Abstract: A method and structure are provided for processing checks in an extremely timely and cost-effective manner. A check recipient, such as a merchant, utility billing department, and the like, utilize hardware and software for quickly gathering data from checks received in order to allow prompt processing of those checks. Such hardware preferably includes a reader for reading the MICR account information printed on the check, and means for associating that data with information pertaining to the transaction at hand, including for example, the dollar amount of the transaction. This information is combined in a data record which is stored for future batch data transmission to a clearing house or the issuing bank itself. In an alternative embodiment, this data is communicated in real time to the clearing house or issuing bank. In another embodiment, one or more selection criteria are used to determine which checks will be processed in real time, with the remaining checks being processed in the batch mode.