Trump Admin Ends Paper Checks, Goes All-Digital

President Trump's executive order, effective September 30th, eliminates paper checks for all US Treasury disbursements. This includes tax refunds, vendor payments, benefits, and intergovernmental transfers. The move aims to combat waste, fraud, and abuse, citing that paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, or altered than electronic transfers. Maintaining the paper check system cost $657 million in 2024. While check usage declines, fraud is rising, prompting the American Bankers Association to applaud the change and encourage digital banking. Exceptions will be made for those lacking banking access, emergencies, law enforcement, and other specified cases.