How do I authenticate my E-check Account?

If you would like to use your bank account to make a payment on Elance, you will need to first complete the bank authentication process. Bank authentication helps reduce online fraud and increases the security of Elance transactions for yourself and everyone in the Elance community. Once your account has been authenticated, you will be able to use it to make all future payments in Elance.

Note: E-check payments are only allowed for users holding a US Bank account

Bank authentication involves the following actions:

Step A: Two small, distinct amounts are deposited into your bank account.

Step B: After looking up these amounts on your online or paper billing statement, you will then enter the two amounts on MyElance > My Accounts.  If they match up, you're authenticated! 

Step by step instructions to complete bank authentication:

To authenticate your E-check account:

1. Go to MyElance. If you are not logged in, enter your Elance username and password.

2. Click on the 'My Account' link in the left menu column.

3. If there is no E-check account listed, click on the 'Enter New E-check' button and enter your bank information and check the 'Authentication' checkbox. If you already have an E-check account listed, click on the 'Authenticate' link to the right of your E-check Account number.

4. On the next page, you will see the approximate amounts as well as the date that the deposits were made.  

5. Please review your  bank statement or contact your bank to retrieve the EXACT amounts.

IMPORTANT: The two amounts deposited to your bank account may not show up immediately. In some cases, the two amounts can take up to 3 business days to appears. In some instances, the bank may place a $1 placeholder deposit on your account until the exact amounts settle to your account.

6. Login to MyElance and go to your 'My Account' page. Click the Confirm Authentication link next to the E-check Account number. Enter the exact amounts from step 5 in U.S. dollars. If the amounts are correct, you will see a confirmation page stating that your E-check Account has been authenticated.

IMPORTANT: You have up to 180 days to complete the authentication process. If 180 days have passed and you still want to authenticate your bank account, then you will need to start the process again.