Patent ID: 7124113

Claim:
A method for printing and verifying checks over a network comprising the steps: connecting a client computer to a merchant server at a location remote from the client computer; transmitting an order from the client computer to the merchant server; using the client computer to select payment by check; connecting the client computer to a check server; inputting customer data at the client computer; transmitting customer data from the client computer to the check server; transmitting customer data from the check server to a check verification server; confirming the order or payment by a message from the merchant server to the client computer and the check server by sending an electronic mail message to the client computer and the check server, where receipt of the confirming electronic message by the check server determines whether printing of the check is permitted; transmitting an approval from the check verification server to the check server; storing the approval from the check verification server in a merchant file in the check server; transmitting an approval from the check verification server to the client computer; downloading the merchant file from the check server to a check printing station; and printing a check including data from the check server as a negotiable instrument at the remote location.