Types of Business Checks
Business checks can play an important role in the financial management of a company, not just as a means to pay bills but also as a tool for maintaining secure, accurate and organized finances. Understanding the different types of business checks available allows business owners to choose the most appropriate options suited to their needs.
From manual handwritten checks for low-volume needs to high-security laser options for large check batches, this guide breaks down the most common types of business checks to help you understand what suits your business best.
What are the Most Common Types of Business Checks?
Business checks are designed for companies to pay vendors, employees, expenses, etc. But with many different types, formats and sizes, it can be daunting to know which kind is right for you. Here is an overview of the most common types:
Laser Business Checks
Laser or computer checks are a popular choice for businesses that engage in a high volume of transactions or require batch processing for payroll and payments to vendors. Computer checks are printed using laser or inkjet printers.
Benefits of Laser Business Checks:
- Allows for fast and efficient check printing
- Customizable with logos, brand elements, and more, enhancing the professional appearance of each transaction
- Compatible with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, ensuring seamless integration with business accounting systems
Best for: Businesses with moderate to high check volume, and those using an accounting software.
Manual Business Checks
For smaller businesses or those with less frequent check writing needs, manual business checks offer a straightforward and cost-effective solution. These pre-printed checks are filled out by hand, which can be beneficial for businesses that operate with a lower volume of transactions or that prefer a high level of control over each payment issued.
Benefits of Manual Business Checks:
- Easy and quick to hand write for single payments
- Can be stored in binders or checkbook covers for organized record-keeping
- Customizable with logos, brand elements, and more, enhancing the professional appearance of each transaction
Best for: Mobile businesses, Sole proprietors, or those without dedicated finance departments or accounting software.
High Security Checks
While business checks typically have standard security features (chemically sensitive paper, microprint borders and erasure protection), many laser and manual business check types can be upgraded to high security checks that come with advanced security features to help prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions. High security checks typically incorporate:
- Anti-Copy Technology
- Foil Hologram
- Fraud Warning
- Heat Sensitive Ink
- True Watermark
Check out our guide on business checks security features for more details on these and all of Deluxe's high security check features.
Benefits of High Security Business Checks:
- Customizable with logos, brand elements, and more, enhancing the professional appearance of each transaction
- Stronger protection against check fraud
- Potential long-term savings by helping to reduce fraud-related expenses
- The most secure checks Deluxe offers
Best for: Businesses dealing with significant transaction volumes and need to safeguard against potential financial threats.
Continuous Checks
Continuous checks are sheets of checks connected in a perforated format that work well with dot matrix printers, suitable for businesses that require checks to be printed in a series from a continuous roll. These are commonly used for payroll, facilitating the quick generation of multiple checks.
Benefits of Continuous Checks:
- Customizable with logos, brand elements, and more, enhancing the professional appearance of each transaction
- Include tear-off perforations for easy distribution
- Process large batches of payments at once
Best for: Businesses that need high-speed bulk check printing capabilities, and businesses that rely on dot matrix printers for high-volume check disbursements.
Voucher Checks
Voucher checks combine the check with a detachable record stub into a single printable document. The stubs, or vouchers, allow you to detail the information about the transaction, which is useful for record-keeping and reconciling accounts. Voucher checks are an available option among laser checks and manual checks.
Benefits of Voucher Checks:
- Detachable stubs create an auditable paper trail
- Easy reconciliation with detailed transaction records
- Customizable with logos, brand elements, and more, enhancing the professional appearance of each transaction
Best for: Payroll, and businesses that need to provide pay stubs and/or detailed documentation for each transaction.
Blank Check Stock
Blank check stock is unprinted check paper that allows you to print payment details (like account numbers, payee names, and MICR lines) as needed from your accounting software—instead of relying on pre-printed checks.
Benefits of Blank Check Stock:
- Typically lower cost than custom pre-printed checks
- Gives you complete control over check printing process
- Keeps bank information and account numbers confidential until you're ready to print
- Easy to print checks for multiple accounts
Best for: Businesses with multiple accounts.
Business Check Formats and Layouts
The configuration of business checks can vary, with options for how many checks come on each page, how many duplicate copies are included, and even where laser checks are located on a page.
Number of checks per page
Business check types can differ in how many checks are printed on each page or sheet.
- Single check on a page - The most common option for laser checks where the check takes up only part of the page with space for stubs or remittance details on the remainder of the page. Also common with manual checks bounded together in a checkbook
- 2 checks on a page - Much less common, and typically only on blank laser check stock, each sheet contains space for two checks and two stubs
- 3 checks on a page - While more common than 2 checks on a page, these typically include only minimal or no stub space, making them best suited for when detailed records are stored digitally
Number of duplicate copies
Sometimes referred to as parts, some manual and laser business checks include carbonless copies of the check that contain the same information as the original check that allows for transfer of remittance information.
- Single checks (1-part) - One check with no copies attached
- Duplicate checks (2-parts) - Each check includes one non-negotiable carbonless copy of the original check containing the same information as the original check
- Triplicate checks (3-parts)- Each check includes two non-negotiable carbonless copy of the original check containing the same information as the original check
- Quadruplicate (4-parts)- Each check includes three non-negotiable carbonless copy of the original check containing the same information as the original check
Check layout on a page
Business checks can be positioned in different places on the sheet (when only a single check on a page), typically determined by the accounting software they are compatible with. This only applies to laser business checks.
- Top Check - The check is positioned at the top of the page, with stubs or voucher sections beneath. This layout is common and supported by accounting software like QuickBooks and Quicken.
- Middle Check - The check is positioned in the middle section of the page with a stub or voucher section above and below. This layout is common for popular accounting systems like Sage and Microsoft Dynamics.
- Bottom Check - The check is positioned on the bottom of the page, with stubs or voucher sections above. The least common of the layout options, but some accounting systems do require this layout.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Type of Business Checks
Selecting the right type of business check is important in helping a company's financial operations run smoothly and securely. From manual checks for small-scale companies to high-security and computer checks for larger businesses with complex needs, each type offers specific benefits. By carefully considering their transaction volumes, security requirements, and integration needs with existing systems, businesses can help optimize their financial operations and safeguard their assets effectively.
Additional Resources for Business Checks
For more information to help you make the right decision when selecting business checks, we have additional resource guides including Business Checks vs Personal Checks, Check Fraud Protection, and Business Check Security Features. For an overview of the best business checks based on common uses of them, check out our recommended business checks.
How our Re-order Process simplifies future purchases
By creating an account with Deluxe, you gain easy access to a variety of tools that make managing your check and supply orders more efficient. This allows you to streamline the process of ordering and reordering checks and supplies and provides the following benefits -
- Easily access your order history and track purchases or reference past transactions
- Monitor order status and set up notifications
- Reorder in just a few minutes and save yourself the hassle of re-entering your information. Frequently purchased items can be reordered with just a few clicks!
- Save your customization preferences for future orders
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