Since we’re living in a digital age, you’d think that business checks would be an obsolete form of payment. But that can’t be further from the truth. Many companies worldwide still use checks to pay their expenses which include payroll and vendor services.
Did you know there are various types of business checks? Understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision. So if you want smooth financial operations and to minimize your potential risks then keep reading. We explain what the different types of checks are and why they matter.
Types of Business Checks
There are two types of business checks: computer and manual. In this section, we’ll explore the differences between the two and which one can help your business.
Computer Business Checks
A computer business check allows you to create and send checks directly from your laptop, PC, or smartphone. You can do this by using specific accounting software.
The advantages of digital checks are you can keep track of them, they don’t need physical storage and they’re easier to read. Here are the various styles of computer or digital business checks you can get:
Top-of-Page
A top-of-page check stock is printed at the top of a page. There will be two check stubs in the middle of the page and two at the bottom of the document. One check stub is for your business and the other one is for the person who is paying.
Middle-of-Page
A middle-of-page check stock is printed in the middle of a document. This design will have two check stubs at the top and bottom of the page.
Bottom of Page
With a Bottom of page design, the check is printed at the bottom of the document. The pay stubs will be printed at the top and in the middle of the page.
Three-to-a-Page
A three-to-page check stock uses the entire page and prints three checks per page. With this style of check, there is no room for pay stubs or vouchers. However, it provides an easy way to pay multiple bills at once.
Blank Business Stock
A blank business check stock isn’t commonly used in companies these days. It allows you to print your business account and routing number, the payee, and the check amount on the document.
Laser Wallet
A laser wallet check stock is similar to the three-to-page format. But it also allows you to add additional information to the document like pay stubs.
Manual Business Checks
Manual business checks are physical documents with some printed text on the page. It requires you to manually fill out the information in the spaces provided using a pen. You’ll need to write down the date, amount, memo, and payee details. There are two types of manual business checks:
Business Wallet Checks
A business wallet check comes in smaller sizes so they can easily fit inside a standard wallet. This makes it easier for you to write out checks on the go. They’re ideal for business executives who travel often for work.
Business Voucher Checks
Business voucher checks are the most popular form of business check because they come with one or more attached stubs. The stubs allow you to provide proof of payment to a vendor or employees so they can keep it for their records. These checks are also ideal to keep for bookkeeping references.
Why Choosing the Right Business Check Matters
Choosing the right type of business check will reflect your company’s professionalism and credibility. A well-designed check can leave a lasting impression on business partners, clients, and vendors.
What’s more, the type of business check you choose should provide you with a level of convenience. For computer checks, all your information is stored on a digital platform which makes it easier to store and retrieve.
Manual checks can work for those who travel for work but it may not always be compatible with your bookkeeping software. On the other hand, they are more secure than digital checks.
Final Thoughts
Before you select your business check style you must assess your company’s needs. Consider the volume of checks your company produces a day and how frequently you use checks to make payments.
You should also consider the security aspect of the type of checks you want. Manual checks may be more secure because they come with watermarks and other features to prevent fraud. Use this post to help you choose the right type of check for your company. Make sure it’s convenient, easy to produce, and has a professional format.
