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How to Buy a High-Speed Document Scanner

How to · Tech

How to Buy a High-Speed Document Scanner

Get your office paperless without paying interest upfront.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $350 before anything else
Across the 0% window $23.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $350 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You need a scanner that chews through stacks without jamming, and buying the right one means you only buy once instead of replacing a cheap model next year. Look for something built for office volume that handles duplex scanning automatically.

Timing matters here because back-to-school season in late summer brings office gear sales. If you wait just a bit longer for the new model drop, last year's proven workhorse usually gets discounted.

Remember that the 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers is a hard deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when those 15 months are up, interest kicks in on the original amount from day one.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check the release cycle

    Manufacturers drop new scanner models in late summer and early fall. Look for price drops on the previous year's version right before the new units hit shelves.

  2. 02

    Pick your window

    Spread the $350 cost out using the Discover it® Cash Back card. You get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers to manage the expense without paying interest right away.

  3. 03

    Set up the math

    Divide your total by the months you have. At $23.33 per month if $350 is spread across the 15-month window, the payment becomes easy to absorb in a standard office budget.

  4. 04

    Test the ADF

    The automatic document feeder is where cheap scanners fail first. Make sure the rollers handle mixed paper sizes and receipts without misfeeding.

  5. 05

    Keep the receipt

    Office scanners come with manufacturer warranties that require proof of purchase. Register the serial number right away so you are covered if the feed mechanism jams down the line.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Do I need a sheet-fed scanner or a flatbed?

If you are digitizing stacks of loose paper and invoices, get a sheet-fed model with an automatic feeder. Flatbeds are only necessary if you plan to scan bound books or fragile historical documents.

What scan speed should I look for?

Aim for at least 30 pages per minute for a small office. Anything slower will turn a stack of files into an all-day project.

Is optical character recognition included?

Most office scanners come with software that turns scans into searchable PDFs. Just make sure the software is compatible with your computer's operating system before you buy.

How often do I need to clean the rollers?

Clean the internal rollers every few thousand pages with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Dust and paper fuzz build up fast and cause double-feeds.