How to Choose an Online Business Check Service
Running a business can be a rewarding experience, but it requires constant vigilance to keep expenses under control. This is a fact that business owners are reminded of every time they have to write a check. It’s ironic then that those very checks that serve as a reminder of the cost of doing business can also serve as a golden opportunity to save money.
Online check ordering services provide businesses a way to significantly cut costs without sacrificing quality or security. In fact, by ordering checks online, a business can save anywhere from ⅓ to ½ the cost of buying checks from a bank.
There are also other benefits to buying checks from an online provider, as well as special features that vary from service to service. It’s important to compare check printing services before ordering checks to see who provides the most value for money.
Important Features in a Check Ordering Service
Check Variety and Add-ons
Determining which check ordering service you use begins with choosing which type of checks you need for your business. There are several varieties of business checks, including:
Software Compatible Laser Checks
Think of these as computer checks — they can be put into a printer and filled out with your PC or Mac. You should ensure that the check provider you choose is compatible with the accounting software that you use, be it QuickBooks, Quicken or another platform, to ensure your checks deposit.
Manual Checks
These are checks that you fill out by hand with a pen. They come in a variety of forms, such as 3-to-a-page that can fit into a binder, or in a compact size for traveling.
Payroll Checks
These are checks designed specifically for paying employees. They are available in both manual and laser form and come pre-printed with deduction captions for local, state and federal taxes.
High-Security Checks
While any business check will include measures against fraud, these checks take added safety measures, such as watermarks, heat-sensitive ink, invisible fluorescent fibers, chemically sensitive paper and anti-copy technology.
In addition, check services offer all of the above check options with different methods of tracking checks, such as side stubs, or duplicate copies of registers. You should also see if they include accessories, such as endorsement stamps, binders, or deposit tickets.
Some services offer further customization options, such as special designs, or the option to imprint your company’s logo on the check.
How Much Do Business Checks Online Cost?
While you’re sure to save money ordering checks online, as opposed to from the bank, there is some variance between the different check types and the various services. As a general rule, laser checks will cost you more than manual checks, and checks with extra features, such as high-security checks, will come at a premium. You'll also pay more for additional products, like deposit slips, address labels, return address labels, and more.
When comparing prices, it is important to ensure that you know how many checks are included in a set in order to get a proper apples-to-apples comparison. Also, many services offer a bulk discount with the price of checks going down the more you order.
Money-Back Guarantee
It is essential that you be able to get your money back if any part of your order has not been carried out properly and your check contains false information. Because of the sensitive nature of payments and bank information, you cannot afford to have an erroneous account number, routing number, name, or address on your business checks. Of course you should double and triple check your information before submitting your order and the service should have a mechanism in place to ensure you that they have the correct information before printing. However, mistakes still happen occasionally and you have to know you will be compensated if your checks are unusable.
Shipping Time and Cost
Shipping times vary for different services, and often you will have different shipping options for different prices at a given provider. Times can range from 2 to 14 days, and beyond. Cost generally depends on the weight of your order, as well as your location within the U.S. Bear in mind that customized orders, particularly ones that require a checks designer, can add as much as 10 days to the process.
Is it Safe to Order Business Checks Online?
When dealing with sensitive information such as the finances of your business and your bank account information, you want to ensure that the check company you are ordering from is safeguarding your information. While it is convenient to provide your banking information for your checks online, it should only be done so if the company has taken the proper precautions and encrypted your personal information.
In addition, you want to ensure that the checks you're receiving adhere to the Check Payment Systems Association's (CPSA) security specifications. If your transactions are particularly sensitive and you require more security assurances, it is suggested that you opt for high security checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best place to order checks?
Based on our research, Deluxe is the best place overall to purchase business checks. Although it is relatively expensive, it offers more types of checks, more customization, and stronger security than any other provider.
2. Can you order business checks from anywhere?
Most places that sell business checks online ship to all 50 states. Standard shipping is often free, while express options vary in price.
3. What is the cheapest way to order checks?
Ordering business checks online is virtually always cheaper than ordering from the banks. The cheapest online business check services can save you up to 80% off your next checkbook.
Conclusion
Choosing to order business checks online is only the first step toward finding the best deal. Step 2 is comparing your options online. In the above guide, we presented the best business check services as measured by a range of factors, including price, customization, customer service, and security. We hope this guide helps you find your best place to order business checks.