A method for processing a transaction with installment checks include: receiving a first transaction message from an acquiring institution, the first transaction message including a primary account number, an installment indicator, and transaction data; determining eligibility for payment via installment based on a comparison of the transaction data to eligibility rules associated with the primary account number; transmitting the first transaction message to a financial institution associated with the primary account number; receiving a second transaction message from the financial institution, the second transaction message including a response code indicative of approval and an eligibility indicator indicating eligibility for payment via installment; and transmitting the second transaction message to the acquiring institution for display to a consumer involved in the related payment transaction on a point of sale system.