Which Printer Do I Need
to Print My Business Checks?
You’ve decided to buy business checks online to maximize your existing accounting software investment. This will save you time and money and brand your business in a more professional way. It’s a pro move. Now, it’s time to tackle business check printers. What kind of printer do you need for printing business checks? It all depends on your business, so let’s dive in.
Besides saving you time and money, when paired with your accounting software’s business check writing add-on, you’ll have everything you need all in one place - from vendor profiles, to categorized expenses, and to detailed records. It’s all at your fingertips.
Many of our Checksforless.com® customers rely on blank check stock, with 100% software compatibility with your current accounting systems, including QuickBooks, Peachtree/Sage 50 accounting systems. Our customers look to these product options when they have moved up to managing multiple accounts or want to further control cash management by not having preprinted checks around the office.
We are proud to offer the best value in
blank laser check and deposit stock, allowing customers to use multiple colors to separate accounts visually or buy in bulk and print the account information with each payment variably. Blank check stock makes managing this sophisticated business practice practical and economical.
However, when printing business checks, you will need to come up to speed on the requirements and regulations – beginning with MICR ink and MICR toner.
Order
Business Check
Online
“MICR” stands for “Magnetic Ink Character Recognition” and it refers to the special numbers at the bottom of checks that include the account number, the bank’s routing number, check number, and other details. The Federal Reserve and all banks require that checks be printed with MICR ink or toner for ease of processing.
While most financial institutions read checks optically and magnetically, some lack the optical abilities. This means that if your check doesn’t have the magnetic ink, it won’t be read, and can result in processing delays and fees.
You will need MICR ink for check printing on inkjet printers, and you will need MICR toner for check printing on laser printers. Above all, you need MICR ink and toner for safety; without it you are opening yourself up to unnecessary financial risk and vulnerability.
For more information, see our
MICR Ink and Toner page.
When printing business checks, you can use either an inkjet MICR printer or a laser MICR printer.
If you have low check volume/small business: An inkjet MICR printer may be great for you, especially if you only print a few checks each month. They print slowly and have less accessories (trays, drawers, security options), but they are a solid economical option for small shops.
If you have a high check volume/bigger business/have many employees that touch the check process: Look to a laser MICR printer. These are fast, come with variety of additional trays and drawers for multiple types of check stock, offer more security features to restrict access to the check printing process, and protect and encrypt the check data as it’s traveling to the printer.
Printers for companies with substantial check volumes: Pin-feed printers that use continuous checks are the answer. Perforated at the end of each check for easy distribution, continuous checks are perfect for accounts payable and payroll applications. Continuous checks are available with a voucher, without a voucher and in wallet styles and can be found
here.
If your MICR line has been preprinted by a check printer and you’re only printing payee information and the amount, you don’t need magnetic ink. For our preprinted checks, Checksforless.com® offers a
100% financial institution compatibility guarantee. Our state-of-the-art MICR matching system ensures readability by all financial institutions.
Brands of Printers
Now that you have zeroed in on which type of printer is best for printing your business checks, the best way to find the right brand/make/model is to conduct ample research.
Here are some quick tips for leading you in the right direction:
- Narrow down your short-list to the printers that meet your specific needs (it may also be helpful to see what your fellow accounting software users prefer).
- Read product reviews (and dive deep on these; there is so much online that will give you an honest depiction of this product beyond what the manufacturer advertises).
- See the products in person (it’s more helpful than online pictures) and talk to the salespeople to get more first-hand insight.
- Pay attention to the fine print (warranties and service are important).
- Price shop online to get the best deal possible.
Aligning Your Printer
Once you have your printer, you’ll want to make sure it prints your business checks correctly. Feel free to check out our
printer alignment page here to get started or check out the
QuickBooks printing guide. If you are looking for printer specifics, visit our
business checks printers page to learn more.
While we don’t offer printers, Checksforless.com® offers everything you need for your checking needs. If you are ready to order, visit us online at Checksforless.com® or call us toll-free at 800-245-5775 to get started.
Please remember, we will beat any lower price you find by 10% and we also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Production time is 4-5 days, not including shipping time. If you need your order faster than our standard delivery time, you may choose from our expedited in-plant rush services and expedited shipping services or talk to us directly. Lastly, feel free to check out our
FAQ page for plenty more information!
We look forward to helping you with all your business checking needs, and we also wish you luck in finding the perfect printer!
This page is made possible by Checksforless.com® For more than 35 years, Checksforless.com® has provided over 500,000 businesses with high quality business checks, deposit slips, and other banking supplies with easy ordering and fast production times; all at the guaranteed lowest price in the nation. Our discount business checks are easily customizable and compatible with over 4,500 software programs including QuickBooks and Peachtree/Sage 50. Email or call us toll-free at 800-245-5775 or visit us online at Checksforless.com®.