Checkbook Printing Options and Requirements Explained

To print your own checks, you'll need a check printer that meets the industry standard of MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) encoding. This ensures your checks are accepted by banks and financial institutions.

You'll need to purchase a check paper that is also MICR-encoded and meets the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards. This paper is specifically designed for check printing and is available in different sizes and quantities.

Check printers usually come with a set of blank check templates that you can use to print your checks. These templates usually include the standard check layout, which includes the date, payee name, and amount fields.

Before printing your checks, make sure you have a valid account number and routing number, which can be found on your bank statement or online banking platform.

When printing your own checks, you can choose from various paper types, including 24lb, 28lb, and 32lb cardstock.

The standard check size is 8.5 x 3.5 inches, but you can also opt for a smaller size, such as 7.5 x 3 inches, to save space.

You can print checks on either matte or glossy paper, and some printers even offer the option to add a UV coating for extra durability.

Counter checks are available from banks in urgent situations or for new account holders, and can be obtained within a few minutes. These checks may come with a fee, which varies between banks.

You may need to pay an extra charge to get counter checks, so it's essential to check with your bank beforehand.

Some counter checks have your bank number printed on them, while others are blank for you to fill in yourself.

Ensure the vendor you plan to use the check with accepts counter checks, as some companies may not accept them.

Printing checks on blank check stock papers is a game-changer for small business owners and individuals alike. It saves you 80% on ordering pre-printed checks.

You can print checks instantly using check printing software at your home or office convenience. This eliminates the need to store bulky checks.

Printing checks on blank check stock papers allows you the freedom to pay on-demand.

Some ink-jet printers can't print magnetic ink to the standard required by bank equipment, which can lead to flags and human error in the check processing.

Bank software often accepts checks printed with ink-jet printers, but it may require a worker's input to verify the check.

If you need a high volume of checks, choosing a laser printer is a better investment, as it's more reliable for this task.

You'll need magnetic ink or toner to print in MICR font, which is essential for printing sensitive information like routing numbers and bank details on your checks.

This special ink or toner is harder to forge than standard printer ink, making it a more secure option. You can buy it from Amazon or an office supply store.

Make sure to get the right type for your specific printer: ink-jet printers use MICR ink, while laser printers use MICR toner.

You only need to print the MICR line with MICR ink or toner, which includes the most sensitive data of your bank account, such as check amount, account number, routing number, and check numbers.

Other data, like the payee name and bank logo, can be printed regularly with standard ink.

Pre-printed checks usually have the MICR line already printed compliantly, saving you time when printing your own checks at home.

Choosing a laser printer is a better investment if you need a high volume of checks.

Some ink-jet printers can't print magnetic ink to the standard required by some bank equipment, but it's often accepted regardless.

Bank software flags the check if it's printed with subpar magnetic ink, making the process vulnerable to human error.

A good rule of thumb is that almost any printer will do the job if you don't need to print too many checks.

Checkeeper is a popular choice for small businesses, offering seamless integration with FreshBooks and working with all types of check stock.

Checkeeper also works with blank check stock and pre-printed checks, and is the first software to work with white paper as a last resort.

You can also use PostGrid's check printing and mailing API for same-day business check printing services, which offers on-demand check printing and mailing solutions.

Here are some benefits of using PostGrid's API:

Other alternative software vendors, such as Quicken and QuickBooks, can also help you create checks and track payments by creating a record in your ledger when you print the check.

MICR is a type of font used for sensitive information on checks, specifically in the United States, where the type used is E13B.

This font is used for the MICR code, or MICR line, which is typed at the bottom of a check and contains the bank information, including the routing number and account number.

Most check printing software can help you with this step, so don't worry if it sounds complex or intimidating.

The MICR font is compatible with popular operating systems like Windows, and it's also easily readable by humans.

Here's a breakdown of the MICR line:

If you're looking to create custom business checks, you'll need software that can handle the task. Checkeeper is a popular choice for small businesses, as it integrates seamlessly with accounting systems like FreshBooks.

Checkeeper can work with both blank check stock and pre-printed checks, and it even supports white paper as a last resort. This flexibility is a major advantage when it comes to check printing.

Some check printing software also offers on-demand printing and mailing solutions, like PostGrid's API. This means you can get checks printed and mailed out on the same day, which can be a huge time-saver.

PostGrid's API is highly accurate and secure, and it allows you to personalize your checks with your logo, fonts, colors, and graphics. You can also choose from hundreds of templates to find the one that suits your needs.

Designing your own checks from scratch can be a challenge, but check printing software can do the work for you. Many money management software programs, such as Quicken and QuickBooks, even make it easy to create and print checks.

Here are some popular software options for printing checks:

Overall, the right software can make a big difference when it comes to creating and printing custom business checks.

Check printing software can be a game-changer for small businesses, especially when it integrates seamlessly with existing accounting systems like FreshBooks. Checkeeper is a popular choice that works with all types of check stock and formats checks to bank standards.

Some check printing software, like Checkeeper, works with both blank and pre-printed check stock. It's also worth noting that Checkeeper is the first software to work with white paper as a last resort.

If you're looking for a more automated solution, PostGrid's check printing and mailing API offers on-demand check printing and mailing services. With PostGrid, you can get as many checks printed as you need on the desired date and time by simply placing an order.

PostGrid's automated API is highly accurate and secure, and you can personalize your checks by adding your logo, fonts, colors, and graphics. You can also opt for templates, with hundreds to choose from.

Designing your own checks requires graphic design skills, but check printing software can handle the work for you. Popular money management software like Quicken and QuickBooks make it easy to create a payment, fill out the parts of a check, and print it.

Some check printing software, like OnlineCheckWriter, offers a 15-day free trial with full features, including unlimited checks, bank accounts, and users/employees.