We love Check Solutions for QuickBooks, our only complaint was that it didn’t allow recurring transactions.  So we are thilled to announce that Intuit recently implemented a new pre-arranged eCheck feature.  Unfortunately, you still have to manually enter the transactions but this is a start in the right direction and I’m looking forward to the day when we can enter automatic recurring checks just like we currently can credit card charges.

Here’s the announcement from Intuit:

In addition to receiving verbal authorization over the phone, Check Solutions for QuickBooks merchants can now obtain a one-time written, signed authorization from your customers to process eCheck payments against their checking account. Simply choose from one of three provided templates to send to your customer to complete based on when and how they wish for you to charge them. Once you receive a signed copy back (either mailed, faxed, or scanned and emailed – an email alone will not suffice) you are free to conduct eCheck transactions by selecting the “I have signed authorization option” on the eCheck processing screen. Keep the signed authorization on file for future reference.

The three types of authorization templates we offer are: 

• One-time eCheck. Use this template when a customer pays you for a one-time service or product.
  
• Recurring eCheck Transactions. Use this template when you want to bill a customer for a recurring service or product, such as a lawn service or subscription. Recurring eCheck transactions must still be manually processed.
   
• Mailed-in Check. Use this template when a customer mails you a paper check that you will use to create a keyed-in transaction IMPORTANT: Checks processed through this authorization must be received through the mail. You must void any mailed-in paper check that you use for a keyed-in transaction. If you wish, you can instruct your customer to mark the check “VOID” before sending it to you. This may increase their comfort level.

This is available to all customers currently using the Intuit Check Solution for QuickBooks eCheck and Scanning features.

According to Intuit, these templates and detailed instructions can be found in the Help feature within QuickBooks, but we had a heck of a time finding them. In an effort to spare you the time and hassle we encountered trying to find them, here they are:

If your customer is not on the phone with you at the time you wish to process an E-Check or if you would like to process E-Checks on a recurring basis without having to be on the phone with your customer each time, you must obtain signed authorization to do so. To get signed authorization to process an E-Check transaction, mail or e-mail one of the following templates to your customer. The customer fills out the required information, then signs and returns the authorization form to you. Before you send the form, make sure to enter your name in the place of [Merchant Name]. After you receive a signed authorization form back from your customer, you can process the E-Check.

Note: Always keep a customer’s signed authorization on file for verification purposes. This is especially important when a customer has given you signed authorization for recurring payments.

One-time check

Use this template when a customer pays you for a one-time service or product.

I authorize [Merchant Name] to initiate either an electronic debit or to create and process a demand draft against my bank account on or after [Month/Day/Year] for the amount of [Amount]. I acknowledge that the origination of ACH transactions to my account must comply with the provisioning of United States law. My account information is as follows:

Bank Information
Bank ABA Number [Customer's Routing Number]
Bank Account Number [Customer's Account Number]
Bank Account Type: [Checking/Savings/Business Checking]
[Customer Signature]
[Customer Printed Name]
[Date Signed]

Recurring E-Check transactions

Use this template when you want to bill a customer for a recurring service or product, such as a lawn service or subscription.

I authorize [Merchant Name] to initiate either an electronic debit or to create and process a demand draft against my bank account according to the terms outlined below.
I acknowledge that the origination of ACH transactions to my account must comply with the provisioning of United States law.

Terms of Billing

______ Starting on [Month/Day/Year] and on the [Day of Month] of each month following through [Month/Day/Year] for the amount of [Amount].
_______ Starting on [Month/Day/Year] and on the [Day of Month] of each month following through [Month/Day/Year] for the amount owed to merchant as detailed in Invoice #/#’s [Invoice #/#'s].
______ Starting on [Month/Day/Year] and subsequently debited at any time for the amount owed to merchant as detailed in Invoice #/#’s [Invoice #/#'s].

Bank Information

Bank ABA Number [Customer's Routing Number]
Bank Account Number [Customer's Account Number]
Bank Account Type: [Checking/Savings/Business Checking]
This payment authorization is to remain in full force and effect until I, [Customer Name], notify [Merchant Name] of its cancellation by sending written notice in such time and in such manner to allow both the [Merchant Name] and receiving financial institution a reasonable opportunity to act on it. [Customer Signature]
[Customer Printed Name]
[Date Signed]

Mailed-in check

Use this template when a customer mails you a paper check that you will use to create a keyed-in transaction. IMPORTANT: You must void any paper check that you use for a keyed-in transaction. If you wish, you can instruct your customer to mark the check “VOID” before sending it to you. This may increase their comfort level.

I authorize [Merchant Name] to initiate either an electronic debit or to create and process a demand draft against my bank account whenever I send a check for payment of goods or services. The amount of the debit and bank account information will be used directly from the check. I acknowledge that the origination of ACH transactions to my account must comply with the provisioning of United States law.

This payment authorization is to remain in full force and effect until I, [Customer Name], notify [Merchant Name] of its cancellation by sending written notice in such time and in such manner to allow both the [Merchant Name] and receiving financial institution a reasonable opportunity to act on it.

Bank Information

Bank ABA Number [Customer's Routing Number]
Bank Account Number [Customer's Account Number]
Bank Account Type: [Checking/Savings/Business Checking]
[Customer Signature]
[Customer Printed Name]
[Date Signed]

Written by +Ruth Perryman, CMA, CFE, CFM, MBA

Ruth has provided QuickBooks help to thousands of businesses around the world since 1996. She is an Intuit Solutions Provider, an Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and a member of the Intuit Trainer/Writer Network. She is also certified in QuickBooks Point of Sale and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions.


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