Check stock quality is crucial for businesses that rely on check payments. High-quality check stock not only ensures security and compliance but also enhances the professional image of the company. Whether you print checks in-house or use an automated service, understanding what makes good check stock can prevent fraud, ensure compatibility with banking systems, and offer a smooth payment experience. Here are the key qualities of good check stock to consider.
1. High-Quality Paper
The foundation of a good check stock is the quality of the paper itself. High-quality check stock typically uses durable, heavy-weight paper (usually 24 lb. to 28 lb.) designed to withstand various printing processes, mailing, and handling. Lightweight or low-quality paper is more susceptible to tearing, creasing, and tampering. Using thicker paper not only provides a more professional feel but also makes it more challenging for counterfeiters to manipulate the checks.
2. Security Features
Security is the most critical quality of good check stock, as it protects against fraud and unauthorized alterations. Look for check stock with these security features:
- Watermarks: A true watermark is embedded during the paper manufacturing process and is visible when held up to the light. It is a crucial deterrent against photocopying and counterfeiting, as it is challenging to replicate.
- Microprinting: Tiny text printed along the borders of the check is often too small to be reproduced accurately by standard copying or scanning devices. On genuine checks, this text appears sharp and clear, while it looks blurred or missing on counterfeit copies.
- Chemical Protection: Check stock treated with chemical-sensitive ink changes color or displays stains if exposed to solvents or chemicals commonly used for check washing. This feature helps prevent alterations to sensitive information like payee names and check amounts.
- Holograms: Some check stocks include holographic foil imprints, which are difficult to replicate. The hologram provides a unique visual element that helps validate the check’s authenticity.
- Heat-sensitive Ink: Incorporating ink that changes color when rubbed or exposed to heat adds an extra layer of security, as this is another feature counterfeiters struggle to replicate.
- Security Back Printing: Printed text or patterns on the back of the check prevent the content from being altered or photocopied. A common example is the “void” pantograph, which becomes visible when someone attempts to photocopy the check.
3. Compatibility with Banking Standards
Good check stock complies with banking standards, ensuring smooth processing and clearing. Banks use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) technology to process checks, so the check stock must be compatible with these systems:
- MICR Compatibility: Checks should be printed using magnetic ink and fonts that adhere to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for MICR lines. This includes the bank routing number, account number, and check number. Quality check stock has an area specifically designed for the MICR line to ensure accurate bank processing.
- Check Format: Checks must follow the proper dimensions, layout, and spacing guidelines outlined by banking institutions to prevent processing errors. These guidelines include placement of the payee line, amount box, and signature line, which must be consistent for automated scanning equipment.
4. Perforation for Easy Detachment
Many businesses use check stock that includes perforated edges, making it easy to separate checks from stubs or vouchers. Good check stock should have clean, precise perforations to ensure smooth and accurate detachment without tearing or damaging the check. This is particularly important for payroll, accounts payable, and other bulk check-printing needs where a large number of checks are processed.
5. Tamper-Evident Features
Tamper-evident features are designed to show clear signs if someone attempts to alter or manipulate the check:
- Void Pantographs: A void pantograph is a hidden security feature printed on the check’s surface that becomes visible when someone tries to photocopy or scan it. This discourages attempts at counterfeiting or unauthorized reproduction.
- Security Borders: High-quality check stock often includes borders with intricate designs or microprinted patterns that distort when someone tries to alter the check, providing a visual cue of tampering.
- Anti-copy Backgrounds: These backgrounds distort or show words like “VOID” if copied or scanned, making it easier to identify attempts at forgery.
6. Customizable Design
A professional check stock should be customizable, allowing companies to include their logos, branding elements, and other unique features:
- Company Branding: Adding a company logo, address, and branding elements to the check design reinforces brand identity and professionalism.
- Custom Layouts: Customizable check layouts accommodate the specific needs of different businesses, whether for payroll, vendor payments, or other purposes.
7. Durability
Durable check stock resists wear and tear, ensuring that checks remain legible and intact throughout their lifecycle. This is especially important for checks that will be mailed, as they must withstand various environmental factors like humidity, temperature changes, and handling.
8. Additional Record-Keeping Features
For businesses, check stock often includes record-keeping features that facilitate tracking and reconciliation:
- Check Stubs: A detachable check stub provides space to record details such as the payment date, payee, amount, and check number. These stubs serve as important documentation for accounting and record-keeping purposes.
- Pre-numbered Checks: Sequentially numbered checks aid in accounting processes, making it easier to track payments and detect any missing or altered checks.
9. Compatibility with Check-Printing Software
Most businesses today use check-printing software to produce checks efficiently. Good check stock must be compatible with popular check-printing software solutions, ensuring smooth integration and accurate printing. This compatibility includes the placement of fields like the date, payee name, and amount to align with pre-printed areas on the check stock.
10. Regulatory Compliance
Check stock must comply with federal and state regulations, as well as industry standards. For example, checks used in the United States must adhere to the standards set by the American Bankers Association (ABA). Using compliant check stock reduces the risk of check rejection by banks and ensures legal protection for businesses.
Choosing the Right Check Stock for Security and Professionalism
High-quality check stock is a vital component of secure, professional, and efficient business operations. By focusing on qualities such as security features, durability, compatibility with banking standards, and customizability, businesses can safeguard against fraud, streamline payments, and maintain a polished brand image. Whether you’re printing checks in-house or using an automated service like SmartPayables, investing in good check stock is essential for protecting your business and its financial integrity.
However, if you’d rather outsource all your check needs, SmartPayables offers a range of check-printing services with built-in security features and customizable options to suit your business needs. Contact SmartPayables today to find out how we can help streamline your payment process.
Founded in 2005, Smart Payables offers a full range of accounts payable payment solutions including outsourced check printing and mailing, document and statement printing and mailing, ACH direct deposits + more. Our highly experienced software developers and intelligent printing teams specialize in secure, enterprise-grade payment options that are HIPAA, SOC 1 Type 2, and ISO compliant. Our mission is to help businesses and large organizations implement secure, innovative technology that will reduce overhead and improve business operations and capabilities.