Positive Pay

Your business uploads a file containing issued check data into the Positive Pay system. Checks presented for payment against your account are compared to those issued by the business. 

 This includes information such as:

• Dollar amount
• Check number
• Date
• Account number

If there is a match: the check is automatically paid!

If there is not a match, or there is a check not on the issued check list (and potentially fraudulent), it is identified as an exception and presented in your online banking platform for a pay or return decision.

What happens if someone tries to cash a check at a Pathfinder Bank branch?

Any checks presented to a teller in a branch will not be verified. Check information is stored in online (and mobile) banking only. Unfortunately anything cashed at the branch is not able to be verified.

How will our business know if there are exceptions to be processed?

It is your responsibility to review and make a decision about any exceptions each business day during the “Exception Review time frame” of 8:00 AM and 11: 00 AM EST. We will not honor any exception unless you direct us to do so via our Business Online Banking System.

What time is the exception processing deadline?

The exception processing deadline is 11:00 AM EST

What happens if a decision is not made to exceptions by 11:00 AM?

To safeguard your account, exceptions not processed by 11:00 AM EST will receive an automatic decision of "return".

Can multiple users access Positive Pay?

Yes. Your business will designate an administrator of the Positive Pay service. The administrator can add additional authorized users with specific user permissions with access by account and by function.

What file formats does Pathfinder Bank accept for issued check files?

During your onboarding process, you will need to provide Pathfinder Bank with a test file in a CSV format. Your business services representative will guide you through your first import. You will be provided specific file specs and then have the option to either pull the file from your accounting software or manually input the check information. Once your information is ready, we will confirm the format and all required information is inputted correctly. 

What information is needed in the issued check file?

Only 4 pieces of the check information are needed: Check Number, Issue Date, Account Number and Amount. The issued check file may contain additional information, such as the payee name or memo, but is not required.

What if the wrong file is uploaded?

Your designated administrator is able to delete files individually within the Positive Pay system.

What if a check is written after a file has been submitted?

If a check is written after a file has been submitted, you will need to enter it manually into the Positive Pay system otherwise this will be considered an exception. This option allows you to enter a single check or a series of checks without having to create and upload a new file.

How can Positive Pay help with Account Reconciliation?

With Positive Pay, mismatched checks are identified sooner and account activity reconciled with increased accuracy. The Positive Pay system also includes reports that show a summary of issued, paid, voided, and outstanding checks.

Are there fees associated with Positive Pay?

There is a fee for our Positive Pay service. Please contact [email protected] or call 315-532-6398 for more information.

To sign up for Positive Pay or any of our Business/Treasury Management Services, please contact our Business Services Department:

Phone: 315-532-6398

Email: [email protected] 

You can also stop by any one of our branch offices during banking hours. A staff member will  schedule an appointment with our Cash Management Officer who will meet with your business to review the service and your specific needs.