CrossCheck Blog

Auto repair shops often face a tough situation—customers need essential repairs right away, but paying the full amount upfront isn’t always possible. While credit cards and financing are options, they don’t work for everyone. Many customers prefer to pay by check, but that comes with risks like insufficient funds, stop payments, or closed accounts.

Auto repair costs are climbing, putting both customers and dealerships in a tough spot. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Consumer Price Index, repair costs increased 5.9% year over year in January—continuing a trend of steady increases.

In a world of digital payments, mobile wallets, and contactless transactions, many businesses assume that checks are outdated—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While credit cards and digital payments dominate headlines, checks remain a crucial part of business transactions, especially for industries that rely on high-dollar purchases and cost-effective payment processing. According to the 2022 Federal Reserve Payments Study (most recent study), checks accounted for $26 trillion in processed payments. While check usage has declined over time, it remains a key payment method for businesses looking to reduce costs, improve cash flow, and offer customers flexible payment options. Accepting checks—especially with a check guarantee service—can be a smart financial decision in 2025 and beyond.