For a business paying employees and suppliers each month, your checks will run out quickly. If you're wondering how to order business checks that integrate with your payroll for the lowest price, consider purchasing them online.
The Advantages of Ordering Checks from an Online Checking Service
Businesses that are considering integrating an online checking service with their payroll should know there are many advantages to doing so. In addition, there are a few small issues business owners should keep in mind.
Customized Design and Accessories
Banks don't usually offer a wide array of designs for checks, but online services not only offer many hundreds of templates, they often also offer customized design. It’s important that your business incorporate its business logo onto business checks for a professional look and feel. In addition, most online checking services offer an array of accessories beyond checks, including checkbooks, address labels, address stamps and wallets.
Strict Security Requirements
It’s easy for thieves to print fraudulent checks that look the same as your business checks. To prevent check fraud, it’s important to order checks with standards credited by the Check Payments Systems Association (CPSA). These features include precautions such as reactive paper or ink, holographic seals, microprinted words, and intricately printed designs that are close to impossible to copy.
Normal business checks may have 3 to 6 security features, whereas high-security checks may have as many as 10 or more. Small business owners should consider purchasing high-security business checks as they are doing business with clientele with whom they are not familiar. Make sure your online checking service complies with CPSA standards so your checks aren't easily copied.
Affordability
Ordering checks online, in bulk with minimal design minus the accessories can be inexpensive, especially in comparison with your bank or credit union. Shop around between online checking services for the best price. Don't forget to look online for discounts or promotions for first-time users -- a nice feature lacking in most banks.
The Top 5 Online Checking Services
We've reviewed a few online checking services and found the top 5, based on price, design availability, security features, and customer support.
Sam's Club
Price: Starts as low as $5.95
Designs Available: One of the largest on the market
Security Features: High Security Laser Checks and more
Sam’s Club offers standard checkbooks for as low as $5.95 and free standard shipping, but you need to be a Sam’s Club member to take full advantage of these special prices. They also offer a special security service called Fraud Armor, which protects against check fraud. Compatible with a range of software for printing, including Quicken, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Money, Sam’s Club checks are a solid addition to any growing business. Sam's Club offers a toll-free number as well as email to speak to a customer service representative at any time for customer support.
Checks Unlimited
Price: Cost-effective
Designs Available: 70 design options
Security Features: 15 extra security measures
Checks Unlimited doesn't have the same variety of design features as Sam's Club or other vendors, but it makes up for that in fraud prevention, meeting all CPSA security requirements, including a foiled hologram that cannot be copied. Customer service is available from a toll-free number as well as via email. Checks Unlimited offers a full refund if you are unsatisfied with your order for any reason.
BusChecks
Price: Cost-effective
Designs Available: Limited
Security Features: High-security laser checks and more
BusChecks is a customer business check company, offering checks in different styles and colors, although limited compared to the other vendors mentioned in this review. It offers many features to prevent against check fraud, including microprinting, security screens and security bands.
Its customer service is also somewhat limited, with hours of availability Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 5:00pm CT and on Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm CT. BusChecks offers a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
Carousel Checks Review
Price: Cost-effective
Designs Available: Over 1,250
Security Features: High security laser checks and more
A 30-year old family-owned business, Carousel Checks has a good online reputation. It offers a large offering of check designs – over 1,250. It also offers an array of different accessories such as checkbook covers made in cloth or leather and self-inking stamps.
Security is top-of-the-line, and for an additional fee you can guard your business checks from fraud of up to $25,000 by purchasing EZShield Check Fraud Protection. Included in its offerings are high-security laser business checks.
There are a few downsides to Carousel Checks, however. It’s not transparent about additional fees such as handling, shipping, and customer support. It has received complaints about their customer support as well.
Checks in the Mail
Price: Cost-effective
Designs Available: Over 300
Security Features: Meets all CPSA guidelines
Checks in the Mail stands out in its personalization and security features. It offers a vast array of customization options to express your style, including animated features and popular cartoon designs, as well as the ability to upload your own business logo. Security features include high security checks and 3 additional security features, which include special paper, inks and design elements that are difficult to copy. A toll-free number for customer support is available to provide assistance from Monday through Friday, from 7:00am to 8:00pm CT.
The only con we can find is that it does not offer a money-back guarantee.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to purchasing online checks that integrate with your payroll software. Affordability, variety of design, customer support and high-levels of security are just a few of those advantages. If you're looking to integrate online checking services with your payroll software, one of these top business checks services should be able to provide you with what you need.
