While check printing and processing may seem like it’s a thing of the past, millions of checks are still used every single year. Whether it’s businesses performing payroll or your grandmother sending you a birthday gift, checks are issued and deposited every single day for a myriad of purposes. Even if you haven’t used a check-in years, they’re still a vital part of the economy and one of the most reliable ways to transfer money.
Ordering checks through your bank, however, can be frustrating. With additional fees and time, some people are starting to look for alternatives to receiving your checks from the bank. Luckily, with advancements in technology, it’s now possible to print your own checks online. But how exactly does this work? And is this really a safe alternative for printing checks? Here, we’re taking a closer look at the world of check printing and processing and reviewing how you can start printing your own checks online.
What Is Online Check Printing?
Check printing, as you might guess, refers to the production of physical paper checks printed on specialized check stock. Most of us (for those of us who still use physical checks) simply receive our checks from our bank or other financial institution. However, due to fees and other hurdles, it can often be a strain to wait for your checks through this method. But with advancements in technology, you can now take total control of your check printing needs.
With check printing software, a printer, and check stock paper, you can begin printing your own checks. Not only is this more convenient, but you can avoid any fees like the ones you’ll incur from your bank. While the trade off in costs may not make sense if you only use checks from time to time, online check printing companies can be a great (and cost-effective) option for anyone who prints and processes a lot of checks.
Can You Really Print Checks Online?
The simple answer is—yes—you really can print your own checks online. As long as you have the right software, tools, and materials you can print as many authorized checks from your home as needed. For those interested in printing checks online, there are several options when it comes to check printing software. These programs make the process simple and direct. Simply, select a design for your checks, add your bank account information, and print them off. It’s really that quick and easy to begin printing your checks online.
What You’ll Need To Print Your Own Checks
While online check printing at home isn’t as hard as most people think, this doesn’t mean you can just jump right into the task. Checks, like any type of financial transaction, need to be standardized and secure, which means you’ll need some specific equipment and materials before you get started.
Here’s a look at what you’ll need to get started printing your own checks online:
- Check printing software:
you don’t want to design and print your checks using some basic software or online tool. You’ll need to first download a trusted and reputable check printing software to get started. Some well-known financial companies, such as Quicken and QuickBooks, even have their own check printing software that makes it easy to design and print your checks. The right check printing software will make all the difference and makes the process that much easier.
- Check stock paper:
to print authorized checks, you’ll need the right paper. You can buy specialized check printing paper at most office supply stores. This paper stock is specifically designed for check printing, which means it may come with security features such as microprinting, security warnings, and watermarks. When it comes to printing checks, the more security features the better.
- Printer:
luckily, you don’t need a super expensive or advanced printer to print off your own checks at home. Most printers are compatible with check stock paper and can print off your checks. Just make sure that your printer is compatible with the magnetic ink required for checks. Some specialized check printers even come with security features like watermarks to make your checks more secure.
- Bank account information:
make sure you have all your pertinent banking information, such as your routing and account number, on hand when printing your checks online. Your banking information will be typed in MICR font at the bottom of the check, which is essential for a bank to process the check.
- Magnetic ink:
magnetic ink on your check enables a computer to read and process the information on the MICR line. However, in recent years, magnetic ink is no longer an absolute necessity for printing checks at home. With new processing options, such as mobile check deposit where you use your phone to snap a photo of your check, you can deposit a check that isn’t printed with magnetic ink.
Conclusion – Can You Really Print Check Online?
Believe it or not, but checks are still a vital part of our economy. From large corporations to individuals, checks are printed, processed, and deposited every single day. As one of the oldest and most reliable ways to send and receive money, checks are trusted by almost everyone and can be used for any type of financial transaction.
But this doesn’t mean you should be stuck with additional bank fees just for printing off your checks. Many people may be shocked to learn this, but you can actually skip this step in the process and print off your checks online. While this method may not make sense for the occasional check user, printing off your checks at home can save time and money if you rely on checks for your finances. With check printing software, check stock paper, a reliable printer, and magnetic ink, you can take control over your check printing.
