Check printing basics, understood.
Order business checks with confidence. What every line on a check means, the numbers your bank needs, check sizes and how to choose a supplier.
Start with Check printing: a complete guide for small businesses, the overview for this topic. Each guide after it answers a separate buying, preparation or troubleshooting question.
START HERECheck printing basics · 6 MIN READ
Check printing: a complete guide for small businesses
Check printing explained for small businesses: formats, the MICR line, bank data, security features, software fit, proofs, costs and when to reorder.
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Check printing basics · 5 MIN READ
How to order business checks: a step by step walkthrough
How to order business checks in seven steps: choose a format, confirm bank data, set numbering, submit numbers securely and approve the proof.
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Check printing basics · 6 MIN READ
What information do you need to order checks?
The information you need to order checks: account name, address, bank name, routing and account numbers, starting number, format and quantity.
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Check printing basics · 6 MIN READ
Ordering checks online vs from your bank: cost, speed and safety
Where is the cheapest place to order checks? Compare banks, online printers and printing your own on price per check, delivery time and security.
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Check printing basics · 5 MIN READ
Check sizes and dimensions: personal, business and voucher
Check size dimensions in inches: personal wallet checks, business desk checks and laser voucher sheets, plus the ANSI size limits and MICR clear band.
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Check printing basics · 5 MIN READ
Parts of a check: every line and number explained
The parts of a check explained: payer block, check number, date, payee, amount box, written amount, bank name, memo, signature and the MICR line.
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Check printing basics · 5 MIN READ
Routing number vs account number: how to find each on a check
Routing number vs account number: one identifies your bank, the other your account. See where each sits on a check and how to verify both.
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Check printing basics · 5 MIN READ
What is MICR? The magnetic line at the bottom of every check
What is MICR? Magnetic ink character recognition: the E-13B line of routing, account and check numbers printed in magnetic ink so bank machines can read it.
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Check printing basics · 5 MIN READ
MICR toner: do you need it to print your own checks?
Do you need MICR toner? Yes if you print the bank line on blank check stock; no if the checks arrive with the MICR line preprinted. Costs, risks and setup.
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Check printing basics · 5 MIN READ
What number should your checks start at?
What number should checks start at? Continue from your last check plus one. New business accounts often start at 1001 or higher; personal at 101.
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Check printing basics · 5 MIN READ
Business checks for an LLC: name, DBA and what to print
Business checks for an LLC: print the legal name exactly as the account is titled, add a DBA line only if the bank allows it, and keep the EIN off the check.
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Check printing basics · 5 MIN READ
Business checks with a logo: file prep and placement
Business checks with a logo: place it top left beside your company block, keep it out of the MICR band, and supply a vector file or 300 ppi image.
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