American Airlines launches electronic check payment option

Customers who purchase tickets on the website can pay directly from any personal bank account including a checking account or savings account that is funded in United States dollars. They enter the bank routing and account numbers from the bottom of their paper check and their address and drivers licence or state-issued ID number. Electronic commerce services provider First Data Corps TeleCheck check services convert the information into an electronic funds transfer entry, which is processed through the bank-controlled automated clearing house. Clients can use the electronic checks to pay for tickets for flights on American, American Eagle and AmericanConnection carriers. In 2007 American Airlines launched the Fly Now, Pay Later deferred payment option that enables customers to apply for instant credit. The company also accepts both plastic and electronic versions of American Airlines gift cards as payment forms online. Customers can also pay with cash for tickets at more than 55,000 Western Union locations in the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America.