Foreign Check Setup

Thank you for choosing Foreign Check Services. We are excited to work with you to make this a smooth and easy transition. Following are the steps you will need to take to streamline your implementation process, including contacts to help you with questions you might have. If you need overall advice in any step of the process, consult your account executive.

Step 1—Select Service Options

The following links will help you determine is this service is right for your institution.

Step 2—Assess Access Needs

Foreign check processing does not require an access solution; however, if you would like to obtain critical accounting information online an access solution is required. Use the following links to determine which access solution provides the services/features your organization needs and the number and type of Subscribers who will need access to those solutions in your organization.

Step 3 – Review Rules and Regulations

Federal Reserve Financial Services use is governed by applicable Operating Circulars (OCs). In addition, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System has responsibility for implementing certain laws pertaining to a wide range of banking and financial activities. The following apply to Foreign Check Services.

OC 3: Collection of Cash Items and Return Checks

Applies to the handling of all cash items that we accept for forward collection and all returned checks that we accept for return.

Regulation J (Off-site Link)

Collection of checks and other items by Federal Reserve Banks and funds transfers through Fedwire® Serivces.

Regulation CC (Off-site Link)

Includes regulations concerning availability of funds.

Step 4 – Review Processing Documentation

The following guide will assist you in using the Foreign Check Deposit and Return Service.

Step 5—Review Hardware/Software Requirements

If you are using a FedLine® Access Solution, evaluate all internal software/hardware systems and compare to Federal Reserve Bank requirements to determine if changes are needed for a successful production cutover.

Step 6—Complete Forms/Agreements

Now that you've determined your access solution, service features and your hardware and software requirements, you can proceed to fill out the appropriate forms to begin the setup process.

The following links include the most common forms and agreements that may be required for implementation.

  • The Charlotte Office of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond processes all foreign checks for the Federal Reserve System. Once you have submitted the form online, please wait 10 days to begin deposing your foreign items.

Current FedLine Customers:

  • If your End User Authorization Contact (EUAC) has authority to manage access for Check Services, your EUAC should complete a Subscriber Request Form online, requesting to modify your access to include FedImage Services. EUACs must define access roles for each Subscriber in your organization.
  • If not, your organization must first submit an End User Authorization Request Form (PDF) marked modified to include Check Services.

Questions? Contact your Customer Contact Center.

Non-FedLine Customers:

Questions? Contact your Customer Contact Center.

Step 7 —Congratulations! Begin processing your foreign checks through the Federal Reserve Banks

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