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Save Money, Time With Online Processing

Newsletters and Web Sites Offer Year 2000 Information

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ReserveNotes

ReserveNotes

New $20 Bill Released in September

The Federal Reserve is circulating the redesigned $20 bill this month. The new bill has the same security and anti-counterfeiting features you now see on the new $50 and $100 notes.

The practice of gradually replacing the old series notes with new ones will continue, with all old currency retaining its face value.

To help introduce the new $20 bill to the public, the Fed will fill all orders for $20 bills with the new series for approximately two weeks, and then revert to distributing fit currency before issuing new notes (guidelines are in Operating Circular #2 for Cash Services). If you have any questions, please contact Joe Elstner in St. Louis at (314) 444-8902.

Boston Fed Will Service Offline Customers

Beginning Nov. 30, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston will service Eighth District offline customers and five other Fed districts.

As more financial institutions discover the benefits of online processing through FedLine® software (see article on second page), the volume of offline transactions continues to decline. To provide these customers with proficient service, we are consolidating offline funds and book-entry security transfer services.

The consolidation will not change procedures for offline transaction processing. Although the Boston Fed will support online customers in contingency situations, we strongly encourage these customers to have an alternative online contingency plan.

You will receive more specific details about the consolidation as information becomes available. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact Flora Armon in St. Louis at (314) 444-8612.

Check Out Our New and Improved Web Site

The St. Louis Fed's web site has a fresh new look. To help you quickly find information on our financial services, economic data and other topics, we have redesigned our Internet page.

We think you will discover a new site that is easy and enjoyable to use. Visit us at www.stls.frb.org and see for yourself!

Fixed Availability Option Eases Reconciling Returns

Are you looking for an easy way to reconcile your low-dollar return cash letters? Take advantage of the fixed availability option, which enables you to receive one-day deferred credit on your entire return cash letter amount. This is less complicated than the calculated alternative, which gives you credit during the course of several days.

The fixed availability option simplifies reconciling your return cash letters and eliminates the need to track multiple availability dates. To sign up, please contact your local customer service representative (listed on back page).

Composite Receiver File Reduces ACH Returns

To keep track of all financial institutions across the country eligible to receive commercial ACH entries, the Federal Reserve maintains a national ACH Composite Receiver File (CRF) and distributes copies to requesting financial institutions.

With this information, originating financial institutions can avoid sending ACH items to nonparticipating institutions and reduce the number of returned entries.

You can receive a copy of the complete CRF at no charge and obtain monthly updates through your electronic connection or on tape, microfiche or paper. To sign up to receive the CRF or to change how you currently receive the file, contact Julie Dalton in St. Louis at (314) 444-8973.

Reminder: Request Form Speeds Check Adjustments

As we work continually to improve check operations, we are placing special emphasis on check adjustments. To help us more efficiently resolve the adjustments you file, please use the Check Adjustment Request form instead of a handwritten note.

Because this form contains all the information we need to start working on your adjustments, you can be assured that we will start the process immediately. Including all pertinent attachments with the form (e.g., copies of checks with encoding errors, both sources for paid items, etc.) also helps us provide quick and accurate resolution of your adjustments.

Another way to speed the adjustment process is to submit cases electronically using FedLine® software. For details on this option or to obtain a supply of the adjustment request forms, please contact your local customer service representative.

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