Image Survivable Features

What is an Image Survivable Feature (ISF), and why are they necessary?

The Central Bank have implemented a modern cheque-clearing process where cheque images are scanned and processed instead of relying on the traditional physical cheque clearing method. While this has streamlined the cheque-clearing process, it has also contributed to a significant rise in cheque fraud globally.

To combat this increase in cheque fraud, we provide Image Survivable Features (ISFs) on cheques. An ISF is a security mechanism integrated into cheques to verify their authenticity during the bank’s image scanning process. Invicta Africa collaborates with leading cheque manufacturers who specialize in producing ISF-accredited cheques recognized by major UK banks, including Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC, RBS, and Ulster Bank. These features have been implemented successfully on numerous cheques since June 2020.

At Invicta Africa, we provide an ISF (QR Code) for all our Cheque printing customers that encodes personalized cheque information, such as:

Cheque leaf serial number
Check digit
Transaction code
Account number
Account name
Branch name
Run number
Cheque print date

We offer a further two distinct ISF options, each providing different levels of security:

Option 1 - UCN

UCN, or Unique Coded Number, is an encrypted alphanumeric string incorporating the Cheque Number, Sort Code, and Account Number. This encrypted string is printed on the cheque in two locations, ensuring visibility even if part of it is obscured by a receipt stamp or other markings.

The UCN remains intact after scanning, allowing discrepancies to be flagged during the clearing process. This method offers robust validation against counterfeit cheques and is ideal for pre-encoded cheque stock used with in-house software.

Option 2- UCN Plus®

UCN Plus® delivers the highest level of security for digitally processed cheques. This feature incorporates the payee and amount payable into an encrypted QR code, which is unreadable by standard QR code scanners but accessible to bank systems equipped with the encryption key.

If you currently infill cheques and your accounting software does not support UCN Plus®, Invicta Africa offers two solutions:

A full in-house bureau service, where we handle cheque runs of all sizes at our secure facility.
Partnership with software providers to integrate UCN Plus® into your cheque production process.

Why us?

Invicta Africa supports you through every step of incorporating ISFs into your cheques. We provide guidance, programming, and design updates to ensure compliance with the latest bank requirements.