Business checks remain an important payment method for companies across nearly every industry. However, with check fraud continuing to impact businesses nationwide, selecting checks with appropriate security features has become more important than ever.

Modern business checks can include multiple layers of protection designed to help verify authenticity and discourage fraudulent activity. Understanding these security features can help businesses make informed purchasing decisions and strengthen their overall fraud prevention strategy.

This guide explains the most common business check security features and how they help protect your organization.

Why Security Features Matter

Security features are designed to help businesses identify authentic documents while making checks more difficult to alter, duplicate, or counterfeit.

Common threats include:

• Check Washing
• Counterfeit Checks
• Altered Checks
• Forged Signatures
• Mail Theft
• Stolen Check Stock

Security features help create multiple barriers that can discourage fraudulent activity and improve document verification.

VOID Pantographs

A VOID pantograph is one of the most recognizable check security features.

When someone attempts to photocopy or scan the document, a hidden "VOID" message may appear across the check.

Benefits include:

• Copy Detection
• Visual Verification
• Fraud Deterrence

VOID pantographs are commonly included on many business check styles.

Microprinting

Microprinting consists of extremely small text that appears as a line when viewed normally.

Under magnification, the text becomes readable.

Because standard copiers and scanners often struggle to reproduce microprinting accurately, it can help identify unauthorized copies.

• Difficult To Duplicate
• Additional Authentication Layer
• Easy Verification Under Magnification

Artificial Watermarks

Artificial watermarks are printed security designs incorporated into the check layout.

These visible security elements help users verify that the document contains intended security features.

Benefits include:

• Visual Authentication
• Professional Appearance
• Additional Security Layer

True Watermarks

True watermarks are embedded directly into the paper during manufacturing.

Unlike printed graphics, true watermarks become visible when held up to light.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced Verification
• Embedded Security
• Difficult To Replicate

True watermarks are commonly found on higher-security business checks.

Chemical Protection

Chemical protection helps reveal attempts to alter information through chemical washing techniques.

When fraudsters attempt to remove ink from a document, chemical protection features may react and leave visible evidence.

Benefits include:

• Check Washing Resistance
• Tamper Detection
• Enhanced Fraud Prevention

Fluorescent Fibers

Fluorescent fibers are embedded into security paper and become visible under ultraviolet (UV) light.

These fibers provide an additional method of authentication and verification.

• UV Verification
• Embedded Security
• Difficult To Duplicate

Holograms

Holograms provide a visual security element that can be difficult to duplicate accurately.

These features may display changing images or reflective effects when viewed from different angles.

Benefits include:

• Visual Verification
• Counterfeit Deterrence
• Advanced Security Layer

Thermochromatic Ink

Thermochromatic ink reacts to heat and changes appearance when rubbed or touched.

This feature provides a quick way to verify authenticity.

• Heat-Reactive Verification
• Easy Authentication
• Additional Fraud Deterrence

Prismatic Backgrounds

Prismatic backgrounds use intricate color gradients and patterns that can be difficult to reproduce accurately.

These designs help discourage copying and scanning attempts.

• Anti-Copy Design
• Professional Appearance
• Enhanced Security

Which Security Features Are Most Important?

Feature	Primary Benefit
VOID Pantograph	Copy Detection
Microprinting	Counterfeit Deterrence
True Watermark	Authentication
Chemical Protection	Check Washing Prevention
Holograms	Visual Verification

Security Features By Security Level

Feature	Better	Best	High Security
VOID Pantograph	✓	✓	✓
Microprinting	✓	✓	✓
Watermark	Limited	✓	✓
Chemical Protection	Limited	✓	✓
Hologram	No	Some Styles	✓
Thermochromatic Ink	No	Some Styles	✓

For more details, visit our Business Check Security Features Guide and our Business Check Fraud Prevention Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What security feature is most important?

There is no single feature that provides complete protection. Multiple layers of security typically offer the strongest defense.

Do businesses need holograms?

Not every business requires holograms, but organizations seeking additional protection often find them beneficial.

Can security checks stop fraud completely?

No system can eliminate risk entirely, but advanced security features can help deter and identify fraudulent activity.

What is check washing?

Check washing involves removing information from a check using chemicals and replacing it with altered information.

Are high-security checks worth it?

Many businesses view enhanced security as a valuable investment in fraud prevention and risk management.

Final Thoughts

Business check security features play an important role in protecting organizations from fraud, counterfeiting, and unauthorized alterations. Understanding how these features work can help businesses select the right level of protection for their needs.

Whether you choose Better Security, Best Security, or High Security checks, selecting products with appropriate security features can strengthen your overall fraud prevention strategy.