Substitute checks in the United States
The substitute check (also called an Image Replacement Document or IRD) is a negotiable instrument that represents the digital reproduction of an original paper check. As a negotiable payment instrument in the United States, a substitute check maintains the status of a "legal check" in lieu of the original paper check as authorized by the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as the Check 21 Act). Instead of presenting the original paper checks, financial institutions and payment processing centers transmit data from substitute checks electronically through either the settlement process, the United States Federal Reserve System, or by clearing the deposits based on private agreements between member financial institutions. Financial institutions that process substitute checks
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Front view of a substitute check
Rear view of a substitute check
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Image Replacement Document
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The substitute check (also called an Image Replacement Document or IRD) is a negotiable instrument that represents the digital reproduction of an original paper check. As a negotiable payment instrument in the United States, a substitute check maintains the status of a "legal check" in lieu of the original paper check as authorized by the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as the Check 21 Act). Instead of presenting the original paper checks, financial institutions and payment processing centers transmit data from substitute checks electronically through either the settlement process, the United States Federal Reserve System, or by clearing the deposits based on private agreements between member financial institutions. Financial institutions that process substitute checks based on these private agreements are typically members of a clearinghouse that operate under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). A substitute check is recognized as a legal check as long as the instrument meets specific requirements. These requirements include the faithful reproduction of the paper check and warranty of the instrument by the "reconverting bank"—the financial institution that created the substitute check or the first financial institution that transferred or presented it during the check clearing process. Substitute checks are also subject to the UCC, existing federal and state check laws, and regulations specific to consumer rights that affect the acceptance of these instruments. Although a substitute check is subject to the UCC and existing state and federal check laws, the Check 21 Act takes precedence over these other laws and regulations for this instrument.
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