How to Make a Payment by Check Online
If you're planning to use the Internet to pay bills or purchase products, consider making your payments with your checking account. Many businesses allow consumers to pay for services and goods online with a check, which is similar to writing a paper check, except the merchant debits your checking account electronically via a nationwide electronic funds transfer system called Automated Clearing House (ACH). Making a payment online is fast and convenient for many people.
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Instructions
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Gather your bank account information. You will need your checking account number, the bank's routing number and the contact information for your bank. You can find this information on your checks, on your bank statement or by speaking to a customer service representative at your bank. The routing number is the first group of nine numbers at the bottom of your check.
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Verify your available account balance. Make sure that you have enough funds available in your checking account to cover the payment. You also will need enough money to cover any processing fees that the merchant may charge you for the payment, if any. The merchant will inform you of any processing fees prior to submitting your payment online.
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Create an account with the company that you want to pay with a check online. Register your account information with the merchant. In order to make a payment online, you must submit your personal details and account information to the vendor. Be sure to enter all of your information correctly, especially your bank account numbers.
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Submit your payment to the merchant. Once you are ready to pay for your products or services, go to the merchant's website and log in to your account. Enter the amount of your payment and accept the terms and conditions outlined by the merchant. Be sure to verify your payment details before you hit the submit button.
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Wait for a confirmation number for your payment. After you submit your payment, the merchant should provide you with a confirmation number. Please note that some will email your confirmation number to you, so check your email account immediately after you submit your payment.
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Give the merchant time to process your payment. Since you made your payment online, it is possible for the funds to be withdrawn that same day. However, if the funds have not been debited from your account within three business days, check with the merchant to make sure your payment was submitted to your bank.
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Tips & Warnings
If your payment is returned for any reason, the merchant, as well as your bank, may charge you a non-sufficient funds fee.
References
- Photo Credit check book image by Rob Hill from Fotolia.com
