QuickBooks® Voucher Checks vs 3-on-a-Page: Choosing the Best Format
When you’re managing payments in QuickBooks®, the check format you pick can really shape your workflow and record-keeping. The two popular choices are
voucher checks and
3-on-a-page checks, each with their own perks. If you need detailed stubs for payroll or vendor payments, voucher checks are probably the way to go. For frequent, simple payments, 3-on-a-page checks are usually more practical.
Knowing the difference between voucher and standard checks in QuickBooks can save you some headaches and money. Voucher checks have extra room for payment details, which is handy for keeping thorough records. Meanwhile, 3-on-a-page checks let you print more at once, which is just more efficient if you’re churning out lots of payments.
Both voucher checks and 3-on-a-page checks work smoothly with QuickBooks®, but they’re made for different situations. The best pick really depends on how you like to handle payments and what kind of records you want to keep.
Voucher checks print one check per page, with two stubs you can tear off. The top part is the check, and the stubs help track payment details for you and whoever you’re paying. This is especially useful for payroll or vendor payments where you want to see the breakdown—like invoice numbers or hours worked. Each stub can be filled with the info you need for reconciling your books. You can print voucher checks straight from QuickBooks® with a regular inkjet or laser printer. Sure, they use more paper since it’s one per page, but the clarity and extra documentation are often worth it. Businesses that care about detailed accounting or run payroll often find voucher checks just make life easier.
3-on-a-page checks — sometimes called standard business checks — put three checks on a single sheet, without much room for stubs. They’re common for paying vendors and handling everyday expenses. This style is efficient because you can print a bunch at once, cutting down on paper and time. If you process a lot of payments, 3-on-a-page checks can save you a bit on supplies. QuickBooks® supports these in both desktop and online versions. They print on standard printers and fit neatly in small binders, which is nice for storage. But since there’s not much space for details, you’ll probably need to lean on QuickBooks® reports for tracking payments.
Voucher checks and 3-on-a-page checks both work with QuickBooks®, but they’re built for different needs. Voucher checks are all about documentation. Standard checks are about speed and efficiency.
| Feature | Voucher Checks | 3-on-a-Page Checks |
| Checks per page | 1 | 3 |
| Stub detail | Two detachable stubs | Minimal or none |
| Best for | Payroll, detailed vendor payments | High-volume transactions |
| Paper use | Higher | Lower |
| Storage | Bulkier | Compact |
So, when you’re weighing voucher vs standard checks, ask yourself if you care more about detailed records or printing in bulk.
Both types work with QuickBooks® Desktop and Online, and you can put your business name, logo, and bank info on them. Voucher checks are a great match for payroll because there’s space for wages, deductions, and taxes. On the flip side, 3-on-a-page checks are better for accounts payable when you’re sending out lots of payments quickly. Security features like MICR encoding, watermarks, and fraud protection are available for both. You can order them in different colors and backgrounds to fit your brand, too.
Your check format choice really depends on how you manage payments, how many you print, and what supplies you want to keep around. It also affects which deposit slips and envelopes you’ll need, plus how smoothly your accounting process runs.
Think about how often you print checks. If you’re running payroll or lots of vendor payments at once, 3-on-a-page checks can save time and paper. If you don’t print as many but need detailed stubs, voucher checks might be the better fit. Your accounting needs matter, too. Voucher checks give you one check with one or two stubs, which is helpful for tracking deductions or invoice info. Three-per-page checks are smaller and faster to print, but there’s not much space to jot down notes. Consider who’s getting your checks. Some vendors might like the detailed info on voucher checks, while internal payments may not need all that. Matching the style to your workflow can help avoid mix-ups and make reconciliation easier.
Order
QuickBooks Checks
Online
Voucher Checks
- Pros: Big stub area, easy to track payroll and vendor details, works well with accounting reports.
- Cons: Only one check per sheet, more paper used, slower if you’re printing a lot.
3-on-a-Page Checks
- Pros:Print three at once, saves money, less paper waste, faster for lots of payments.
- Cons:Not much room for stub info, not great for detailed payroll or expense tracking.
Weigh these trade-offs for your situation. If you need records with every check, voucher checks might suit you. If you’re all about speed, three-per-page is usually the winner.
Your pick changes your printing setup and supply costs. Voucher checks use more paper and possibly more toner, since each sheet has a check and stubs. Three-on-a-page checks save paper but you’ll want to make sure your printer lines them up right to avoid wasted sheets. Blank check stock, toner, and compatible printers all add to your ongoing costs. Some businesses notice that three-per-page checks end up cheaper over time just because you get more out of each sheet. Storage is another thing to think about. Voucher checks take up more room in your files, while three-per-page checks are easier to stack. Over time, that can make a difference in how you keep your records organized.
The check style you choose also affects deposit slips and envelopes. Voucher checks usually work with standard window envelopes, so mailing is simple. Three-on-a-page checks might need different envelopes or even hand-addressing. Deposit slips are easier to match up with voucher checks because the stubs give you all the transaction details. With three-per-page checks, you’ll probably use your accounting software more for tracking deposits.If you mail checks often, double-check envelope compatibility before you order. And if you deposit in batches, make sure your check style makes it easy to match deposits with your records.
When you’re comparing QuickBooks® voucher checks and 3-on-a-page checks, you’re really looking at layout, record-keeping, cost, and how quickly you can print. The right choice depends on how you handle payroll, vendor payments, and tracking in QuickBooks®.
Voucher checks print one check per page with one or two stubs for payment details. 3-on-a-page checks print three checks per sheet, but there’s not much space for notes.
QuickBooks® works with both, but voucher checks fit better for payroll and accounts payable because of the attached stubs. 3-on-a-page checks are good for regular vendor or expense payments where you don’t need a lot of detail.
3-on-a-page checks are usually cheaper per sheet since you get three at once, saving on paper and printer costs. Voucher checks might cost more, but they can save you time when reconciling payments, thanks to the extra info on each stub.
Voucher checks have stubs for things like payroll deductions or invoice numbers, so you get a built-in record for yourself and whoever you pay. With 3-on-a-page checks, you’ll have to rely more on QuickBooks® reports or your own notes to keep track of those details.
Look at your payment volume, whether you run payroll, and how much detail you want on each check. If you want more documentation, voucher checks are a better fit. If you care more about speed and saving money, 3-on-a-page checks might be right for you.
Voucher checks print one per page, so you’ll go through more sheets if you’ve got a lot of payments. This can slow things down when you’re handling a big batch. 3-on-a-page checks let you print three at once, making batch runs quicker and saving some paper along the way.
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Quickbooks® Checks Guide that details other Quickbooks® checking essentials.
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