Positive Pay is an automated system designed to stop fraudulent check payments from being processed and is offered by the cash management department of most banks. A business creates a preapproved list of checks which the bank will be able to cross-reference to ensure only approved check payments are made.
Your organization sends a file of approved check payments to the bank each day and the bank will verify any check payment requests against that file. The check-issue file includes check numbers, account numbers, issue dates, and payment amounts. The bank will then alert your business if they receive any checks not already approved in the Positive Pay file, including forgeries and stale checks.
If the bank discovers any exceptions it will send you an image of the check in question for you to verify and either approve or refuse payment.
Positive pay is the safest way to pay by check. While it may be true that Positive Pay requires more time and effort, it can save you time and money in the long run and reduce stress by giving you added assurance and security around check payments. Key benefits include:
Significant mitigation of risk
User friendly
Low cost
The Fidesic Accounts Payable solution supports the creation of the Positive Pay File and automates delivery to the bank to reduce the added time and effort that Positive Pay may create, so you can move forward with peace of mind and efficiency.