal Reserve Bank Cash Services representative.
Effective Date
May 21, 2012
As previously communicated (PDF), we are making changes to the FedLine Web® access solution for FedCash® Services. Details about these enhancements will be made available at FedCash Services Education on May 21, 2012. No action is necessary on your part. If you have any questions, please contact your local Federal Reserve Bank Cash Services representative.
As processing of redeemed paper savings bond deposits has moved from EZ Clear to image-enabled processing, the Federal Reserve Banks are transitioning adjustment requirements and edits in support of the change.
The Adjustments Transition Information for Savings Bonds (PDF) provides an overview of the changes regarding savings bonds adjustments as we transition from EZ Clear to image-enabled savings bond processing. For detailed information regarding savings bonds adjustments, please visit the Image-enabled Savings Bond Processing Resource Center. Below are some of the key changes related to savings bond adjustments:
Note: Adjustment requests that are sent to an alternative location may be delayed in processing. Your adjustment requests will not be processed until received at the proper location.
For regular mail deliveries:
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Attn: Check Adjustments
P.O. Box 89420
Cleveland, OH 44101-6420
For deliveries requiring a signature:
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Attn: Check Adjustments
1455 East Sixth Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
Adjustments resources
To support your adjustment activities we offer a series of Check Adjustments Webinars and other resources to assist you in finding information and answers quickly. In addition, our online Check Adjustments Quick Reference Guide provides information on the various investigation types handled as adjustments and the timeframes for timely submission. You might also find that our Check Adjustments Tips (PDF) provide answers to many of your adjustment-related questions.
Our national Check Customer Support Center is staffed with specially trained representatives to assist you. For all inquiries related to adjustments, please call (877) FRB-CHKS or (877) 372-2457.
Announcement
As the method for processing redeemed paper savings bonds has moved from EZ Clear to image-enabled processing, the Federal Reserve Banks are transitioning adjustment requirements and edits in support of the change. Our national Check Adjustments Customer Support Center is staffed with specially trained representatives to assist you. For all inquiries related to adjustments, please call (877) FRB-CHKS or (877) 372-2457.
In an effort to provide financial institutions with a more efficient and streamlined alternative to fax delivery, the Notice of Direct Debit (U.S. Treasury Check Reclamation) RECC and six other associated advices and reports will begin to be delivered to financial institutions via email delivery only.
The Federal Reserve Banks are identifying impacted financial institutions and notifying current fax and email recipients of these reports at the appropriate time to help ensure a smooth and timely transition. Upon notification, impacted institutions are encouraged to take action in a timely manner.
Reports that will no longer be delivered via fax are:
Impacted institutions will be asked to complete the FedMail® Request Form
Once contacted, financial institutions currently set up only for fax delivery will be asked to set up email addresses within 30 days of notification in order to continue to receive these notices. Page 1 of the Federal Reserve Bank FedMail Request Form (PDF) will need to be completed along with the Treasury Check Reclamations section at the top of page 5. In the same section, the fax number(s) associated with each institution that need to be deleted should be listed. The form must be signed by an authorized approver then submitted to the Customer Contact Center (CCC).
Similarly, financial institutions currently set up for both email and fax delivery will need to determine the number of individual recipients at each institution who need to continue to receive these notices and if the recipients via email are sufficient to process their reclamation volume. Should existing email recipients need to be modified or additional email recipients need to be established, page 1 of the FedMail Request Form (PDF) will need to be completed along with the Treasury Check Reclamations section at the top of page 5. The form must be signed by an authorized approver then submitted to the CCC. The Federal Reserve Banks will automatically remove the fax number(s) associated with these institutions that are set up for both email and fax delivery 30 days from notification.
For contingency purposes, financial institutions should consider setting up a shared group email address that can be accessed by multiple recipients.
Please direct all questions about this change to TRS.RECL@phil.frb.org.
Reminder
In an effort to provide financial institutions with a more efficient and streamlined alternative to fax delivery, the Notice of Direct Debit (U.S. Treasury Check Reclamation) RECC and six other associated advices and reports will begin to be delivered to financial institutions via email delivery only. The Federal Reserve Banks are identifying impacted financial institutions and will notify current fax and email recipients at the appropriate time to help ensure a smooth and timely transition. Please direct all questions about this change to TRS.RECL@phil.frb.org.
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