Why You Should Choose Digital Bills and Statements Over Mailed Copies

If you’re still receiving paper statements from your utility providers, credit card companies, or insurance agencies, it might be time to rethink your approach. While “go paperless” may sound like a trendy catchphrase, there are several compelling reasons why making the switch to digital statements is a smart, responsible move.

Below are three top reasons to go paperless today:

1. It’s Environmentally Responsible

The most immediate benefit of going paperless is the positive impact on the environment. Choosing to receive digital statements helps reduce paper consumption, which in turn saves trees, reduces water usage, and cuts down on air pollution from paper production.

According to The World Counts, it takes 10 liters of water to produce a single A4 sheet of paper—and paper waste still accounts for around 25% of landfill content. Despite advancements in technology, global paper demand is projected to double before 2030. As Latoya Irby of The Balance points out, “Fewer billing statements means less demand for paper and less air pollution from paper production.”

By simply switching to e-statements, you can contribute to a more sustainable future and reduce your personal carbon footprint.

2. It Reduces Clutter

Mail has a way of piling up. If you don’t immediately act on that credit card bill or insurance update, it can quickly become part of the growing stack on your kitchen counter or desk. From there, it either gets filed, shredded, tossed—or worse, lost.

Digital statements help eliminate this daily mess. As Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread explains, “Switching to paperless billing means you’ll never misplace a bill in a pile of junk mail, nor will you ever accidentally shred or recycle an unpaid bill.” You can organize, label, and archive digital documents easily on your device—no bulky filing cabinet required.

Worried about recordkeeping? No need. First National Bank of Michigan gives you the option to download and save your statements as PDFs, so your records are always on hand when you need them.
Set up your free FNBM e-statement here https://fnbmichigan.bank/connect-with-fnbm/estatements/

3. It’s More Secure

Contrary to popular belief, receiving bills via email is often more secure than traditional mail. Physical statements can be stolen from your mailbox or trash, making your personal information vulnerable to identity theft.

Digital statements significantly reduce that risk. “Since statements aren’t mailed to your home, mail thieves won’t get access to your credit card number if they intercept your mail,” says Irby. Furthermore, digital statements rarely include your full account number, and account access is protected by secure logins and encryption. Even if someone gains access to your inbox, they’d still need your credentials to access your account directly.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you’ve been hesitant to go paperless, now’s the time. The transition is easy, and the benefits—less waste, less mess, more security—speak for themselves. You’ll quickly appreciate the convenience and peace of mind, all while doing your part for the planet.

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