What Are Business Checks?

Business checks are checks designed for companies, organizations and professional offices that need to make payments while maintaining accurate accounting records.

Unlike personal checks, business checks are commonly designed to work with accounting software, payroll systems and business recordkeeping workflows.

Depending on the format, a business check may include one or more voucher sections that provide space for invoice numbers, payment details, payroll information or internal accounting records.

Blank Business Checks vs. Imprinted Business Checks

One of the first decisions is whether you need blank checks or checks that arrive already printed with your banking information.

Blank Business Checks

Blank business checks are designed to be printed by the customer using compatible check-printing software and a printer.

They are often a good choice for businesses that:

• Manage multiple bank accounts
• Print checks from accounting software
• Need flexibility when changing accounts
• Want to control check numbering
• Print their own bank and company information

When printing bank information on blank check stock, MICR toner or another approved MICR printing method may be required so the routing and account information can be properly processed.

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Imprinted Business Checks

Imprinted business checks arrive with your company and banking information already printed on the check.

These can be a convenient option for businesses that prefer a ready-to-use check and do not want to print their own MICR line.

Before an imprinted check order is produced, businesses should carefully verify the company name, address, bank information, routing number, account number and starting check number.

Choose the Correct Check Position

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

The correct position depends primarily on your accounting software.

Top Check

A top check places the check at the top of the page with voucher sections underneath. This format is commonly used for accounts payable and payroll applications.

Middle Check

A middle check places the check between two voucher sections. Some accounting and payroll programs are specifically formatted for this layout.

Bottom Check

A bottom check places the check at the bottom of the page with voucher sections above it.

The visual appearance of these formats may seem similar, but the printed fields will not align properly if the wrong position is selected.

Business Checks for QuickBooks

QuickBooks users should pay particular attention to check position and voucher layout.

Many QuickBooks configurations use voucher-style checks, but different versions and payroll setups may require different formats.

Before ordering QuickBooks-compatible business checks, verify:

• Your QuickBooks product or version
• Top, middle or bottom check position
• Voucher format
• Whether you need blank or imprinted checks
• The compatible envelope style

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Understanding Business Check Security Levels

Security is another important factor when comparing business checks.

Different check stocks can include different combinations of visible and hidden security features. For Choice Checks, we organize many products into easy-to-understand security levels.

Good Security

Good-security checks provide dependable protection for routine business use and may include basic security features such as warning borders, security screens and microprinting.

Better Security

Better-security checks add additional features designed to make alteration or reproduction more difficult.

Best Security

Best-security checks are designed for businesses that want a higher level of fraud deterrence and may include multiple visible and hidden security features.

High or Hologram Security

Some specialty checks include premium visual security features such as holographic elements. These can provide an additional level of visible authentication and are especially useful for businesses that want their checks to stand out as secure documents.

Learn More About Check Security Features →

Why Check Security Matters

Business checks contain sensitive banking information and may be vulnerable to alteration, duplication or unauthorized use.

Using security-enhanced check stock can make fraudulent changes more difficult and provide employees, banks and payment recipients with visible signs that the document is authentic.

Businesses that issue larger-value payments or frequent checks may want to consider moving to a higher security level.

What Is MICR Printing?

MICR stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition.

The MICR line appears along the bottom of a business check and typically contains the routing number, account number and check number.

If you order blank business checks and plan to print your own banking information, it is important to use the proper printing method required for your check-processing environment.

Many businesses use MICR toner designed specifically for printing the banking line on blank checks.

Laser Checks vs. Manual Business Checks

Not every business prints checks from a computer.

Laser Business Checks

Laser checks are designed for businesses that print checks through accounting, payroll or accounts-payable software.

They are typically sold on 8.5 × 11-inch sheets and may include one or two voucher sections.

Manual Business Checks

Manual business checks can be written by hand and are useful for companies that do not need computerized check printing.

Common formats include:

• Business-size checks
• 3-on-a-page checks
• Voucher checks
• One-Write systems
• Portable checks

Consider the Check Style and Color

Business checks do not have to look plain.

Different check backgrounds and security designs can make it easier to distinguish between accounts or create a more professional appearance.

Popular styles may include:

• Marble
• Wave
• Lattice
• Herringbone
• Prismatic designs
• Hologram security designs

Some businesses also use different colors for separate bank accounts, departments or payment types.

Don't Forget Compatible Check Envelopes

If you mail business checks, the envelope should match the position of the check and the location of the recipient address.

A top-check envelope may not align correctly with a bottom-check format, and different voucher layouts can affect window placement.

Whenever possible, select envelopes that are specifically listed as compatible with the check you are purchasing.

How Many Business Checks Should You Order?

The right quantity depends on how frequently your business issues payments.

Before ordering, review your average monthly check usage and consider:

• Accounts-payable volume
• Payroll volume
• Multiple bank accounts
• Seasonal payment increases
• Expected business growth
• Storage space

Ordering larger quantities may reduce the cost per check, but businesses should balance savings with how quickly account information or company details may change.

Starting Check Numbers and Reorders

When ordering imprinted checks or managing blank checks, maintaining the correct check-number sequence is important for accounting records.

Before placing a reorder, compare the next starting number with your most recent check run.

This helps avoid duplicate check numbers and makes bank reconciliation easier.

Common Business Check Ordering Mistakes

Most ordering problems can be avoided by checking a few details before submitting the order.

Common mistakes include:

• Ordering the wrong check position
• Selecting a format that does not match accounting software
• Using the wrong envelope
• Entering an incorrect starting check number
• Providing incorrect banking information
• Ordering blank checks without planning for MICR printing
• Choosing a lower security level than the business requires

Business Check Buying Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions About Business Checks

What is the difference between blank and imprinted business checks?

Blank checks allow the business to print company and banking information, while imprinted checks arrive with that information already printed.

Do I need MICR toner for blank business checks?

If you are printing the routing number, account number and other MICR-line information yourself, you should verify the MICR printing requirements for your banking and check-processing setup.

How do I know whether I need top, middle or bottom checks?

Your accounting software determines the check position. Check the software's check-printing settings or compare your existing checks before ordering.

Are business checks compatible with QuickBooks?

Many business checks are designed for QuickBooks, but you should verify the required check position and voucher layout for your particular software setup.

Are high-security business checks worth it?

Businesses that issue larger payments, print large volumes or want stronger fraud deterrence may benefit from checks with additional security features.

Can I use different colors for different business accounts?

Yes. Some businesses use different check colors or designs to help employees visually distinguish between accounts or departments.