In 1999, Paul H. Green wrote in a special report titled The paper check's surprising survival and continuing growth on the eve of the 21st century, "In the 1970s we were told by industry experts that the check would be gone by 1980. In the 1980s we were told that the check would be gone by 1990. In the 1990s we were told that the check would be gone by the end of the decade." Here it is 2024, and checks still have a place in a world dominated by newer, faster, flashier digital forms of payment—all of which enable a smooth flow of transactions unheard of 25 years ago.
We do not know when the last paper check will be written or who will write it, just like Green didn't know back in 1999 where checks would fit into the payments mix today. He had informed opinions, though, which are shared in excerpts from his report in this issue's lead article, capturing and illuminating a moment from our collective history.
Articles from our contributors illuminate aspects of doing business in the payments sphere today with insights on why both Visa and Mastercard were pleased to settle their 20-year dispute with retailers and agree to some constraints on interchange modifications over the next five years; the benefits of selling small and midsize merchants on the benefits of faster payments; when cash advance can be the ideal solution for merchants; and the vital role partnerships play in creating a thriving business and fulfilling life.
In News Briefs we've covered Visa's plans to transform credit and debit card usage with new features aimed at simplifying payments and enhancing security; opposition the Federal Reserve faces regarding its plan to reduce the cap on debit card interchange fees; and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York's deadline extension to Aug. 30, 2024, for claims in the $5.5 billion antitrust class-action settlement involving Visa and Mastercard's interchange fees. These represent summaries of a portion of stories posted under Breaking News on our homepage. To read these full stories and other news, visit www.greensheet.com, where you'll also find podcasts, videos, Resource Guide listings and other industry resources.
New product and company profiles are included, along with entries on a range of recent payments industry milestones. Please send your ideas to greensheet@greensheet.com and your news to press@greensheet.com. 
The Green Sheet Inc. is now a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals. Click here for more information.
Notice to readers: These are archived articles. Contact names or information may be out of date. We regret any inconvenience.
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