Benefits of Laser Printed Checks

Many people do not know they can use a laser printer to create custom checks for home or business use. Laser printed checks are convenient and compatible with all banks. They can save your business money, valuable time, and hassle.

 

You may find that printing your checks is better than buying them from the bank at a stiff markup. All you need are proper materials and a good-quality laser printer. Some business owners may believe that it is difficult to get the materials required, but today it is easy.

 

We explore the seven top benefits of laser printing, goes over the check printing process, and answer some frequently asked questions about printing checks.

1. Reduced Costs

Every customer knows that checks from the bank are expensive – when you order personal or business checks directly from the bank, you can expect to pay a high price.

 

Bargain check printing companies do not mark up their products as much as the bank, but their products may exhibit poor quality. Customers often complain of thin paper or perforations that fail to tear correctly.

2. Laser Printed Checks Cut Down on Fraud

Check fraud is, unfortunately, a refined art in the United States. The American Banking Association reports that checks accounted for 60 percent of attempted deposit theft in 2019.

 

Preprinted checks are vulnerable to criminal theft and misuse. If a thief were to enter your home or business, they would likely take your standard checkbook if they could find it. They could then write fraudulent checks on your account, stealing thousands of dollars from you.

 

Custom printing means that no unauthorized persons can write checks. Check printing software has security features that require users to sign on before using the system.

 

The software permanently records the name of the person printing the checks, the amount, and the payee. Check printing programs encrypt this information to keep it from prying eyes.

3. Productivity Can Increase

Typing instead of writing checks saves time and keeps administrative staff from spending their valuable energy on busy work. Staff members can use mail merge and payroll records to print checks without a hassle.

4. Laser Printed Checks Are Customizable

While few options exist to customize bank checks, laser printed checks are easy to make your own. You can select the colors, design, and fields you want on the checks. Customizing your checks will help them stand out to your customers and suppliers.

5. Supplies Are Easy to Obtain

Many people shy away from printing checks because they worry that the supplies are too expensive or difficult to get. Fortunately, getting supplies for laser printing checks is easy and affordable.

 

The supplies you will need include:

6. Compatibility With Your Bank

As long as the check has the required features, it will be fully compatible with banking systems. To add another layer of security, use blank stock paper.

7. Making an Easy Transition to E-Checks

Using most check software, sending e-checks for direct deposit works well. Needing only one piece of software for both digital and paper checks saves time and productivity.

How to Print Checks

Understanding the advantages of laser printing checks may help you decide to try creating your own examples. This section will give step-by-step instructions on how to print customized checks.

Get the Right Software

Many check printing software packages are on the market. They range from major money management programs like QuickBooks to stand-alone check software. The software is not necessarily cheap, but it will pay for itself, given the number of checks you print.

 

A few mainstream examples of check printing software are:

Design Your Check

If your company employs a graphic designer, they may appreciate the challenge of creating a check that fits in with your image and branding. Ensure that every required piece of information has a place on the check and that all the information prints correctly before attempting to send or cash it.

Load the Stock Paper

While you can design your checks from scratch, most people choose preprinted check stock because it is more secure and easy to use. Enhanced check stock has embedded security features like watermarks, holograms, and micro printing to authenticate your checks. You can get this paper from BlankCheck.com.

Input Your Information

You will need the check numbers, the routing code, and the account number before you print. Make sure the numbers are accurate to avoid the hassle of duplicate or invalid checks.

Use a Quality Laser Printer

Some experts claim that you can create checks using any printer. However, laser printers are best because they are most compatible with the magnetic ink used in the MICR code.

 

You can also buy a MICR laser printer to handle this specialty task. MICR printers are guaranteed to meet ANSI standards, meaning banks will always accept your check.

 

If you print many checks daily, you may come upon the limitations of an ordinary desktop printer. In this case, you need to buy an industrial printer.

Print Your Check

You can print the full check with magnetic ink to save time, but you don't have to. You can use regular ink if you have a preprinted MICR line.

 

Your options are writing the payee information or printing the entire check, including the name, date, and amount paid. Printing the entire check saves time since you only need to keep the computer up to date. It also builds accuracy compared to possible errors from handwriting.

Double Check Information

Before mailing the check, ensure that it is correct. Any errors could cause acceptance problems with the bank or cause discrepancies in your bank account. Do not send a check with smudged printing, especially on the MICR line at the bottom. Your recipient may have trouble cashing the check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are several questions commonly asked by people who want to create laser printed checks.

What kind of paper do I need to print checks?

As mentioned above, buy check stock paper for printing checks. This paper is less expensive than in years past as the practice of printing custom checks has gained popularity.

Do all banks accept laser printed checks?

Yes, as long as you have valid MICR numbers and magnetic ink. You may have trouble using an inkjet printer or another type without magnetic ink. It is better not to risk that the bank will not accept your check.

 

Not all check printing programs or personal finance solutions are compatible with the MICR system. Be sure that you thoroughly read the documentation before buying.

Is it possible to print personal checks at home?

Yes, you can print personal or business checks at home. The software may be somewhat expensive for home use, but the upfront cost may be worth it if you write enough checks. Please do the math and see whether it makes financial sense for you. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Understanding the Check Creation Process

If you are ready to stop paying exorbitant amounts for bank checks, it may be time to start using laser check printing. Be aware that laser printers work better for checks than inkjet printers because they can use the special magnetic ink required by many banks.

 

Check printing could speed up the workflow in your office by allowing you to create electronic and paper checks with the same software. It could also help you set up a more secure system for handling your company's finances through its checkbook.

Laser Printed Checks Are Convenient and Inexpensive

When you print your checks, you will find that the software and equipment you purchased quickly pay for themselves. After you become accustomed to the check printing process, you will likely tell your colleagues how they can save time and money.

 

Checks printed at home or in the office can be just as secure as those from the bank. Take advantage of the significant savings and start printing your checks today.

 

BlankCheck.com offers excellent options for customers who want to buy blank stock to print their checks. Check out our quality selection or contact us for more information.