Ordering checks online has become a standard practice for both individuals and business owners who need a reliable way to manage their finances. Deluxe is one of the most recognized providers in the industry, offering a wide array of personal and business check products. Whether you are ordering for the first time or simply need to replenish your supply, the process is designed to be straightforward. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to select, customize, and order your checks efficiently while ensuring all your banking information is accurate.
Preparing Your Information for an Order
Before you begin the online ordering process, it is essential to have your banking details ready. Having this information on hand prevents errors that could lead to rejected transactions or the need for a costly reorder. You will primarily need two sets of numbers found at the bottom of your current checks or within your online banking portal.
Locating Your Routing and Account Numbers
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific financial institution. On a standard check, this is usually the first set of numbers on the bottom left. The second set of numbers is your unique account number. If you do not have a physical check available, you can find these details on your monthly bank statement or by logging into your bank’s mobile app. Accuracy is critical here, as even a single digit error will render the checks unusable.
Gathering Personal or Business Details
You will also need to decide what information you want printed on the checks. For personal accounts, this typically includes your full name and current address. For business accounts, you should have the legal name of the business and the registered business address. Some users also choose to include their phone number, though this is optional and depends on your personal preference for privacy.
How to Order Personal Checks
Personal checks come in a variety of styles, from basic blue safety paper to elaborate designs featuring landscapes, animals, or charitable causes. The ordering process allows you to reflect your personality while maintaining the professional standards required by banks.
Step 1: Choose Your Design
The first step is browsing the catalog of available designs. You can filter by category, such as classic, high-security, or eco-friendly. Once you select a design, you will often have the choice between single checks or duplicate checks. Duplicate checks include a thin carbonless copy behind each check, which is helpful for manual record-keeping.
Step 2: Enter Your Customization Details
After selecting your design, you will enter the text that appears in the upper left corner of the check. You will also be asked to choose a font style. While it may be tempting to choose a highly decorative script, ensure that the font remains legible for merchants and bank tellers. At this stage, you will also input your routing and account numbers.
Step 3: Select Your Quantity
Checks are typically sold in boxes. A standard box usually contains about 100 to 125 checks, but this varies by design and check type. If you write checks frequently, purchasing multiple boxes at once often provides a better value per check. Review the pricing tiers to see if a bulk order makes sense for your needs.
How to Order Business Checks
Business checks require a bit more consideration than personal ones, as they often need to integrate with accounting software or include specific security features to protect against fraud. Deluxe offers several formats tailored to different business operations.
Selecting the Right Format
The most common business checks are computer checks and manual checks. Computer checks are designed to be fed through a printer and are compatible with software like QuickBooks or Sage. Manual checks are often kept in a large three-ring binder (known as a 3-to-a-page check) and are handwritten. Determine which format fits your current bookkeeping workflow before proceeding.
Enhancing Security Features
Business accounts are often targets for check fraud. When ordering, look for high-security options that include features like holograms, heat-sensitive ink, and chemically sensitive paper. While these checks carry a slightly higher price point, they provide significant peace of mind by making the checks much harder to alter or counterfeit.
Adding Your Business Logo
To maintain a professional brand image, you can upload your business logo to be printed on the checks. Ensure your logo file is in a high-resolution format (like a JPEG or PNG) so that it appears crisp and clear on the final product. You can usually preview the placement of the logo during the customization step.
Reviewing and Finalizing Your Order
The final stage of the process is the most important. You must carefully review all the information entered to ensure there are no typos. Most ordering platforms provide a digital proof of your check. Check the spelling of your name, the accuracy of the address, and most importantly, the routing and account numbers.
- Check the Starting Number: If you are moving from an old set of checks, ensure your new order starts with the next sequential number to keep your records organized.
- Verify Shipping Information: Ensure the checks are being sent to a secure location where someone can receive them.
- Choose Shipping Speed: Standard shipping is usually the most cost-effective, but expedited options are available if you are running low and need them immediately.
Tracking Your Order and Reordering
Once your order is placed, you will typically receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. It is a good idea to monitor this tracking information so you know exactly when your checks will arrive. Because checks contain sensitive financial information, you should collect them from your mailbox as soon as possible after delivery.
Setting Up Reorder Reminders
To avoid the stress of running out of checks, many people find it helpful to set a reminder when they reach the last pad in their box. Some services offer an automatic reorder feature, or you can simply keep your order number from your previous transaction to make the next checkout process even faster. Since your information is already on file, reordering usually takes only a few clicks.
Conclusion
Ordering checks from a reliable provider like Deluxe is a simple task once you have your banking information and preferences organized. By following the steps outlined above—choosing the right format, ensuring high security, and double-checking your account details—you can ensure a smooth transaction and receive a product that meets your needs. Having a physical checkbook remains a vital tool for many financial tasks, and keeping a steady supply on hand is a key part of good financial management. For more tips on managing your personal or business finances, explore our other guides on online banking security and record-keeping best practices.