METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CHECK PROCESSING USING BLANK CHECKS AT A POINT-OF-SALE

A system (10, 300, 400) is disclosed having a point-of-sale terminal or cash register (20) which is connected to a check imager (22), a MICR (magnetic in k character recognition) reader (24), biometric sensor (26, 326), and a printe r (28). The system integrates electronic check processing into retail operatio ns and allows customers to pay for goods or services with a blank check and without the need to write out or sign the blank check. A method for check posting includes receiving (115, 135, 125, 160, 326) and storing (165, 205) a transaction amount, checking account information from a blank check, an electronic image of a face of the blank check, and biometric information fro m an owner of the checking account such as an electronic image of a handwritte n signature or fingerprint from an owner of the checking account. An electroni c check posting transaction request may be generated (210) from the transactio n amount and the checking account information and forwarded for settlement.