How To Order Business Checks For Your Company

Quick answer

• Gather your business’s legal name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) if you’re a sole proprietor.
• Decide on the check design, quantity, and any security features you need.
• Choose a reputable check printer or your business bank.
• Review the proof carefully before approving the order.
• Understand the costs involved, including printing fees and shipping.
• Keep a record of your order and any account numbers used.

Who this is for

• New business owners setting up their financial operations.
• Existing businesses needing to replenish their check supply.
• Companies looking to update their check designs or security features.

What to check first (before you act)

Business Legal Name and Address

Before you can order checks, you need to confirm the exact legal name of your business as it appears on official documents and the primary business address. This is crucial because these details will be printed on every check you issue.

Account and Routing Numbers

Ensure you have your business checking account number and the bank’s routing number readily available. These are fundamental for any check order and are found on your bank statements or by contacting your bank.

Required Information for Ordering

Different check providers may require slightly different documentation. Typically, you’ll need your business’s legal name, physical address, phone number, and your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Sole proprietors might use their Social Security Number (SSN) in some cases, but an EIN is generally preferred for businesses.

Budget for Check Costs

Business checks are not free. Factor in the cost of the checks themselves, potential design fees, shipping, and any expedited processing fees. Compare prices from different vendors to find the best value.

Step-by-step: Ordering Business Checks

Step 1: Confirm Your Business Details

What to do: Verify your business’s legal name, physical address, and phone number. Ensure these match your official business registration and bank records.
What “good” looks like: You have the exact, up-to-date information ready to provide to the check printer.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Using an outdated or slightly different business name. Avoid this by checking your Articles of Incorporation or LLC registration documents.

Step 2: Gather Your Banking Information

What to do: Locate your business checking account number and your bank’s routing number. These are usually found on your bank statements or by logging into your online banking portal.
What “good” looks like: You have both numbers accurately recorded and ready to input.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Transposing digits in the routing or account number. Double-check these numbers carefully before proceeding.

Step 3: Determine Your Needs

What to do: Decide how many checks you need, the format (e.g., top, middle, or bottom tear-off), and if you require any special features like foil holograms or microprinting for enhanced security.
What “good” looks like: You have a clear idea of the quantity and type of checks that will best suit your business volume and security concerns.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Ordering too few checks, leading to frequent reorders, or ordering too many, tying up capital. Avoid this by estimating your monthly check usage and adding a buffer.

Step 4: Choose Your Vendor

What to do: Select a vendor. Your options typically include your business bank, dedicated online check printers, or office supply stores that offer custom checks.
What “good” looks like: You’ve researched a few reputable vendors, comparing prices, turnaround times, and customer reviews.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Going with the first vendor you find without comparing options. This can lead to overpaying or receiving lower-quality products.

Step 5: Select a Design

What to do: Browse the available designs. Most vendors offer a range of standard templates, or you may have the option to upload your own logo.
What “good” looks like: You’ve chosen a design that is professional, reflects your brand, and clearly displays all necessary information.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Choosing a design that is too busy or has low-contrast colors, making it hard to read. Ensure your logo is high-resolution if you upload one.

Step 6: Provide Necessary Information

What to do: Fill out the order form with your business details, banking information, and chosen design. You may need to provide your EIN or SSN.
What “good” looks like: All fields are completed accurately and honestly.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Entering incorrect EIN/SSN, which can cause delays or rejection of the order. Verify this number with your IRS documentation.

Step 7: Review the Proof

What to do: Carefully examine the digital or physical proof provided by the vendor. Check every detail: business name, address, account/routing numbers, logo placement, and spelling.
What “good” looks like: The proof is error-free and exactly as you want it.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Rushing through the proof review. This is the most critical step for catching errors before printing.

Step 8: Place Your Order and Pay

What to do: Submit your order and complete the payment. Note the estimated delivery time.
What “good” looks like: You have a confirmation of your order and payment, along with an expected delivery date.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Not understanding the payment terms or cancellation policy. Read these before finalizing.

Step 9: Track Your Order

What to do: If a tracking number is provided, use it to monitor the shipment’s progress.
What “good” looks like: You know when to expect your checks.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting about the order and not noticing if it’s significantly delayed.

Step 10: Store Your Checks Securely

What to do: Once received, store your new business checks in a secure location.
What “good” looks like: Your checks are protected from unauthorized access.
Common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving checks in an easily accessible or unsecured area. This can lead to fraud.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Incorrect business name or address	Checks may be rejected by banks, causing payment delays and potential NSF fees for your payees.	Double-check official business registration and bank statements before ordering.
Typos in routing or account numbers	Checks will not clear the bank, leading to bounced payments and potential fees for both you and the payee.	Carefully compare the numbers on your order form to your bank statement.
Using an outdated check stock	May lack modern security features, making them more vulnerable to counterfeiting.	Order new checks periodically and ensure they include up-to-date security measures.
Not ordering enough checks	Frequent reordering can be time-consuming and may incur rush fees.	Estimate your monthly check volume and order a quantity that will last at least 6-12 months.
Ignoring the proof	Errors printed on checks can lead to significant financial and reputational damage.	Dedicate ample time to meticulously review every detail of the proof before approving.
Using a low-resolution logo	Your company logo will appear blurry or pixelated, undermining your professional image.	Ensure your logo file is high-resolution (e.g., 300 dpi) and in an appropriate format (e.g., vector or high-res JPG/PNG).
Not considering security features	Increased risk of check fraud, leading to financial losses and the hassle of dealing with fraudulent activity.	Choose checks with features like watermarks, microprinting, or security screens.
Ordering from unverified vendors	Risk of receiving poor-quality checks, delays, or even scams where your payment is taken without delivery.	Stick to reputable online printers or your trusted bank. Check reviews and business credentials.
Not keeping a record of the order	Difficulty in tracking delivery or reordering if needed.	Save order confirmations, invoices, and any tracking information.
Using a P.O. Box for business address	Many banks and check printers require a physical street address for business verification.	Use your actual business location as the primary address; a P.O. Box can be listed as a secondary mailing address if needed.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your business is new, then order a smaller initial quantity of checks to test your volume needs because you might underestimate or overestimate usage.
• If you handle sensitive payments or high-value transactions, then opt for checks with advanced security features because it mitigates fraud risk.
• If your business has a strong brand identity, then consider ordering custom checks with your logo because it enhances professionalism and brand recognition.
• If you need checks urgently, then compare expedited shipping options and turnaround times from different vendors because not all printers offer the same speed.
• If you are unsure about your bank’s routing number, then call your bank directly because an incorrect number will prevent checks from clearing.
• If you are a sole proprietor operating under your personal name, then you can often use your SSN, but getting an EIN is recommended for a more professional business image and separation of finances.
• If you receive a proof with errors, then do not approve it and request a corrected proof because printing incorrect checks is costly and problematic.
• If you are comparing prices, then factor in shipping costs and potential setup fees because the base price may not be the final cost.
• If your business address has changed, then update your bank records first before ordering new checks because discrepancies can cause issues.
• If you want to save money, then order a larger quantity of standard checks because bulk discounts are common.
• If you are concerned about check fraud, then review the security features offered by each vendor and choose the most robust options.
• If you have a dedicated business bank account, then order checks directly through your bank’s portal for guaranteed compatibility and ease.

FAQ

What information do I need to order business checks?

You will generally need your business’s legal name, physical address, phone number, business checking account number, bank routing number, and your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) if you’re a sole proprietor.

Can I use my personal checks for business?

It is strongly discouraged. Using personal checks for business blurs the lines between personal and business finances, making accounting difficult and potentially impacting your business’s professional image and legal separation.

How long does it take to get business checks?

Standard turnaround times can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the vendor and whether you choose expedited shipping. Always check the estimated delivery time provided by the printer.

What is an EIN and why do I need it for checks?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like a Social Security number for your business, issued by the IRS. Many check printers require it for verification and to ensure the checks are properly associated with your business entity.

Are business checks more expensive than personal checks?

Generally, yes. Business checks often have more robust security features and are printed in smaller quantities, which can increase the per-check cost compared to high-volume personal checks.

Can I order checks with my company logo?

Yes, most reputable check printers offer the option to add your company logo to your business checks, provided you supply a high-resolution image file.

What if my bank uses a different routing number for different transactions?

Always use the routing number specifically designated for your business checking account. This is usually found on your bank statements or by contacting your bank’s business services department.

How secure are business checks?

Modern business checks come with various security features like watermarks, microprinting, and security screens to deter counterfeiting. However, no check is entirely fraud-proof, so proper handling and security practices are still essential.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific pricing for business checks from various vendors.
• Detailed comparison of security features across different check printing companies.
• Legal requirements for business banking and check endorsements in specific states.
• Advanced accounting software integration for check printing.
• Alternatives to physical checks, such as electronic payments and ACH transfers.