Check processing with vendor number overlay system and method

A method for processing checks having a requirement that a vendor identifier be added to a front face of the checks before payment is authorized, comprising:

• a) receiving, at a computer, vendor data relating to a transaction undertaken using a paper check;
• b) receiving, at the computer, an image of the paper check, the paper check having a vendor identifier location on the front face of the paper check with no vendor identifier at that vendor identifier location;
• c) generating at the computer a vendor identifier image based upon the received vendor data;
• d) creating, at the computer, a revised image of the check by overlaying the vendor identifier image over the image of the paper check at the vendor identifier location;
• and
• e) submitting the revised image of the check through image exchange.