What Are Blank Business Checks?

Blank business checks are check stock that does not arrive with your banking information preprinted on the document.

Instead, the business prints the required information when the check is issued. Depending on the software and printing setup, this may include:

• Company name and address
• Bank name
• Routing number
• Account number
• Check number
• Payee information
• Payment amount
• Voucher or invoice details

This can provide more flexibility than ordering separate preprinted checks for every bank account.

Why Businesses Choose Blank Check Stock

Blank checks can be a practical option for businesses that need flexibility or manage several payment accounts.

Common reasons businesses choose blank checks include:

• Multiple checking accounts
• Frequent changes in bank accounts
• Centralized accounts-payable printing
• Accounting or payroll software that prints complete checks
• Control over check numbering
• Reduced need to stock multiple sets of preprinted checks

Instead of keeping a separate check inventory for each bank account, a business may be able to use compatible blank stock and print the required banking information when needed.

Blank Checks vs. Preprinted Business Checks

Blank Business Checks

Blank checks provide greater flexibility because banking information is printed at the time the check is created.

They are often a good fit for businesses with multiple accounts or companies that already have a properly configured check-printing system.

Preprinted or Imprinted Checks

Preprinted checks arrive with company and banking information already printed on them.

These can be easier for businesses that do not want to manage their own MICR printing or that consistently issue checks from the same account.

What Is MICR Printing?

MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. The MICR line is the series of characters printed along the bottom of a check that identifies banking information used in check processing.

This typically includes information such as the bank routing number, account number and check number.

When a business prints its own banking information on blank checks, the MICR line should be produced using a printing method appropriate for check processing.

Do Blank Business Checks Require MICR Toner?

For businesses printing their own MICR line, MICR toner is commonly used with compatible laser printers.

MICR toner contains magnetic properties designed for machine-readable check processing.

Even though modern banks may also use optical scanning technology, businesses should not assume that ordinary toner is appropriate for every check-processing environment.

Before printing blank checks, confirm the requirements of your bank, software provider and check-processing setup.

Choose the Correct Check Position

Blank laser checks are commonly available with the check located at the top, middle or bottom of an 8.5 × 11-inch sheet.

The correct position is determined by your accounting or payroll software.

Top Blank Checks

The check appears at the top of the page with voucher sections underneath.

Middle Blank Checks

The check appears between two voucher sections.

Bottom Blank Checks

The check appears at the bottom of the page with voucher sections above it.

If the wrong position is selected, payment information and voucher details may print in the wrong locations.

View the Business Check Format Guide →

Blank Checks for QuickBooks and Accounting Software

Blank business checks can work with many accounting, payroll and accounts-payable programs when the correct format is selected.

Before ordering, confirm:

• The accounting software being used
• The required check position
• The voucher configuration
• Whether the software prints the MICR line
• Printer compatibility
• Envelope compatibility

QuickBooks users should pay particular attention to voucher layout and check position because the software must align correctly with the blank stock.

Shop QuickBooks-Compatible Checks →

Blank Check Security Features

Because blank stock may eventually contain live banking information, security should be an important consideration.

Security features can help make alteration, copying or reproduction more difficult.

Depending on the check style and security level, features may include:

• Security warning borders
• Microprinting
• Security screens
• Void or copy-resistant backgrounds
• Chemical alteration indicators
• Thermochromic or heat-sensitive features
• Holographic security elements
• Additional hidden or visible security features

Good, Better, Best and High Security Blank Checks

Good Security

Good-security blank checks provide practical protection for routine business use.

Better Security

Better-security checks add additional fraud-deterrent features for companies wanting stronger protection.

Best Security

Best-security checks generally combine several visible and hidden features for businesses that want a higher level of check protection.

High or Hologram Security

Specialty check stock may include holographic or other premium security features that provide an immediately visible sign of authenticity.

Compare Business Check Security Features →

Choosing a Blank Check Design

Blank business checks are available in different backgrounds and styles, allowing businesses to choose a design that matches their preferred appearance and security needs.

Popular options may include:

• Marble designs
• Wave patterns
• Lattice designs
• Herringbone patterns
• Prismatic designs
• Hologram check stock

Businesses with several bank accounts may also use different colors or styles to help employees distinguish between accounts.

Why Printer Compatibility Matters

Most blank laser business checks are designed for use with laser printers, but businesses should verify that their printer is appropriate for their check-printing setup.

The printer should consistently feed the check stock and maintain proper alignment.

When printing MICR information, the printer and MICR toner should also be compatible with one another.

Always Test Before Printing a Large Batch

Before issuing live checks, perform test prints to confirm alignment.

Check:

• Payee placement
• Dollar amount positioning
• Date location
• MICR line position
• Voucher information
• Check number sequence
• Envelope window alignment

A simple test can prevent wasting a large quantity of check stock.

Compatible Envelopes for Blank Business Checks

If checks will be mailed, the envelope needs to match the check and voucher layout.

Window placement varies between top, middle and bottom check formats, so the correct envelope should be selected along with the checks.

Matching envelopes can also help keep sensitive information covered while displaying only the recipient address through the window.

How Should Blank Check Stock Be Stored?

Blank checks should be treated as controlled business documents.

Even before banking information is printed, blank security stock should be kept in a secure location with access limited to authorized employees.

Businesses may also want procedures for:

• Tracking blank check inventory
• Controlling printer access
• Managing check numbering
• Restricting access to MICR printing software
• Destroying misprinted checks securely

Benefits of Blank Checks for Multiple Bank Accounts

One of the strongest reasons to use blank checks is account flexibility.

A company that manages several checking accounts may otherwise need a separate inventory of preprinted checks for every account.

With the correct software and security procedures, compatible blank stock can make it easier to print checks for different accounts without maintaining as many separate inventories.

Common Blank Check Printing Mistakes

Several problems can be avoided with proper setup and testing.

Common mistakes include:

• Ordering the wrong check position
• Using stock that does not match the software
• Incorrect MICR line placement
• Using an unsuitable toner or printer setup
• Duplicate check numbers
• Incorrect bank routing or account information
• Using the wrong envelope
• Failing to secure unused blank stock

Blank Business Check Buying Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions About Blank Business Checks

Can I print my own business checks?

Businesses can print checks using compatible blank check stock, accounting software and an appropriate printing setup. Banking information, MICR requirements and check layout should be configured correctly before checks are issued.

Do I need special toner to print blank checks?

If you are printing the MICR line containing banking information, MICR toner is commonly used with compatible laser printers. Verify the requirements of your specific banking and processing environment.

Can blank checks work with QuickBooks?

Yes, compatible blank business checks can be used with QuickBooks when the correct check position and layout are selected.

What is the best security level for blank checks?

The right level depends on the business, payment values and desired fraud protection. Companies issuing larger or more frequent payments may prefer higher-security stock.

Can one blank check style be used for several bank accounts?

Potentially, yes. One of the main advantages of blank stock is the ability to print different banking information when using compatible software and a properly controlled printing process.

Should blank checks be locked up?

Businesses should control access to blank check stock just as they would other sensitive financial documents.