CrossCheck Blog

Before I entered the business world, accepting a paper check seemed simple. I made sure the value written on the check was correct, endorsed the back and it was done … right? Check transactions change when you’re a merchant. Whether it be receiving invoice payments or accepting checks at the point of sale, you have to consider more than just the written value and a signature. An important aspect to consider is mitigating the risk of accepting bad checks. As a self-proclaimed "finance geek" I can confidently say I know a thing or two about the payment solutions available to business owners, especially those designed to mitigate risk. Luckily, I’m here to tell you about how to look for common warning signs on your own and the services available to verify your checks.

Benjamin Franklin coined the term, “Time is money” in his essay ("Advice to a Young Tradesman"), written in 1748. Saving time to increase sales and revenue was true in the 1700s and is still true today. One of the best ways to save time and money is to deposit your check payments faster.

Accepting a check as payment can be a common transaction for business owners. Whether it be part of accepting invoice payments or processing checks at the point of sale. There are many things to consider once a check enters the clearing process after the initial transaction is complete, most of all — “How long does it take to process a check?” When answering the question of how long it takes to process a check, there are a few more questions to consider, such as: Are the deposited funds available right away? Do online deposits post faster? Is it still possible for checks to be returned from the bank after they’ve been accepted? In this article, we’ll address these questions and simultaneously detail the ways you can speed up the deposit process.

Among the many queries received by the CrossCheck team, “How do I recover an NSF check?” is one of the most frequent. But, before going any further a definition is in order. An NSF check (aka “non-sufficient funds check”) is a term used when the holder of a checking account is overdrawn and there is not enough money in the account to pay the check written against it. As a merchant, this can pose a problem when accepting checks. Attempting to deposit a check without sufficient funds will result in the bank returning it unpaid. Also, returned checks can come with the additional consequence of added bank fees. Whatever the cause, NSF checks will cost your business money. NSF checks can happen for many different reasons, but whatever the cause, NSF checks will cost your business money.

Accepting checks is a preferred payment type for many merchants — especially those selling big-ticket items — and is a reliable tool for increasing sales and widening customer reach. Accepting checks is one thing, but deciding how to accept check payments safely is another. That is why many merchants choose payment solutions like CrossCheck’s Electronic Check Processing to securely accept, process and deposit checks into their business accounts without leaving the office.

As a business owner in today’s COVID-19 business space, deciding the best ways to accept payments in 2021 is a critical decision that has prompted a few questions. Are your current payment options safe and convenient for customers? As businesses open back up, are customers returning to their old payment habits or moving on to new ones? Forcing customers to change is never a good idea, but giving them options is always a great idea. Do customers want to pay right now or pay with terms? Is the option they are looking for cash, check, debit, credit, or even bitcoin? Searching for the right solution with all the variables experienced in 2020 can be daunting for any business, no matter the size. Furthermore, there was a shift to contactless payments in 2021 and those changes are here to stay. When looking at payment options and solutions, finding the right combination is key.

“Proper preparation prevents poor performance” is a phrase that I heard over and over while in basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. My drill sergeants always stressed the importance of staying ready so you never need to get ready. This simple phrase got me thinking about how businesses are coping during the pandemic. More importantly, what steps are businesses taking to position for success in a post-COVID environment? I have spoken to GMs, controllers, finance directors, CFOs and CEOs about some of the steps they are taking to navigate these rocky waters. Hopefully, their insights (summarized below) will provide you with inspiration and hope as we begin the second quarter of 2021.

Imagine a world where businesses and consumers could scan checks, upload the images via the web, and quickly determine if the checks are valid. Better yet, imagine if those same stakeholders could continue the process by depositing the checks, all without visiting a bank or leaving their offices. It could be a foolproof system, but on this date, April 1, (aka “April Fool’s Day”), the reality is that free online check verification doesn't exist ― never has and probably never will.

If you have ever wondered if you should be working at CrossCheck, then the answer is a resounding “yes!” CrossCheck is a dynamic and stable company that has provided payment guarantee solutions to U.S. merchants since 1983. The privately held organization is committed to attracting and retaining a great team of employees in order to continue that success. Whether you’re new to the workforce, or simply a veteran seeking greener pastures, then working at CrossCheck might be the next stop on your road to fame and fortune. So without further ado, here are the top five reasons for working at CrossCheck: You are new to the workforce. You want excellent employee benefits. You want a job that suits your lifestyle. You want a career that offers good earnings potential. You value employment growth opportunities.

The announcement that Random Length Lumber Futures (for March 2021) have reached an all-time high ($1,004) has prompted a variety of solutions by contractors and other customers of building supply dealers. The record-high lumber prices soared past the $1,000 per 1,000 board feet mark on Feb. 18, sending buyers into reaction mode. This figure is over twice the amount ($495.60) from Nov. 2020. Experts say a strong home-building market, low-interest rates, and a boom in home remodeling are responsible for the increase despite other indications that demand for lumber is decreasing.