A computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions for using a check deposit device to process a check is provided. The method derives meta-data from the check. The check deposit device may use an image receiver device to obtain a check image from the check. The method may use the processor to define a plurality of check segments within the check image. The processor device may obtain content from each of the plurality of check segments. The processor device may be store the content of each of the check segments in a machine readable memory and may utilize a transmitter to transmit the content from the plurality of check segments to a check-clearance engine. The check deposit device may receive from the check-clearance engine, in response to the transmission of the portion of the content from the plurality of check segments, an indication of the sufficiency of funds in an account.