In the dynamic world of digital payments, traditional methods like checks continue to evolve to meet modern demands. One such adaptation is the Remotely Created Check (RCC), an innovative payment method that has garnered attention for its convenience and efficiency. This article delves into what RCCs are, how they work, their uses and benefits, and the associated risks and regulatory considerations.
What is a Remotely Created Check (RCC)?
A Remotely Created Check (RCC) is a type of check that is not created by the account holder but is authorized by them for a specific transaction. These checks are generated by the Bank of First Deposit (BOFD) or Depositing Bank based on the account holder’s authorization, which is typically provided over the phone, online, or via email. Unlike traditional checks, RCCs lack a physical signature, relying instead on electronic authorization.
How RCCs Work
The process of creating an RCC involves several key steps:
- Authorization: The payer authorizes the transaction, providing necessary banking details such as the bank account number, routing number, the amount of the check, and consent.
- Creation: The Bank of First Deposit (BOFD) or Depositing Bank creates the RCC with the authorized details.
- Deposit and Processing: The RCC is deposited into the payee’s bank account and processed through the traditional check-clearing systems.
This streamlined process allows RCCs to be utilized in scenarios where obtaining a physical check is impractical, providing a convenient payment method.
Uses and Benefits of RCCs
RCCs are primarily used in situations where obtaining a physical check from the payer is impractical. Common scenarios include:
- Telephone and Internet Sales: RCCs facilitate payments when the payer cannot provide a physical check but can authorize the transaction remotely.
- Bill Payments: Utility companies and service providers may use RCCs to collect payments authorized over the phone or online.
- Collections: RCCs can be employed by collection agencies to settle outstanding debts quickly.
The benefits of RCCs include:
- Convenience: They eliminate the need for physical checks, speeding up the payment process.
- Efficiency: RCCs can be processed faster than traditional checks, improving cash flow for businesses.
- Flexibility: They allow businesses to accept payments from customers who may not have immediate access to electronic payment methods.
Risks and Regulatory Considerations
Despite their benefits, RCCs carry certain risks, particularly related to fraud and unauthorized transactions. Because RCCs do not require a physical signature, they can be susceptible to misuse if proper authorization is not obtained. The use of Remotely Created Checks (RCCs) is governed by a combination of federal regulations, state laws, and industry standards. These regulations are designed to ensure the legitimacy, security, and proper handling of RCCs to protect both consumers and businesses. Here are the key regulations and governing bodies:
1. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
- UCC Articles 3 and 4: These articles address the laws of negotiable instruments and bank deposits and collections. The UCC requires that negotiable instruments, including checks, be in written form, which means RCCs must exist in paper form initially.
2. Regulation CC
- 12 CFR Part 229: Also known as the Availability of Funds and Collection of Checks, Regulation CC governs the endorsement, collection, and return of checks. It imposes warranties and responsibilities on banks that handle RCCs to ensure their legitimacy and proper handling.
3. Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA)
- Regulation E (12 CFR Part 1005): This regulation provides protections to consumers against unauthorized electronic fund transfers. While it primarily deals with electronic payments, its consumer protection measures can extend to transactions involving RCCs.
4. Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR)
- 16 CFR Part 310: The TSR, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), prohibits certain payment methods deemed unfair and abusive, including remotely created payment orders (RCPOs). This rule impacts RCCs used in telemarketing by adding additional compliance requirements.
5. Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21 Act)
- Public Law 108-100: Enacted in 2004, this federal law allows the digital processing of checks by creating a substitute check from the original paper check. It facilitates the electronic exchange of check images, which is essential for RCC processing.
6. Federal Reserve Bank Operating Circulars
- Operating Circular 3 (OC3): This circular provides guidelines on the clearing and settlement of checks, including RCCs. The Federal Reserve Bank has also banned RCPOs that did not exist in paper form before being imaged, effective in 2019.
7. ECCHO Rules
- Electronic Check Clearing House Organization (ECCHO): This private sector organization provides rules and standards for electronic check processing, including RCCs. ECCHO’s rules complement federal regulations and help ensure the proper handling and clearing of RCCs.
8. State Laws
- State Variations: While the UCC provides a uniform framework, individual states may have variations in their implementation of UCC Articles 3 and 4. Businesses must comply with both federal and applicable state laws regarding RCCs.
To summarize, Remotely Created Checks are allowed by state and federal check laws, but they must be in writing, in physical form (e.g., paper) in order to be legal instruments. Remotely Created Payment Orders (RCPOs) are only legal items if they existed as paper before being imaged and processed through the check processing system.
Best Practices for Originators of RCCs
To ensure the secure and effective use of RCCs, merchants should adhere to several best practices:
- Product Offering and Marketing: Clearly articulate the reasons for offering RCCs and ensure they are marketed for legitimate purposes, not as a means to circumvent regulatory thresholds. Differentiate why RCCs are best for customers, such as providing more information than ACH formats and including detailed contact information on checks.
- Agreements: Establish distinct agreements with payment processors that outline the necessity of RCCs being paper items before imaging and processing.
- Policies and Procedures: Document policies addressing prohibited products and services, return rate thresholds, and the requirement for authorization verification. Policies should prohibit the use of RCCs for payments authorized over the telephone, which would violate the Telemarketing Sales Rule.
- Due Diligence: Implement rigorous due diligence processes for customers to ensure proper authorization and periodic review.
- Monitoring and Training: Regularly monitor return rates and consumer complaints, and ensure staff undergo annual training on RCC policies.
- Compliance and Oversight: Establish a compliance function to monitor adherence to internal policies and regulatory changes, with regular oversight reporting to ensure compliance. This reporting should occur at least quarterly and be documented in meeting minutes.
- Independent Review: Conduct independent reviews of the RCC program to test adherence to policies and procedures, documenting and remediating any failures.
Conclusion
Remotely Created Checks represent a notable innovation in the payments industry, providing a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional checks. However, their use necessitates meticulous attention to authorization and regulatory compliance to mitigate fraud and ensure transaction security. As businesses and consumers increasingly adopt RCCs, it is crucial to thoroughly understand their operation, benefits, and risks to leverage this payment method effectively.
July 9, 2024
About Tim Romick
He is a seasoned Senior Executive with expertise spanning Payments, Treasury, FinTech, Operations, Risk, Process Improvement, and Product Management. With a rich experience of over two decades, he brings a visionary approach, seamlessly integrating people, payments, and technology to deliver unparalleled service. His unwavering commitment extends to championing compliance and establishing robust risk assessment protocols.
