How to Print Your Own Bank Checks
One of the biggest hidden costs of having a checking account comes from ordering checks. Simply put, these free checking accounts offered by all of the major banks today have to make their money somehow. By doing the check printing yourself, you can save those costs and get ahead financially.
Before you begin the task of check printing, there are vital parts that should be considered. Contrary to what you may initially think, it is never quite as simple as merely having them come out on a piece of paper. Definitely purchase a check printing program. There are many quality programs available that are inexpensive. Furthermore, we have listed some guidelines to help you get started.
What Do You Need?
If you are going to print your own checks, you will need hardware as well as software to have access to a truly professional result. You can conveniently use your printer at home. You will need magnetic ink, however this may be challenging since this ink can be hard to find. Don’t get discouraged; it will take some looking.
In addition to the magnetic ink, it would be wise to use special paper, to prevent your checks from being easily manipulated. There are many online and offline retail stores that sell check stock paper. You can buy blank check stock in sheets of hundreds, and these will last for a really long time for anyone that doesn’t write a large amount of checks. This paper will closely resemble the checks that your bank uses.
The most important aspect of these checks is that they incorporate full security features, making it difficult to be subject of manipulation and theft. You can also purchase checks for Quicken or other programs, if you are using a money management program. For certain expenses that are a part of your bookkeeping program, you can automatically print checks with this kind of check stock, since it is primarily created for such programs.
Magnetic Ink in Detail
It is very important to use Magnetic ink. At some point after you’ve written a check, it will be run through a reader. The magnetic ink allows the check to be “read” from non-optical readers. Should you elect to go through with check printing without selecting magnetic ink, then you may run the possibility of facing delays and extra fees levied against you because of the manual check processing that will result from not having the special ink.
Understand MICR Fonts
Have you ever wondered why the bank account information and routing information on your check look so funny? It’s because they are done in what is known as an MICR font. In order for most banks to honor a check, these numbers must be done in either MICR or another font, known as E-13B. Usually, a laser quality printer is required in order to print these fonts, so you will want to check and make sure that your printer is capable. These fonts will be much easier to print on laser stock paper, as well.
In addition, it will be less complicated to print these fonts on laser stock paper. If you tend to write a large number of checks, then you can save money by check printing from home. The benefits of check printing outweigh the initial cost of extra equipment. All these security measures must be taken seriously. Without doing so, you could fall victim of theft since the checks could be so easily manipulated.
