Is Your Bank Leaving Money on the Table in Your Check Printing Contract?

As check volumes continue to decline across the financial industry, many banks assume their check printing costs should naturally follow the same downward trend. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case.

In reality, as major check printing service providers adapt to a changing financial landscape, they frequently restructure pricing models, introduce new fees, or add less favorable terms at contract renewal. For banks that renew without a detailed review or negotiation, this can quietly drive up operational costs year after year.

Why Check Printing Contracts Deserve More Attention

Check printing contracts are often treated as “set it and forget it” agreements. Because checks are no longer a growth product, they don’t always receive the same scrutiny as core systems or digital services. As a result, many banks miss opportunities to:

• Reduce per-check and program costs

• Eliminate unnecessary fees and penalties

• Improve contract flexibility as volumes decline

• Protect against unfavorable pricing changes in future renewals

Some banks later refer to the savings uncovered during renegotiation as “found money”, cost reductions they didn’t realize were possible simply because they hadn’t thought to negotiate.

How CrossCheck Helps Banks Capture Hidden Savings

CPIA is proud to partner with CrossCheck, a firm that specializes exclusively in negotiating check printing contracts on behalf of banks and credit unions.

CrossCheck brings deep industry expertise and access to current market data that individual institutions typically don’t have on their own. Their role is simple: advocate for the bank and secure better pricing and terms from check printing providers.

Here’s how their process works:

• CrossCheck reviews your existing check printing contract

• The review is free, secure, and does not require access to any customer data

• Your bank receives an estimate of potential savings and contract improvements

• CrossCheck is paid only from the savings they generate, if your bank doesn’t save, they don’t get paid

This alignment ensures their incentives are fully aligned with your institution’s success.

Timing Matters: Why 18 Months Before Renewal Is Ideal

While CrossCheck can provide value at many points in the contract lifecycle, the best time to engage is approximately 18 months before your contract renewal date.

Starting early allows:

• Adequate time to analyze current terms and pricing

• A stronger negotiating position with your check provider

• Flexibility to address unfavorable clauses before renewal pressure mounts

• Better long-term protections against future fees and penalties

Waiting until the final months before renewal can limit leverage and reduce the full savings potential. Early engagement gives your bank the greatest opportunity to optimize both cost and contract structure.

A No-Risk Opportunity for Operational Savings

At a time when banks are focused on efficiency, margin protection, and cost control, reviewing your check printing contract represents a low-effort, low-risk opportunity to improve your bottom line.

CPIA partners with CrossCheck to help our clients uncover these savings and ensure their check printing agreements remain fair, flexible, and aligned with today’s realities.

If your bank would like a free assessment of potential savings, or if you’d like to understand whether your contract timing makes sense for an early review, reach out to the CPIA team. We’re happy to connect you with CrossCheck and help you take the next step.