BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — Teller image capture, one of the key steps in the full deployment of Check 21 technology, is now in place at Affinity Federal Credit Union (www.affinityfcu.org.)

New Jersey's largest credit union is now using more than 130 scanning stations at 22 locations to scan checks with the member present, providing instant clearing and helping to reduce paper use and fraud.

Along with front-line imaging, the system is being used in loan servicing, new member enrollment and other back-office functions. In addition to providing members with instant check clearing and real-time information, the $1.5 billion CU says, the system will save an estimated $100,000 in courier costs in the first year. The technology provider, Integrated Media Management (www.immonline.com) is based in Linden, N.J., and provides document management services to more than 600 community financial institutions nationwide, the company says.