Manual vs. Computer Checks: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Business checks come in two basic styles based on how you fill them out: manual checks you write by hand, and computer checks you print from accounting software. The right one depends on how many checks you write and how you keep your books. Here is how to choose.

The two styles

	Manual checks	Computer checks
Filled out	By hand	Printed from software
Format	Bound checkbook or 3-on-a-page	Sheets for laser/inkjet printers
Volume	Low to moderate	Moderate to high
Record keeping	Stub or register by hand	Automatic in software
Best for	Occasional payments	Payroll, A/P, regular runs

When manual checks fit

Manual checks suit businesses that write only a handful of checks and prefer to grab a checkbook and go. They come in bound books or 3-to-a-page formats with stubs or a register for recording each payment by hand. Simple, portable, no printer required.

When computer checks fit

If you run payroll or pay bills through QuickBooks or similar software, computer checks save real time. The software fills in the payee, amount, and memo, prints onto blank check stock, and records the transaction automatically, no hand-writing, fewer errors. See QuickBooks-compatible checks.

Security comes standard either way

Whichever style you choose, your checks should include the security features that protect against fraud, microprint, watermarks, and chemical-sensitive paper. We build those in regardless of format. See check security features explained.

Order checks that fit your workflow

We print both manual and computer checks compatible with your accounting software. See our business check options, and decide between voucher and standard formats. Request a free quote.