Skip Navigation
Official website of the United States Government U.S. Department of the Treasury
Bureau of the Fiscal Service Home
ECP
Electronic Check Processing

Electronic Check Processing

Electronic Check Processing (ECP) is a systematic method used to convert paper checks into Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions or Check21 items via a lockbox network or a mobile application. ECP is a web-based client facing application. ECP is used by federal government agencies and their financial agents to view and research transactions.

Log In to ECP

How Does ECP Work?

Electronic Check Processing Flowchart
  1. Incoming USPS and overnight Delivery or Mobile check Capture.
  2. Lockbox Financial Agent picks up mail and verifies items according to specification, completes data capture and scans checks and remittance images. Mobile app server aggregates data and creates ECP files. Lockbox FA and Mobile app server transmits payment/remittance data and images to ECP.
  3. ECP deposit preparation, stores images and data, generates reports. Forwards financial items and images to the Debit Gateway, receives and updates data/statuses. Forwards settlement and return data to CIR.
  4. Debit Gateway - Bank of First Deposit – Processes payments for settlement via Check 21 or ACH and sends settlement/return data back to ECP.
  5. CIR - ECP Settlement and Return Data are available in voucher and financial transaction reporting.
  6. Agencies may login to ECP to retrieve reports/images or login to CIR to view reports and deposit information.

Benefits of ECP

Accessibility: Agency users have direct access to the status of every item being processed from the moment it is received in ECP. Web based application is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

Efficiency: Facilitates conversion of paper checks into ACH or Check 21 transactions. Accelerates high volume collections and reduces fund collection costs. Improves internal controls through the use of automated reports. Improves data capture, accuracy, timing. Accepts lockbox and mobile check capture transactions.

Research/Reporting: Several reports offer a detailed look at agencies transactions and history. Provides detailed information regarding remittance and/or check image documents.

Security: Resides on the Treasury Web Application Infrastructure (TWAI). TWAI is a highly secure environment.

Last modified 10/24/18