You can easily order the business check of your choosing from a bank, credit union, or third-party check retailer based on how you wish to use them. Here we’ll explore the types of business checks available and how to determine the best one for your small business.
What Are Business Checks?
Business checks are monetary instruments business owners can use to issue funds from their business bank account. Like personal checks, business checks are linked to a bank account that gets debited when a written check is cashed. Personal checks also have your personal information, like first and last name, while business checks will have your business information printed on the check. You will need to open a business bank account first in order to obtain and use business checks.
Types of Business Checks
The two main types of business checks are computer checks and manual checks. Laser-printed computer checks allow business owners to print business checks complete with the issue date, check amount, and payee, directly from their computers. In comparison, manual business checks are kept in a check binder or wallet-sized checkbook, and you must handwrite the check information. Both kinds of business checks can include vouchers or stubs that can be kept for better recordkeeping.
Computer Business Checks
Computer business checks allow you to issue pre-printed checks right from your computer using accounting software. These checks are often more convenient as they make it easier to document and track business checks, while often being clearer, easy to read, and more professional-looking than handwritten business checks. Computer business checks come in a variety of styles, including:
Top of page: A check stock designed to print one business check at the top of a page, with two check stubs on the middle and on the bottom of the remaining page space—one for the business, one for the payeeMiddle of page: A check stock designed to print one business check in the middle of the page, with check stubs on the top and bottom of the remaining page spaceBottom of page: A check stock designed to print one business check on the bottom of a page with pay stubs printed on the top and middle of the remaining page space.Three to a page: A check stock that utilizes the entire page and prints three checks for each page, leaving no room for vouchers or pay stubsLaser wallet: A check stock similar to the three to a page format, with room for pay stub informationBlank business stock: A less commonly used check type that allows owners to print not only the payee and check amount, but the business account number and routing number as well.
Manual Business Checks
Manual business check stocks are business checks that have only some pre-printed information; you will need to fill in the payee, issue date, memo, and amount. Manual checks may not always be compatible with your bookkeeping software, so you may need to handwrite them. The two most common types of manual checks are:
Business voucher checks: Manual business checks typically come with a place to write detailed payment information like the invoice number or payee information in a detachable pay stub or invoice box that can be used for bookkeeping reference. These business checks most often come three to a page, but they are also available in a one-check format.Business wallet checks: These manual business checks are often personal check-size—smaller than standard business checks.
How To Choose the Best Type of Business Check for You
There are multiple types of business checks you can choose from, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. When deciding on the best business checks for you, you’ll need to consider your business activity, business type, and how often you write checks.
Businesses With Regular Payroll
If you’re a business owner with employees, you’ll need to pay them regularly. Although digital deposit is common, some businesses need to issue payroll checks on a regular basis. Computer checks are ideal for handling payroll expenses because they allow owners to easily document check information and sync up business bank information with their accounting software.
Freelancers and Sole Proprietors
It’s a good idea for even freelance business owners and small contractors who rarely write checks to keep a few checks handy. In this case, pricier computer check options may not make the most sense for businesses that don’t issue checks frequently. So, if writing a check is a rare occurrence for you, a wallet-sized manual business check may be a good money-saving option.
Businesses With Multiple Accounts
Businesses with multiple bank accounts or that have to change bank accounts often may want to consider blank computer business checks. Because this check stock doesn’t have the account number or bank routing information, blank business checks allow owners to print checks from multiple accounts without changing the check paper. Want to read more content like this? Sign up for The Balance’s newsletter for daily insights, analysis, and financial tips, all delivered straight to your inbox every morning!
