Check 21 requires an image that meets certain standards to have the exact same validity as the original paper document.
What will happen is this. You go to the teller window and write a check. The check is scanned into the system on the spot. The check is then shredded on the spot.
The savings to the banking industry is spectacular. A large bank spending 20 million a year on check transport and processing can eliminate the cost and get a payback on a check 21 implementation in 3 to 6 months.
Go credit union today. It's the only way to screw the big banks even just a little.