How to Make Checks on a Computer
Printing your own checks at home can save you time and money, as well as allow you to give your personal checks more personality. Contrary to popular belief, a check does not have to come from your bank in order for it to be valid.
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Things You'll Need
- Magnetic ink or toner
- Ink jet or laser printer
- Check design software
- Check stock
Instructions
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Get The Right Equipment
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Buy a printer. Most recent model inkjet and laser printers will work fine, but make sure that it can handle magnetic ink and can print on check stock. The vast majority of brand name printers will be able to handle both of these, but in order to control costs, you may want to look into how much replacement magnetic ink will run for your particular model.
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Buy magnetic ink. This step isn't essential, though it is highly recommended. In order to process your check quickly, banks will use a machine to read the MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) line which contains your account and routing numbers. Without magnetic ink, banks won't able to process your check automatically and will have to do so manually, which sometimes results in a a fee. The only reason to forgo magnetic ink is to save money, but considering the additional process time and possible fees you may occur, this is hardly worth it.
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Buy check stock. Also not essential, but is recommended for two main reasons. Firstly, paper specifically designed for checks is more difficult to alter and is thus more secure. Secondly, a heavier stock for your checks gives them a more "professional feel." Think of the impression you would get if someone handed you a business card printed on normal printer paper. The principle is the same for checks.
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Download or buy check design software. While designing your own checks from scratch is feasible, it is not exactly efficient. By using a template, you can ensure that the ideal dimensions and required elements on your check are included. Prices for check design software ranges from inexpensive to free. Many personal finance and bookkeeping software suites include check printing features. Check design software also comes with MICR fonts, which are needed to print the MICR line.
Create Your Check
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Enter contact information. This includes the name and address of the account owner as the name and address of your bank. This usually appears in the top corner of the check,
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Input the routing number. This is the number which identifies your bank and appears at the bottom-left, on the MICR line. Ask your bank if you aren't sure what its routing number is.
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Input your account number. This is your account number with your bank and appears after the routing number of the MICR line. You can usually find this number on your statement.
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Include the fractional number. Look at an existing check from your bank to find a fractional number (usually in small print in the corner). Include this in your check as well, as it will help in locating your bank if the MICR line fails to be read.
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Number your check. Pick an arbitrary starting number for your check and keep track from there. Make sure you won't be duplicating numbers from other checks you've written on this account.
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Fill out payee, amount and memo. If you are filling out a check now, go ahead and fill out the payee's name and the amount of your check. Or, if you are simply designing a blank check, you are done!
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Print. Load up your printer with your magnetic ink and check stock and print your check, filled out and ready for your signature.
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Tips & Warnings
The recommended paper for checks is 24 pound secure check stock.
Print a test page on normal stock to ensure that your design is aligned correctly.
The only line that needs magnetic ink is the MICR line. You can print out templates with the MICR ink and then use normal ink to fill in the rest of the information.
MICR Toner is preferable over ink, as magnetic particles in the ink cartridge tend to settle, resulting in unreliable checks that may not stand up to repeated scans.
Placement of the MICR is key. If it is not lined up properly, your check may be rejected. Check design software circumvents this issue.
Printing your own checks has a high start up cost. Make sure you are printing enough checks to justify this.
