Paper Check Clearing Services

The Federal Reserve Bank’s Paper Check Clearing Services allow financial institutions to deposit both forward and return check items using a variety of deposit options.

Forward Check Clearing Service

Forward Check Clearing Service enables you to deposit forward checks for collection using a variety of mixed and sorted deposit options including items drawn on City, RCPC, Country and Other Fed endpoints. The Federal Reserve Banks offer item processing, settlement and adjustment services to help manage all of your check clearing needs.

Return Check Clearing Service

Return Check Clearing Service enables you to return checks that are unpaid for a variety of reasons, including insufficient funds or closed account. The Federal Reserve Banks send the return checks to the bank of first deposit, or to a designated correspondent bank or processor.