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About ECCHO

ECCHO was created in 1990 as a cooperative venture to facilitate the electronification of the check payment system.  The ECCHO Rules were developed to provide for fair, private sector image exchange among financial institutions of all types and sizes.  Now, thousands of institutions utilize ECCHO Rules for exchanging electronic checks. ECCHO’s unique membership includes credit unions, commercial banks, savings banks, and banker’s banks.  

ECCHO was also integral to the development and implementation of Check 21.  ECCHO continues to advocate for the optimal legal environment for checks and liaises across the payments industry with the Federal Reserve, ASC X9 standards and various payments industry groups.  Additionally, ECCHO provides check education and manages the National Check Payments Certification (NCPC) program.

ECCHO is a business line of The Clearing House, having been acquired in 2018, and is well-positioned to promote the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the check payment system now and in the future through its strategic priorities.

Become an NCP in 2026

Position yourself as an expert in the check payments landscape by earning the official National Check Professional designation, which recognizes your deep understanding of rules, laws, and risk mitigation. 2026 Exam registration is now open. Register today!

Federal Reserve Board RFI Check Services

12/4/25, Fed Board issued a public Request for Information (RFI) concerning potential strategic changes to the check services provided by the FRBs, as well as broader trends in check usage and preferences. TCH encourages you to review the RFI and participate in the public comment process. For more information visit Federal Reserve Board RFI Check Services.

New Rules Update Effective March 1st

The 2026 version of the ECCHO Rules are effective March 1, 2026.  Login to your ECCHO Online account to download a complete copy of the current 2025 Rules today.

2026 NCP CE Workshops Announced

NCP Workshops are here! Come learn about "Timely and Accurate Check Adjustments: Reducing Risk & Loss", "RDC Risk Management", "Overview of Check Returns & Exception Handling". More info & registration