How Can I Print Free Business Personal Checks?

Print your own checks to save money.

You can cut down on costs by printing your own business and personal checks for free. Many accounting and bookkeeping software packages already contain check printing features, or you can download free and inexpensive check printing software from the Internet. Most programs allow you to print on regular printing paper, but for added security and ease of use, you can buy inexpensive blank check printing forms.

Things You'll Need

• Check printing software
• Blank check forms (optional)

Instructions

1. Install check printing software on your computer. Choose a program that meets your needs and budget.

2. Enter your information into the program, as you wish it to appear on the checks. For personal checks, enter the name, address and telephone number as it is listed on your checking account. For business checks, enter the business name, address and telephone number as it is listed on your business checking account.

3. Enter the name and address of the bank that holds the account.

4. Enter your bank's routing number and your checking account number into the program. Also enter any check numbers you want to appear on the checks.

5. Select the image or design you wish to appear of the background of the check. Some blank check forms already have images printed on them, allowing you to skip this step. Some programs also will allow you to use your own image files.

6. Enter the recipient's name and the dollar amount, if you are printing specific checks.

7. Insert paper into a printer. Most check printing programs require a laser printer and a resolution of 600 dpi or higher to handle the MICR or E13-B fonts required by federal law to be used for the routing and account codes. You can use blank printer paper, but you should consider buying inexpensive blank check forms that have security features and perforations for ease of use.

8. Print your checks and review them to make sure everything is correct.

Tips & Warnings

• Many banks and retailers use check reading equipment that require checks to be printed using magnetic ink. Using the magnetic ink, also called MICR ink, may help you avoid delays in the processing of your checks and allow you to use the checks at more retail locations.

References

• BankersOnline: Pitfalls of Customer-Printer Checks
• SMD Checks Center: How to Print Your Own Checks