What is Docsumo Check Processing?
Docsumo is a document AI platform that processes various financial documents, including checks. The platform uses a combination of OCR (Optical Character Recognition), ICR (Intelligent Character Recognition), and computer vision to extract data from check images.
Docsumo's check processing extracts key fields including MICR line data (routing numbers and account numbers), payee addresses, check numbers, amounts, dates, and memo fields. The platform uses advanced deep-learning algorithms to identify and assign accurate data types to various check fields.
Users can upload batches of checks, and Docsumo processes them to extract structured data that can be exported to CSV format. This reduces manual data entry and enables faster check reconciliation workflows.
How Docsumo Processes Checks
- Image preprocessing: Resizing, cropping, brightness/contrast adjustment, and noise removal
- OCR/MICR extraction: Reading printed text and magnetic ink character recognition for routing/account data
- Field identification: Deep learning algorithms assign data types to extracted fields
- Data validation: Custom logic can flag unusual values or check date ranges
- CSV export: Structured data exported for accounting software import
Docsumo Check Processing Features
MICR Line Extraction
Extracts routing numbers, account numbers, and check numbers from magnetic ink character recognition lines.
Image Preprocessing
Automatic image enhancement with brightness adjustment, noise removal, and orientation correction.
Batch Processing
Upload and process multiple check images simultaneously for faster workflows.
Data Validation
Custom validation rules to flag unusual amounts, verify date ranges, and ensure data accuracy.
Docsumo claims 95%+ straight-through processing (STP) rates for many clients, meaning most checks are processed automatically without manual intervention. The platform supports both image files (JPG, PNG) and PDF formats.
Docsumo Check Processing Pricing
Docsumo uses per-page pricing for check processing, which can become expensive at high volumes. Here's what you need to know about Docsumo's pricing structure:
Docsumo Pricing Tiers
- Starter Plan: $500/month for 1,000 pages ($0.50 per page) - supports up to 3 users
- Basic Plans: Starting at $25/month with lower page limits
- Pay-as-you-go: Available for variable usage patterns
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for high-volume processing and advanced features
Cost Example: Processing 2,000 Checks Per Month
Docsumo Starter Plan: $500/month (1,000 pages included) + $500 overage = $1,000/month
Zera Books: $79/month for unlimited check processing
Savings: $921/month ($11,052/year) with Zera Books
The per-page pricing model creates "per-page anxiety" where accounting teams must constantly track usage and manage costs. For firms processing hundreds or thousands of checks monthly, these costs add up quickly.
Limitations of Docsumo for Check Processing
While Docsumo offers solid check processing capabilities, several limitations make it challenging for accounting firms managing high volumes:
Per-Page Pricing Becomes Expensive
At $0.50 per page, processing 2,000 checks costs $1,000/month - 12.6x more than Zera Books' unlimited plan.
Template Training Required
Custom check formats require template training and setup, adding complexity and implementation time.
CSV Export Only
No direct QuickBooks or Xero integration - you must manually import CSV files and map columns.
No AI Transaction Categorization
Docsumo extracts data but doesn't categorize transactions for accounting software - you still need manual categorization.
Limited Client Management
No built-in client dashboard for organizing conversions by client - you need to manually organize files.
Single Document Type Focus
Docsumo is a general document processor - it's not specialized for accounting workflows like checks, bank statements, and financial documents together.
For accounting firms processing checks alongside bank statements, invoices, and financial statements, Docsumo's limitations create workflow bottlenecks and increased costs.
Zera Books: Complete Check Processing Platform
Zera Books is purpose-built for accounting workflows, offering unlimited check processing alongside bank statements, invoices, and financial statements - all for $79/month.
Unlimited Processing
Process unlimited checks, bank statements, invoices, and financial statements for $79/month. No per-page fees.
Save $11,052/year vs Docsumo
Zero Template Training
Zera AI dynamically processes any check format without templates. Start processing immediately.
No setup complexity
AI Categorization
Automatically categorize transactions for QuickBooks/Xero chart of accounts with AI categorization.
Save 30-45 min per client
Client Dashboard
Organize checks by client, track conversion history, and access past conversions instantly.
Built for multi-client firms
What Zera Books Extracts from Checks
Unlike Docsumo's CSV-only export, Zera Books integrates directly with QuickBooks and Xero, with pre-formatted exports for Sage, Wave, NetSuite, and other accounting platforms. Transactions are auto-categorized and ready to import with zero manual column mapping.
Feature Comparison: Docsumo vs Zera Books
| Feature | Docsumo | Zera Books |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | $0.50/page ($500 for 1,000) | $79/month unlimited |
| Template Training | Required for custom formats | Zero training needed |
| MICR Extraction | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Check Data Extraction | Payee, amount, date, memo | Payee, amount, date, memo |
| AI Categorization | ✗ No | ✓ Built-in |
| QuickBooks Integration | CSV export only | Direct integration (QBO/IIF) |
| Xero Integration | CSV export only | Direct API integration |
| Client Management | Enterprise only | Built-in dashboard |
| Batch Processing | ✓ Yes | ✓ 50+ documents |
| Document Types | General documents | 4 types: checks, bank statements, invoices, financial statements |
| Multi-Account Detection | Manual setup | Automatic detection |
| Check Reconciliation | ✗ No | ✓ Built-in |
| Setup Time | Template training required | Start immediately |
Why Accounting Firms Choose Zera Books
Accounting firms processing checks alongside other financial documents need more than just OCR extraction. They need a complete workflow platform that handles categorization, client management, and direct accounting software integration.
Predictable Monthly Costs
With unlimited processing for $79/month, there's no usage tracking, no overage fees, and no tax season cost spikes. You can process 100 checks or 10,000 checks - same price.
Faster Implementation
Zero template training means you start processing checks immediately. No setup meetings, no custom training sessions, no waiting for templates to be configured.
Complete Workflow Automation
Process checks, bank statements, invoices, and financial statements in one platform. Auto-categorize transactions. Export directly to QuickBooks or Xero. Manage all clients in one dashboard.
Built for Accounting Firms
Docsumo is a general document processor. Zera Books is purpose-built for accounting workflows with features like multi-account detection, reconciliation automation, and GAAP-trained categorization.
For more insights on how Docsumo compares to Zera Books for scanned documents, read our detailed comparison on Docsumo vs Zera Books scanned PDF accuracy.
Real-World Example: From Manual Processing to Automation

"We were drowning in bank statements from two provinces and multiple revenue streams. Zera Books cut our month-end reconciliation from three days to about four hours."
Manroop Gill
Co-Founder at Zoom Books
Before Zera Books
- •3 days for month-end reconciliation
- •Manual data entry from checks and statements
- •Separate tools for different document types
- •Manual transaction categorization
After Zera Books
- ✓4 hours for month-end reconciliation
- ✓Automated check and statement processing
- ✓All documents processed in one platform
- ✓AI-powered categorization included
Time saved: 68 hours per month (from 3 days to 4 hours) × $50/hour = $3,400/month in recovered labor costs