Blank vs. Preprinted Business Checks: Which Is Better?

Business Check Buying Guide

Blank vs. Preprinted Business Checks: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Compare blank and preprinted business checks, MICR printing requirements, check positions, security features, and accounting software compatibility before placing your next order.

When it is time to order business checks, one of the first decisions your company will need to make is whether to purchase blank business check stock or preprinted business checks.

Both options can work extremely well, but they are designed for different business needs and accounting workflows.

The best choice often depends on:

How many bank accounts your company maintains
Which accounting software you use
How frequently you print checks
Whether you have MICR printing equipment
How much flexibility you need
The level of check security your business requires

Quick Tip: Before ordering business checks, verify whether your accounting software requires a top, middle, or bottom check position. The wrong format may not align properly with your software.

What Are Blank Business Checks?

Blank business checks are check forms supplied without your company name, bank name, routing number, account number, or check number already printed on them.

Instead, compatible accounting or check-printing software adds that information when each check is produced.

Blank checks are especially useful for businesses that:

Maintain multiple checking accounts
Print checks for several companies or locations
Want to control check numbering through software
Need flexibility when changing banks or account information
Print checks on demand

Because the banking information is printed when the check is created, compatible blank check stock can provide considerably more flexibility than maintaining separate preprinted check inventories.

MICR Printing Is Important

Important: If your business prints the routing number, account number, and check number onto blank check stock, the MICR line should be produced using the appropriate MICR printing solution.

MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition.

The MICR line appears along the bottom of a check and contains important banking information used during check processing.

Businesses printing completely blank checks should make sure their printer, MICR toner or printing supplies, software, and check layout are properly configured before issuing checks.

What Are Preprinted or Imprinted Business Checks?

Preprinted business checks arrive with important company and banking information already professionally printed on the check.

Depending on the product, this may include:

Business name and address
Bank name
Routing number
Account number
Starting check number
Check security features

Your accounting software then prints transaction-specific information such as the payee, payment amount, date, memo, and voucher information.

For many businesses, this is the simplest check-printing method because the critical banking information has already been printed before the checks arrive.

Preprinted Checks May Be Best If You:

```

Primarily use one checking account
Want your banking information professionally printed
Prefer a simpler check-printing workflow
Do not want to print the MICR line yourself

```

Blank Checks May Be Best If You:

```

Manage multiple bank accounts
Print checks for multiple companies
Want greater control over check numbering
Use software designed for blank check printing
Have the appropriate MICR printing setup

```

What Happens If You Change Banks?

If your business changes banks or account information, unused preprinted checks containing the old banking information may no longer be usable.

With blank checks, the banking information can generally be updated within compatible check-printing software without replacing the physical check stock.

For businesses that operate multiple accounts or periodically change banking relationships, this flexibility can be an important advantage.

Top, Middle, or Bottom Business Checks?

Whether you choose blank or preprinted checks, you will also need to select the correct check position.

```

Check on Top

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

Check in the Middle

The check appears in the middle with voucher sections above and below.

Check on Bottom

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

```

Always verify the check position required by your accounting software before ordering.

What About QuickBooks Business Checks?

Businesses using QuickBooks should pay particular attention to the check position and voucher layout.

Many QuickBooks users print voucher-style checks containing payment information for both the recipient and the company's accounting records.

Compatibility can vary depending on your QuickBooks product, selected template, and printing configuration, so confirm your required check format before ordering.

Security Still Matters With Blank Checks

Choosing blank business checks does not mean giving up security.

Depending on the product, security features may include:

Security warning borders
Microprinting
VOID pantographs
Chemical alteration protection
Security screens
Controlled document features
Holographic security features on selected checks

Businesses issuing higher-value payments may want to consider check stock with additional security features.

Blank vs. Preprinted Checks at a Glance

```

Feature	Blank Checks	Preprinted Checks
Banking Information	Printed by your system	Professionally preprinted
MICR Printing	Needed for banking information	Already completed
Multiple Accounts	Very flexible	Separate stock may be required
Setup	More configuration	Simpler for many businesses
Flexibility	High	Moderate

```

Which Type of Business Check Should You Buy?

For businesses using one primary bank account and looking for a straightforward printing process, preprinted business checks are often the easiest choice.

For businesses managing multiple bank accounts, companies, or locations, blank business checks can provide considerably more flexibility.

The best choice is the one that matches your accounting software, printing equipment, banking setup, and security requirements.

Don't Forget Check Security

Regardless of the check style you choose, unused business checks should be stored securely, access should be limited to authorized personnel, and bank activity should be reconciled and reviewed regularly.

Find the Right Business Checks for Your Company

Choice Checks offers a wide selection of blank business checks, imprinted business checks, QuickBooks-compatible checks, manual checks, and high-security business checks.

Choose from top, middle, and bottom check formats designed for a variety of accounting software and business payment needs.

Choice Checks — Business Checks & Banking Supplies