This agreement integrates the AFS Direct for ATM deposit capture application with NCR's ImageMark ATM Passport and its image-enabled automated teller machines (ATMs).

The AFS and NCR partnership creates an opportunity for financial institutions to provide superior customer service to their customers, extend their market reach and detect fraud while reducing the costs associated with this deposit channel. In addition, financial institutions will have the option to offer "no envelope" ATM deposit service to their customers.

"Although some have accused the industry of moving slow to complete large-scale ATM imaging rollouts, there is no doubt within the industry that everyone is gearing up for this. Mid to small institutions are often leading the way," said Joe Kniceley, vice president of NCR's Payment and Imaging Solutions Group, Americas region. "Check 21 enables AFS' check-imaging customers to leverage advanced NCR ATM deposit and imaging technology to expedite deposit transaction posting, clearing and settlement. This technology will enhance the customer's ATM deposit transaction experience."

Through this "no envelope" deposit, instant verification of the deposit amount is achieved by displaying the check image on-screen, as well as the image of the check printed on the receipt, providing confidence for the depositor that the check has been accepted. In addition, the system transmits check images from the ATM through ImageMark ATM Passport and Consolidation Server to the AFS Direct Deposit Gateway for processing, eliminating the expense of the bank having to pick up the paper checks on a daily basis.

"For the past ten years NCR has been an AFS partner, providing check transports for our ImageVision customers," said Gary Nelson, president, AFS. "Extending our successful track record with NCR to include ATM deposit make ATMs a strategic capture point and a vital component of a financial institution's payment processing infrastructure."