CheckFree eliminates checks, stamps and paperwork. All you need is a computer and modem;charges are $5.95 per month for the 1st 20 payments. Each additional set of 10 checks costs $2.95. Payment instructions are sent by modem indicating who to pay, the amount and date. CheckFree will make your payments from your checking account to the party you owe money to, on the dates you specify. Regular monthly payments have to be set up only once.

CheckFree payments are promoted as being more secure than conventional checking because you can use a password to prevent unathorized entry into your software. Your social security number is used as your Service Account Number and remains confidential. You are given a personal security code # when you register. A record of the payments you've made by modem appears each month on the bank statement, just like conventional checks. Service fees are waived for the first month.

Checkfree Wallet™ This product represents an easy way for consumers to set up a FREE secure system. It only works for consumer transactions with merchants who have adopted the system. To get set up, download the software from http://www.mc2-csr.com/vmall/checkfree/v20/software.html. This takes about five minutes using a 28.8-Kbps modem. After connecting to CheckFree configure the application by registering your name or "identity of your choosing".

After establishing a password, list the credit cards you plan to use. This one-time process might take up to 30 minutes, depending on the number of cards you register. With Wallet™, your credit card data is never stored on the merchant's WebSite, so there is no problem with potential hackers as there is nothing to steal.