JPMorgan Deploys AI and Robotics to Automate Processing of 130 Million Checks

JPMorgan Payments has deployed AI-powered robots and document intelligence technology to automate check and remittance processing across its lockbox operations, part of a broader effort to modernize one of the banking industry's largest remaining paper-based workflows.

The bank said it processed more than 130 million checks in 2025 and handles roughly 480 million checks and remittance documents annually through its lockbox business. The new system, developed with document intelligence company Ripcord, automates tasks that were previously performed manually, including opening envelopes, removing staples, separating pages, tracking document contents, and scanning payment records.

Organizations use lockbox services to receive payments at bank-managed mailing addresses, allowing checks to be deposited and accompanying remittance documents to be digitized before payment reconciliation. While digital payments continue to expand, checks remain common in industries such as healthcare, government, utilities, and business-to-business transactions.

AI and Robotics Move Into Core Payment Operations

According to JPMorgan, the robots use computer vision and AI models to process more than 4,000 document and envelope variations. The company said the deployment represents the first use of a mail automation robot within its lockbox operations.

"Lockbox remains a cornerstone of our client offerings," said Michelle Conklin, Head of Receivables and Public Sector, JPMorgan Payments. "By investing in robotic and AI technology to improve our lockbox operations, we are automating the most labor-intensive tasks of the process, freeing our team to focus on more complex, higher-value decision making."

The initiative builds on work JPMorgan began in 2020, when it rebuilt its lockbox processing platform using internally developed AI models for data extraction, validation, and review. The company said it has since integrated large language models into review workflows to automate more complex processing tasks.

The deployment adds to a broader AI strategy across the bank, where AI is already being applied to software development, compliance, fraud detection, and operational processes.

Automation Targets Accuracy and Throughput

JPMorgan said data capture work that previously required approximately 13 billion keystrokes annually is now largely automated. The bank reported processing accuracy exceeding 99.999% and said lockbox employees now use an AI-powered assistant to access process information and monitor workflow performance in real time.

The lockbox project is part of a wider technology investment strategy. JPMorgan said the initiative is supported by its annual technology budget of approximately $19.8 billion, which funds technology development across the company.

The investment comes as the banking sector increases spending on AI systems that automate operational workflows, transaction processing, compliance reviews, and financial crime detection. Recent examples include AI deployments in core banking operations, payments infrastructure, and treasury management systems.

Industry data shows paper check usage continues to decline across the United States as digital payment methods gain adoption. However, checks remain a significant component of business payment flows, creating ongoing demand for infrastructure that can process large volumes of physical documents efficiently.