In-house check printing often presents a viable cost-cutting alternative to purchasing pre-printed checkbooks from check manufacturers or banks. In addition to cost savings, in-house check printing allows businesses and individuals to customize check formats and layout while printing only the checks needed. Most printers can be used to print checks, from large office printers to home office printer scanner copiers, but before checks can be printed, software must be used to design the format of the check.
Some types of accounting and bookkeeping software include check printing in their application packages. Other types of software focus solely on check printing, with no other accounting applications.
Software for check printing only
Software that is designed only for check printing rather than full-service accounting can provide a cost-effective solution for certain applications. While small businesses and home offices may find it more convenient to rely on all-in-one software applications, larger businesses and offices may want to dedicate a particular printer and computer just for printing checks, without having to link the creation of checks through a software system for other accounting activities of the company.
By using software just for check printing, businesses avoid having to purchase multiple editions of accounting software, which can help reduce costs. Check printing software applications range in cost from $15 to $130, a range that is comparable to accounting software bundled.
VersaCheck Gold, Checksoft, InstiCheck and Just Checking are some of the highest rated software applications available today.
Combined accounting and check printing software
Whether a check printing or combined accounting software application is best for a business largely depends on the size of the business and how accounting transactions are handled. For small business owners, work-from-home professionals, and individuals, all accounting activities are likely to be done together, so blended accounting software is probably the most appropriate software. The costs of both types of software vary significantly, so neither type of software has a significant cost advantage.
Accounting software applications with the highest ratings include: Quicken, Quickbooks and Goldenseal, although VersaCheck Gold includes billing capabilities and credit card transaction tracking.
Other features to consider
Accounting and payroll software program capabilities vary, so it’s a good idea to first determine exactly what you need from your software before you buy it. Some software programs include MICR check line printing, allowing custom MICR printing, while others exclude this, expecting the business owner to use check stock with pre-printed MICR data. Other features that vary from program to program include custom logo and graphic options, font customization, printable signature, and personal check options.