The agreement is "terrific for CheckFree".

Internet directory Yahoo and CheckFree have signed an agreement allowing Yahoo users to pay bills online, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported, citing Gartner Group market researcher Avivah Litan. While Litan said she isn_t sure when CheckFree, which designs and sells software for secure Internet transactions and bill payment, and Yahoo will announce the agreement, she said it could come today. CheckFree declined to comment because it_s in a quiet period before releasing earnings today, said spokeswoman Laurinda Wilson. Litan said the agreement is "terrific for CheckFree,' the paper said. Yahoo reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings of $25 million, or 21 cents a share, from year-earlier profit of $1.91 million, or 2 cents, on strong advertising and e-commerce revenue.