In a world dominated by mobile wallets and instant payments, you might think paper checks are on their way out. But the numbers tell a very different story. According to a 2025 Deluxe analysis, checks still account for more than 20% of all payment value in the U.S. That means when it comes to higher-value transactions, checks remain a trusted (and essential) method of payment.
The Federal Reserve’s Payments Study backs this up. The latest national data (covering 2021) shows that banks processed roughly 21 billion checks that year. While the overall number of checks has declined over time, their importance in business and government payments remains significant.
For resellers, this adds up to one thing: a strong and steady opportunity if you take advantage of it.
Why Businesses Keep Ordering Checks
Checks may not get much attention, but they’re indispensable across many industries. Typical buyers include:
- Local businesses in construction, trade services and retail
- Government agencies and municipalities
- Schools, universities and healthcare organizations
- Nonprofits and low-margin businesses seeking to minimize costs
Here’s why so many organizations still reach for checks:
1. Lower Transaction Costs
Credit card processors charge anywhere from 1.5%–3.5% per transaction, plus fixed fees. For a business with $1 million in annual sales, that’s $15,000–$35,000 lost to fees before per-transaction charges. With checks, those funds stay in your customer’s pocket.
2. Perceived Security
Paper checks can’t be hacked. For many businesses handling large sums, checks provide greater control and peace of mind.
3. Reliable Recordkeeping
Checks leave a paper trail, which is critical for regulated industries like finance and healthcare. They provide a simple, verifiable way to document payments.
4. Comfort and Familiarity
Checks remain second nature for many business owners, particularly those between 45–64 years old. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, over half of this group still writes checks regularly.
5. Established Processes
Payment systems are often deeply embedded in accounting workflows. Many businesses prefer to stick with what already works rather than doing a costly overhaul of their systems.
6. Cash Flow Flexibility
Checks give organizations control over the timing of deposits, helping them manage liquidity more strategically.
A Profitable, Repeatable Business
For resellers, checks represent a high-margin, recurring revenue stream. Customers need them on a regular basis, which means ongoing orders and long-term account value. Here are some real numbers from our distributor customers:
- Distributor A: Blank laser checks – 59 repeats since 2017
- Distributor B: Blank laser checks – 42 repeats since 2013
- Distributor C: General fund checks – 29 repeats since 2013
- Distributor D: Laser checks – 25 repeats since 2013
- Distributor E: Prismatic checks – 25 repeats since 2015
We could all use more “set it and forget it” revenue stream, right? Collectively, Wise distributors collectively sell millions of checks every year, clear proof that demand isn’t disappearing. On the contrary, it’s a stable, profitable area of business that many resellers overlook. But you sell it once and it repeats for months or years with more revenue for you.
The takeaway? Don’t overlook checks as a profitable and ongoing revenue stream.
Bob Saunders is VP Sales of Wise, Alpharetta, GA. Wise manufacturers industrial/prime labels and tags, traditional forms, and digitally printed products and services for resale only.For more information, visit www.wbf.com or email Bob at [email protected].
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