When you are out of checks, ordering more from your bank or credit union might seem convenient but not the only option. You can order your personal or business checks from anywhere.
It will cost you $20 or even more when you order a box of checks from banks if you’re not a premium account holder. You can save more than 50 percent of that amount by ordering checks directly from check printers or national chains.
Though paper checks are not commonly used by personal ubers, they’re still necessary for business transactions. Besides, not all businesses accept electronic payments or credit cards. According to the Federal Reserve, Americans had written about 18 billion checks as of 2012.
But how can you save money when ordering checks? Here are your options:
1. Order Checks from Online Printers
For the best deal in terms of design choices and prices, consider ordering your checks from online printers. These checks come with a variety of graphics and colors, allowing you to personalize your checks with your favorite themes.
How to Order Check Online
Ordering checks online is not complicated. You only need to have these important pieces of information:
Routing Number
Your bank’s routing number is the most important piece of information you’ll need. The routing number refers to the 9-digit number unique to your bank.
Each bank in the US has a routing number and is printed on your check and deposit slip. It is usually found on the bottom left side of checks and deposit slips.
Contact your bank if you are unsure of your routing number.
Checking Account Number
Your checking account number is another important information you’ll need. You’ll find it on the right side of your routing number.
Check Number
It is also essential to know the starting check number. You might want the check numbers to continue from where your last check left if you have an existing account. Numbering your checks in a sequence will make it easy to maintain records.
If it’s a new account, you might consider starting with check 1001.
Check Style
Do you need regular or duplicate checks? What style of check do you want? Online check vendors provide numerous check styles to choose from. You can also stick to plain checks if you don’t have a strong feeling about designs.
Why Order Online?
Integration
Today businesses do not record expenses and income manually. Some accounting software platforms allow you to print your checks but many banks do not accommodate this software. Checks ordered from online vendors are compatible with every accounting software and you can format them according to your software’s specifications.
You need checks compatible with popular accounting software so you can easily integrate them into your accounting process. This will save you time and money.
Security
Ordering checks online is not as risky as it seems. Checks from a reputable online vendor are as secure as those from banks. Your check printer should bear the Check Payment Systems Association (CPSA) padlock symbol. Only check printers verified by CPSA will have this symbol.
Price
The main reason businesses order checks online is to save money and time. If you want to save more money, consider ordering in bulk.
2. Check from Banks
Most people order checks from banks simply due to trust concerns and convenience. If you’re a premium account holder – usually the type that requires regular direct deposits or minimum balance, you might get cheap or free checks. Basic checking account holders will pay a higher price.
3. Print Your Own Checks
You might also decide to print your own checks when you run out. Here, you have control over time and amount to print. You only need to meet the bank requirement when printing your checks.
When printing a large volume of checks, we would advise you to order checks with pre-printed information instead of printing them from scratch.
4. Use Other Payment Options
Are you still frustrated by the amount of money you’re using on checks? You might want to consider using fewer checks.
Use electronic payments with your service providers, creditors, and vendors, and you probably won’t be ordering checks more often. You can also set up online bill pay, which is free with most checking accounts.
Through this, you’ll have an electronic record of every transaction including the payee name. You won’t, therefore, need to track payments manually from your check register.
You can also shop using a debit card instead of writing a check.
