Cheap Checks - Personal and Business Checks
Personal Checks
When you buy your bank checks online you can probably get the best prices around. At the same time you have a massive choice of designs. One of those designs is going to be just right for you.Business Checks
For a business, checks and keeping records of checks are an important function. Specialized business checks are available to match almost any requirement or criteria.Laser and Computer Checks
If you have software that prints checks for you, for example an accounting package, then you need to get computer checks that you can feed right into your printer and have it print your checks for you.Complete Business Image
The design of your business checks is only a part of your overall business image and should be complemented by your stationary, business cards, envelopes and other printed and electronic material that you produce.Why Order Your Checks Online?
When you order checks online you cut out the middleman - the bank - and deal more closely with the check printer. The banks profits on the checks are taken out and so the checks can be offered at a much lower price. Savings of up to 50% or more are often quoted. A more flexible check provider can also often give you the styles and options you want, rather than those the bank wants to provide you with. So you can get personal checks themed on animals or your special charity or cause. Some companies will even make a small donation to certain organizations when you buy checks that show your support for the cause.As you start to look, you will find that there are hundreds of check designs to chose from for personal use. Even for companies there are some speciality checks that are themed to business types. For example hair salons and real estate business. Often online check printing companies offer 100% satisfaction guarantees. So if there is a problem that is not fixed to your satisfaction you can call upon the guarantee. You can also normally find the status of your order online, so you know that everything is proceeding as planned and there are no surprises.
Introductory Offers, Coupon Codes and Promotional Specials
Many direct check printing companies offer coupon codes that offer special discounts. These may be "introductory offers" to entice first time customers or apply to current customers doing a check reorder. Some will apply to online orders only. We provide some offer codes for the companies listed here. Free shipping on checks is a strong drawcard and some codes can give you this useful deal. If you use a lot of checks then making a large order often can give you a considerable saving. For example, the fourth box can be free, or at a very low price, such as 49 cents.How to Order Checks Online
This will, of course, vary depending on the check supplier you chose. So we can only offer a guideline. The web site where you order you checks will provide full details. Be sure to ask questions of them if you are unsure of any details. You need to select the check design you want, the check format and the quantity. If you want any accessories then you will add them to your shopping cart as well.You need some information on hand to order your checks. If you are reordering checks from a company where you have already ordered checks then they should have most of this information already. Here is a summary of information required. It may vary depending on your supplier and any special requirements. You should refer to an existing check to get this information if possible.
• Bank Routing Number
• Your Checking Account Number
• The Starting Check Number
• Your Name
• Your Address including Zip Code
Make sure you enter all information exactly as you want it to be printed on your checks. With this sort of information it it worth a final recheck to make sure it is perfect. Your shipping address is important - you want your checks to arrive safely where you want them. You will also have to enter payment/billing information to pay for your checks. A final look to make sure everything is ok and then place your order.
Check Ordering Security
When you use secure online ordering for your checks you would be aware that you are entering sensitive personal and financial informtion. So it is important to make sure that the web site where you are ordering is suitable for this purpose. Ordering pages should be encrypted. You can check this by making sure it is a "https" page and that there is a padlock symbol in your browser, which indicates the security status of the page. You can click onto or hover over the padlock to obtain more security information, including the provider of the digital certificate which identifies the web site.Styles and Types of Checks
There are a varied set of check formats available to suit your requirements and preferences. How you keep records is a deciding factor in chosing your check style. For business chosing the method of "writing" the check is the first thing to consider. If you want to use an inkjet or laser printer to print your checks then you have to purchase the correct format of business checks for this purpose. For a business that manually writes checks, record keeping and filing or storage is very important. Here is an overview of the various styles, note that there can be some overlap or duplication in naming:
• Wallet checks - single or duplicate checks in a top tear format
• Duplicate Checks - a carbonless copy paper per check provides an automatic copy of the checks as they are written.
• Top Tear Checks - the checks are attached to the checkbook at the top and are torn at the top.
• Top Stub Checks - top tear checks that leave a record stub for writing transaction details.
• Side Tear Checks - the checks are attached at the left to the checkbook.
• End Stub Checks - side tear checks that leave a record stub.
• Single Checks - wallet checks that do not have duplicates.
• Voucher Checks - provide a detachable voucher that the payee removes before cashing the check for their records.
• 3 to a Page Checks - three checks on a sheet of check paper, often with left stubs.
• Laser Checks - checks designed specifically to be "written" by a laser printer, often 3 per page checks.
• Computer Checks - checks to be printed by a computer printer. These can be compatible with software such as Quickbooks, Microsoft Money, Peachtree or Intuit Quicken.
• Inkjet Checks - checks designed to be "written" by an inkjet computer printer, most often 3 per page checks.
• Desk Set Checks - these are three to a page checks with left side stubs that can be easily put into a 3-ring binder for record keeping. These are normally for business use.
• Payroll Checks - these checks are specially designed to be used each time the payroll is due and generally include stubs that form a payroll stub from the employee. Variations are available to suit hourly paid or salaried workers.
• Manual Checks - a business check format that is written manually by hand. In use by a lot of small businesses, or for ad hoc payments. Manual checks can be payroll checks, draft checks, three per page checks and desk set checks.
• Continuous Feed Checks - designed to be used in tractor feed printers. This check format is available as wallet checks, voucher checks and check-on-check.
• Photo Checks - checks which have an end user supplied photo printed onto the checks by the check printing company as a special option. This can be for security purposes or for the ultimate in customization.
• Duplicate Checks - a carbonless copy paper per check provides an automatic copy of the checks as they are written.
• Top Tear Checks - the checks are attached to the checkbook at the top and are torn at the top.
• Top Stub Checks - top tear checks that leave a record stub for writing transaction details.
• Side Tear Checks - the checks are attached at the left to the checkbook.
• End Stub Checks - side tear checks that leave a record stub.
• Single Checks - wallet checks that do not have duplicates.
• Voucher Checks - provide a detachable voucher that the payee removes before cashing the check for their records.
• 3 to a Page Checks - three checks on a sheet of check paper, often with left stubs.
• Laser Checks - checks designed specifically to be "written" by a laser printer, often 3 per page checks.
• Computer Checks - checks to be printed by a computer printer. These can be compatible with software such as Quickbooks, Microsoft Money, Peachtree or Intuit Quicken.
• Inkjet Checks - checks designed to be "written" by an inkjet computer printer, most often 3 per page checks.
• Desk Set Checks - these are three to a page checks with left side stubs that can be easily put into a 3-ring binder for record keeping. These are normally for business use.
• Payroll Checks - these checks are specially designed to be used each time the payroll is due and generally include stubs that form a payroll stub from the employee. Variations are available to suit hourly paid or salaried workers.
• Manual Checks - a business check format that is written manually by hand. In use by a lot of small businesses, or for ad hoc payments. Manual checks can be payroll checks, draft checks, three per page checks and desk set checks.
• Continuous Feed Checks - designed to be used in tractor feed printers. This check format is available as wallet checks, voucher checks and check-on-check.
• Photo Checks - checks which have an end user supplied photo printed onto the checks by the check printing company as a special option. This can be for security purposes or for the ultimate in customization.
Stubs and Tears
Checks are torn off the checkbook when used and it is a personal preference where the tear should be positioned. Most often they are torn off from the top of the pad, however some people prefer side tear checks that tear off the left of the checkbook. When the check is torn off there is the option of leaving a stub, hence top stub checks and end stub checks. Deskset checks are almost exclusively 3 to a page and left torn, leaving an end stub. They are designed to be placed in a binding folder for easy record keeping. Any stub that is left behind is able to be used for record keeping purposes, as a sort of check register. If you need details of that old check in the future a check stub can be invaluable.Personalization Options
Most online check printers are able to offer some special options when you order your checks. These include special lettering and fonts, symbols or monograms and a special message printed on the checks. This is of course in addition to the normal personal and bank information to be placed on the checks.Photo Checks
Photo checks are taking customization to a new level. You can place your own picture on your checks. This can be for security purposes, where a photo of you is used to verify identity by being placed on the checks, or just because you like the photo. It could be of a family pet or a beautiful scene from nature. Photo checks let you really decide on the design of your checks.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This website has a FAQ page being written which you are encouraged to look at if you have further questions about checks. We hope to keep it updated with new answers as questions are asked.Parts of a Check
The basic parts of a check include:
• Bank Name and Address
• Routing Number, which corresponds to your bank
• Bank Account Number
• Check Number
• Your Personal Details
• Signature Line
• "Pay to" line
• Numerical Amount box
• Date Line
The check design must conform to standards set by ANSI and in doing so is acceptable by banks.
• Routing Number, which corresponds to your bank
• Bank Account Number
• Check Number
• Your Personal Details
• Signature Line
• "Pay to" line
• Numerical Amount box
• Date Line
Check Security
A modern check design will have a number of security features to reduce the possibility of fraud. Some features may be optional (for example security holograms generally are only available on certain specialized designs). These protections can include:
• Microprint Signature Line
• Chemical Protection
• Erasure Protection
• Original Document Security Screen
• Special Check Paper
The padlock symbol appearing on you checks is an icon representing the check security features. Have a look on the back of your check for some details of
the fraud prevention methods provided. There is even the possibility of adding a kind of "check insurance" for your checks where you have a certain amount of
coverage against fraud with your checks. Make sure you read the fine print on this, as with all products of this type.
• Chemical Protection
• Erasure Protection
• Original Document Security Screen
• Special Check Paper