Microsoft is going to stop taking checks

Three Microsoft stories I wanted to note.

First, starting October 1, Microsoft is removing the option to pay by check in the US and Canada, requiring payment by wire transfer or ACH.  

Second, the same story from the Register notes price drops on some products, including the Microsoft 365 bundle.

Finally, they are offering a discount through next year for upgrades to Microsoft 365 – a 16.7% discount valid until June 30.  

Besides the blocking and tackling of pricing, I was more drawn to the fact that Microsoft won’t be accepting checks.  This is a both a luxury and requirement for larger companies.  At that size and scale, the manual costs of processing checks are measurable.  For small businesses, I still recommend making it as easy and flexible to pay as possible.   You can send me a check by carrier pigeon if it ends up being easiest for you, customer…. But that processing doesn’t work at scale.

That said, that pain comes much faster with frequency, so measure accordingly.    But for Microsoft, that’s one they won’t pay anymore.