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Last updated: May 27, 2026
This topic describes the host-based capture version of the TeleCheck Non-Face-To-Face Check Acceptance (NFTF) services.
NFTF offers merchants the convenience of electronic check deposits. When a NFTF transaction is approved by TeleCheck, the manually entered MICR data from the check is electronically converted to an ACH debit and is processed through the ACH Network. The merchant receives funds within two banking days.
NFTF includes TeleCheck Internet Check Acceptance (ICA), Checks By Phone (CBP), and Prearranged Deposit Services (NFTF PPD). Each of these products requires a separate Merchant ID also known as a Subscriber ID. See below for more details.
NFTF requirements, processing considerations, and guidelines for processing check payments are described below.
The following requirements must be followed as standard operating procedures to electronically process a NFTF check payment:
TeleCheck and the Merchant must determine any of the following additional optional features during contract negotiations.
The following guidelines should be followed when adhering to the above NFTF Requirements to electronically process a check payment:
Message formats outline fields (tags) that are required, not required, or conditional to the Sale, Status, and Adjustment Inquiry packets.
Message Types:
Transaction flow Method Messages sent from the Merchant to TeleCheck are authorization messages. Messages sent from TeleCheck to the Merchant are Response messages.
The sale transaction process is often referred to as a 2-part hand-off. The process begins with the merchant's Authorization message. TeleCheck responds with an Authorization response message indicating whether the transaction is approved and whether the check is eligible for conversion (whether check conversion will be offered). The Merchant then responds with a Delayed Capture message, acknowledging receipt of the TeleCheck sale response, and indicating whether electronic check conversion was accepted. TeleCheck completes the transaction with a Delayed Capture response message confirming receipt of the merchant's status inquiry message.
Parameters used for processing electronic checks through TeleCheck are described in this section.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
USER | (Required) Case-sensitive login ID for the Gateway account that you created while registering for the account. In the future, each account will allow multiple users. This parameter will specify the user. Character length and limitations: 64 alphanumeric characters |
VENDOR | (Required) Case-sensitive Vendor ID that you created while registering for the account. Character length and limitations: 64 alphanumeric characters |
PARTNER | (Required) The authorized PayPal Reseller that registered you for the Gateway service provided you with a Partner ID. If you registered yourself, use PayPal. This parameter is case sensitive. Character length and limitations: 64 alphanumeric characters |
PWD | (Required) Case-sensitive 6- to 32-character password that you created while registering for the account. Character length and limitations: 32 alphanumeric characters |
AMT | (Required) This is the transaction amount (default U.S. dollars). The transaction amount should always specify a decimal, and the exact amount to the cent (for example, 34.00, instead of 34). Do not include comma separators in the amount. Use 1199.95 not 1,199.95. Character length and limitations: 7 numeric characters, U.S. dollars only |
AUTHTYPE | Value is: - I - Internet Check Acceptance (ICA) provides the capability to authorize and electronically settle checks over the internet. - P - Checks By Phone (CBP) provides the capability to authorize and electronically settle checks over the phone.- D - Prearranged Deposit Services (PPD) debits the customer's account provided the customer has previously accepted a written authorization. |
BILLTOCITY | (Required) Account holder's city. Character length and limitations: 20 alphanumeric characters |
BILLTOCOUNTRY | Account holder's country. You are required to pass this value when AUTHTYPE=I. For TeleCheck, the Payflow API requires 2-digit alpha country codes. Refer to ISO 3166-1 alpha-2.Character length and limitations: 2 alphanumeric characters |
BILLTOFIRSTNAME | Account holder's first name as it appears on the check. You are required to pass this value when CHKTYPE=P.Character length and limitations: 30 alphanumeric characters |
BILLTOLASTNAME | (Required) Account holder's last name as it appears on the check. Character length and limitations: 30 alphanumeric characters |
BILLTOPHONENUM | (Required) Account holder's telephone number. Character length and limitations: 10 numeric characters. This value may not contain spaces or non-numeric characters. |
BILLTOSTATE | (Required) Account holder's state. Character length and limitations: 2 alphanumeric characters |
BILLTOSTREET | (Required) Account holder's street address. Character length and limitations: 30 alphanumeric characters |
BILLTOZIP | (Required) Account holder's postal code (called ZIP code in the USA). Do not use spaces, dashes, or non-numeric characters. Character length and limitations: 9 alphanumeric characters |
CHKNUM | (Required) Account holder's next unused (available) check number. Character length and limitations: 7 numeric characters |
CHKTYPE | (Required) Check type. Value is: - P - The check is a personal check (default). If CHKTYPE=P, you are required to pass a value for either DL or SS as an identifier.- C - The check is a company check. If CHKTYPE=C, you are required to pass the Federal Tax ID for SS.Character length and limitations:1 alphanumeric character |
CUSTIP | _(Required) _Account holder's IP address. You are required to pass this value when AUTHTYPE=I.Character length and limitations: 15 alphanumeric characters |
DL | (Required) Driver's license number. If CHKTYPE=P, you are required to pass a value for either DL or SS as an identifier. The format of the driver's license information is XXnnnnnnnn where:- XX = State code- nnnnnnnn = Driver's license numberCharacter length and limitations: 33 alphanumeric characters |
BILLTOEMAIL | (Required) Account holder's e-mail address. You are required to pass this value when AUTHTYPE=I.Character length and limitations: 100 alphanumeric characters |
INVNUM | (Required) Check invoice number. Character length and limitations: 9 alphanumeric characters |
MICR | (Required) Magnetic ink check reader. The value is the entire line of numbers at the bottom of all checks. It includes the transit number, account number, and check number. Character length and limitations: 65 numeric characters |
SS | Account holder's social security number. You are required to pass a value for SS when a value for CHKTYPE is passed: - If CHKTYPE=P, you are required to pass a value for either DL or SS as an identifier.- If CHKTYPE=C, you are required to pass the Federal Tax ID.Character length and limitations: 35 alphanumeric characters |
TENDER | (Required) Method of payment. Use only the value K (electronic check).Character length and limitations: 1 alphabetic character |
TRXTYPE | (Required) Type of transaction that should be processed. Value is: - A - The transaction is an Authorization.- D - The transaction is a Delayed Capture. - V - The transaction is a Void. - I - The transaction is an Inquiry.Character length and limitations: 1 alpha character |
PayPal provides a test server to support testing and configuration. For information on the test server URL, see Host URL Addresses.
This is the authorization request.
TRXTYPE=A&TENDER=K&PARTNER=partner&USER=user&VENDOR=vendor&PWD=pwd&AMT=35.00 &BILLTOSTREET=1234 Main&BILLTOCITY=Buffalo&DL=CA123456&CHKNUM=1001&BILLTOEMAIL=john@xyz.com &MICR=3333333333&AUTHTYPE=I&CHKTYPE=P&INVNUM=12345&BILLTOFIRSTNAME=Sally&BILLTOLASTNAME=Smith &BILLTOSTATE=CA&BILLTOZIP=95050&BILLTOCOUNTRY=US&CUSTIP=10.15.5.23&BILLTOPHONENUM=9876542143 &VERBOSITY=HIGHhis is the authorization response.
RESULT=0&PNREF=EQRB8A32CD69&RESPMSG=Approved&AUTHCODE=12&TRACEID=1234567890 &ACHSTATUS=A&HOSTCODE=07&TRANSTIME=2012-02-09 15:23:37&BILLTOFIRSTNAME=Sally &BILLTOLASTNAME=Smith&AMT=35.00This is a delayed capture request.
TRXTYPE=D&TENDER=K&PARTNER=partner&USER=user&VENDOR=vendor&PWD=pwd&ORIGID=EQRB8A32CD69
&VERBOSITY=HIGHThis is a delayed capture response.
RESULT=0&PNREF=EQRB8A32CD6A&RESPMSG=Approved&AUTHCODE=00&TRACEID=1234567890
&ACHSTATUS=A&HOSTCODE=07&TRANSTIME=2012-02-09 15:24:22You may view a complete list of TeleCheck response codes at TeleCheck Sale Response Code Values
| MICR | HOSTCODE | TeleCheck Result |
|---|---|---|
| 3333333333 | 07 | Approved |
| 1111111111 | 08 | Rejected (negative data) |
| 2222222222 | 88 | Rejected Code 3 (Risk) |
Before going into production with your check integration, you must certify your storefront with TeleCheck. To begin the certification process, send an e-mail to iica_certification@telecheck.com. Be sure to include the following information:
The certification process usually takes 2-3 days.
Use the host address of the live server described in Host URL Addresses.
When a transaction finishes, PayPal returns a response string made up of name-value pairs. For example:
RESULT=0&PNREF=VXYZ01234567&HOSTCODE=000500&RESPMSG=ApprovedTeleCheck transaction response values are described in the table below.
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
RESULT | The outcome of the attempted transaction. A result of 0 (zero) indicates the transaction was approved. Any other number indicates a decline or error. Character length and limitations: numeric, variable number of characters |
PNREF | Payflow Gateway transaction ID; a unique number that identifies the transaction. See PNREF for more information. Character length and limitations: 12 alphanumeric characters |
HOSTCODE | TeleCheck's response code representing the results of the transaction authorization attempt. Character length and limitations: 6 numeric characters |
RESPMSG | A descriptive message associated with decline or error result values. Character length and limitations: alphanumeric, variable number of characters |
For your service, below is a complete list of possible Response Codes. Depending upon the merchants risk parameters and service type, some of these may not apply. Please confirm applicable codes with TeleCheck's Merchant Boarding and Certification group.
Note: Merchants should establish policies and procedures for each applicable response code. For example, if a clerk enters a transaction and receives Response Code 27, they should retry the transaction. If, after entering the item a second time they receive a Response Code 27 again, the merchant may choose to cancel or terminate the transaction and a) retry the transaction b) call TeleCheck Live Operator Authorization Center, or c) request another form of payment from the check writer.
| Code | Description | Merchant Action |
|---|---|---|
| 07 | Approved | No action needed. |
| Code | Description | Merchant Action |
|---|---|---|
| 08 | Rejected (Negative Data) | Ask for other form of payment or decline sale to customer. |
| 73 | Lost or Stolen check | Ask for other form of payment or decline sale to customer. |
| 88 | Rejected Code 3 (Risk) | Ask for other form of payment or decline sale to customer. |
| 25 | Ineligible - ACH Not Offered |
Note: Do NOT use the verbiage "decline" this is not a true decline. Ask for other form of payment.
| Code | Description | Merchant Action |
|---|---|---|
| 09 | Risk Referral requested | Contact TeleCheck. |
| 69 | Call Center | Contact TeleCheck. |
| Code | Description | Merchant Action |
|---|---|---|
| 46 | Merchant setup does not allow this type of transaction | |
| 49 | Processor Not Available | Re-send message later. |
| 98 | Invalid MICR Data | |
| 27 | Invalid Value for Field | |
| 78 | Invalid RT (Routing/Bank Number) | |
| 97 | Unable to Process (Time Out) | Re-send message later. |
| Code | Description | Merchant Action |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | Merchant allowed to send full/partial adjustments/refunds without transaction errors | No action needed |
| 46 | Merchant setup does not allow this type of transaction | Adjustment cannot be processed by TeleCheck |
| 79 | Original transaction was not approved | Adjustment cannot be processed by TeleCheck |
| 80 | Refund or partial amount is greater than the original sale amount | Adjustment cannot be processed by TeleCheck |
| 81 | Unable to locate original transaction (TCK Trace ID) | Adjustment cannot be processed by TeleCheck |
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| OK | Inquiry (POS system) Packet was accepted and successfully processed by TeleCheck |
| ACK | Inquiry Packet was accepted by the TeleCheck Host |
| NAK | Inquiry Packet was not successfully processed by TeleCheck (general error) |
| 49 | Inquiry Packet was not successfully processed by TeleCheck (scheduled maintenance) |
| 97 | Inquiry Packet was not successfully processed by TeleCheck (timeout) |
| 27 | Inquiry Packet was not successfully processed by TeleCheck (invalid data) |
With the TeleCheck Non Face-To-Face (NFTF) Host Based Capture Service, the merchant is responsible for handling all front-end aspects of the point of sale, including displaying the appropriate disclosures to the customer. TeleCheck will provide form language for the merchant to use.
Note: It is the merchant's responsibility to ensure that they have the most current language from TeleCheck. TeleCheck will send out a Service Notice when updated language or system changes are required. Additionally, the Merchant should be familiar with NACHA, FCRA and Reg. E compliance requirements.
There are two different situations during which the merchant must display legal language:
With the Non Face-To-Face Host Based Capture Service, the merchant is responsible for handling all front-end aspects of the point of sale, including displaying the appropriate disclosures to the customer. TeleCheck will provide form language for the merchant to use.
At the end of the check out process, the merchant must display consent language for the customer to accept prior to submitting the authorization request as follows:
FULL DEBIT
By entering my account number above and clicking Authorize, I authorize my payment to be processed as an electronic funds transfer or draft drawn from my account. If the payment is returned unpaid, I authorize you or your service provider to collect the payment and my state's return item fee by electronic funds transfer(s) or draft(s) drawn from my account.
Click here to view your state's returned item fee. If this payment is from a corporate account, I make these authorizations as an authorized corporate representative and agree that the entity will be bound by the NACHA Operating Rules.
PARTIAL SHIPMENTS & PARTIAL DEBITS
By entering my account number above and clicking Authorize, I authorize my payment to be processed as an electronic funds transfer or draft drawn from my account. If my full order is not available at the same time, I authorize partial debits to my account, not to exceed the total authorized amount. The partial debits will take place upon each shipment of partial goods. If any of my payments are returned unpaid, I authorize you or your service provider to collect the payment and my state's return item fee by electronic fund transfer(s) or draft(s) drawn from my account. Click here to view your state's returned item fee. If this payment is from a corporate account, I make these authorizations as an authorized corporate representative and agree that the entity will be bound by the NACHA Operating Rules.
Internet Check Acceptance Recurring Payments (WEB R) By entering my account number above and clicking Authorize, I authorize my payments to be processed as electronic funds transfers or drafts drawn from my account. <INSERT INFORMATION ON PAYMENT AMOUNT, TIMING, ETC.> If any of my payments are returned unpaid, I authorize you or your service provider to collect the payment and my state's return item fee by electronic fund transfer(s) or draft(s) drawn from my account. Click here to view your state's returned item fee. If this payment is from a corporate account, I make these authorizations as an authorized corporate representative and agree that the entity will be bound by the NACHA Operating Rules. This authorization is to remain in full force and effect until NAME OF MERCHANT has received written notification from me of my termination in such time and manner as to afford NAME OF MERCHANT a reasonably opportunity to act on it.
This text, Click here to view your state's returned item fee, in the consent language above represents a link to the state fee table. TeleCheck has posted a table of current state returned check fees at https://www.firstdata.com/en_us/customer-center/merchants/telecheck-returned-check-fees.html. The merchant should link directly to the TeleCheck-hosted URL provided above. State fees are updated on a regular basis and linking to a TeleCheck-hosted page will minimize the number of maintenance updates required. The merchant may choose how to display the state fees. Suggestions include a new pop-up window, a full browser window, or directly on the checkout page.
At the end of the check out process, the customer service agent must read the consent language to the consumer and, either audio record the consumer's authorization or send a written notification of the authorization and the transaction to the consumer prior to settlement of the transaction. The consent language for the customer to accept prior to submitting the payment authorization request is as follows:
FULL DEBIT
Today (insert today's date), I'd like to confirm that you, (insert first and last name), are authorizing a payment in the amount of (insert amount) to be processed as an electronic funds transfer or draft drawn from your account. Do you agree? If your payment is returned unpaid, you authorize us or our service provider to collect the payment and your state's return item fee of (insert state returned item fee) by electronic funds transfer(s) or draft(s) drawn from your account. Do you agree and authorize the payment? The merchant should link directly to the TeleCheck-hosted URL provided above. State fees are updated on a regular basis and linking to a TeleCheck-hosted page will minimize the number of maintenance updates required. The merchant may choose how you want to display the state fees. Suggestions include a new pop-up window, a full browser window, or directly on the checkout page.
Note: For an additional fee, TeleCheck can send the written notification of the authorization and transaction to the consumer on the merchant's behalf.
Payments are facilitated, not authorized.
Authorization is via paper from consumer to merchant.
PPD Authorization Requirements:
By providing a check as payment, I authorize you to use information from my check to make a one-time electronic funds transfer (EFT) or draft from my account, or to process the payment as a check transaction. When you use information from my check to make an EFT, funds may be withdrawn from my account as soon as the same day my payment is received, and I will not receive my check back from my financial institution. The account referenced above is a (check one):
If my payment is returned unpaid, I authorize you or your service provider to collect my payment and my state's return fee set forth below by EFT(s) or draft(s) from my account. I understand that I can revoke this authorization by sending written notice to _ in such time and manner as to afford _ _ _ _ a reasonable opportunity to act on it. If this payment is from a corporate owned account, I make these authorizations as an authorized corporate representative and agree that the entity will be bound by the NACHA Operating Rules.
Returned Check Fees:
TeleCheck has posted a table of current state returned check fees at https://www.firstdata.com/en_us/customer-center/merchants/telecheck-returned-check-fees.html. The merchant should link directly to the TeleCheck-hosted URL provided above. State fees are updated on a regular basis and linking to a TeleCheck-hosted page will minimize the number of maintenance updates required. The merchant may choose how to display the state fees. Suggestions include a new pop-up window, a full browser window, or directly on the checkout page.
| AK $30 | AL $30 | AR $25 | AZ $25 | CA $25 | CO $20 | CT $20 | DE $40 | DC $25 | FL $25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GA $30 | GU $20 | HI $30 | IA $30 | ID $20 | IL $25 | IN $20 | KS $30 | KY $50 | LA $25 |
| MA $25 | MD $35 | ME $25 | MI $25 | MN $30 | MO $25 | MS $40 | MT $30 | NC $25 | ND $30 |
| NE $35 | NH $25 | NJ $30 | NM $30 | NV $25 | NY $20 | OH $30 | OK $20 | OR $25 | PA $30 |
| PR $10 | RI $25 | SC $30 | SD $40 | TN $30 | TX $30 | UT $20 | VA $50 | VI $20 | VT $25 |
| WA $30 | WI $25 | WV $25 | WY $30 |
Authorization requests can fail for a number of reasons, ranging from missing or invalid fields to business decisions based on risk assessment. These different scenarios need to be handled differently by the merchant, and require different legal language to show to the customer.
We are sorry that we cannot accept your check at this time. Our decision is based,
in whole or in part, on information provided to us by TeleCheck. We encourage you
to call TeleCheck at 1-800.366.2425 or write TeleCheck Customer Care at P.O. Box 4513,
Houston, TX 77210-4513. Please provide TeleCheck your driver's license number and the
state where it was issued, and the complete banking numbers printed on the bottom of
your check. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to a free copy of
your information held in TeleCheck's files within 60 days from today. You may also
dispute the accuracy or completeness of any information in TeleCheck's consumer report.
TeleCheck did not make the adverse decision to not accept your payment item and is unable
to explain why this decision was made.We are unable to process this transaction with the payment information provided.
Please use a different form of payment at this time.