What Is Check Stock and How Is It Used?

Check stock refers to a specialized type of paper designed specifically for printing financial checks. It serves as the foundation for creating negotiable instruments used in various transactions. This distinct paper is engineered to facilitate the secure and accurate processing of payments, differing significantly from standard office paper. Its fundamental purpose is to enable the creation of checks that are both legally valid and resistant to fraudulent alteration.

What Makes Check Stock Unique

Check stock is distinguished from ordinary paper by its integration of various security features and functional elements designed to deter fraud and ensure transaction integrity. One common physical security feature is the presence of a watermark, an embedded design visible when held up to light, making replication difficult. Microprinting involves extremely small text or lines that appear as solid lines to the naked eye but become legible under magnification, blurring or becoming unreadable if copied.

Chemical alteration protection is often incorporated, causing stains or reactions if attempts are made to alter the check using common chemicals. Void pantographs, which are hidden patterns, become visible and display the word “VOID” if the check is photocopied. Some check stock also includes a security thread, a thin strip embedded within the paper, similar to those found in currency.

Beyond physical security, check stock is specifically manufactured to be compatible with Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) technology. The MICR line, located at the bottom of a check, contains the routing number, account number, and check number, printed with magnetic ink. This magnetic ink allows for high-speed, machine-readable processing by banks, ensuring efficient and accurate sorting and clearing of checks. The paper itself is formulated to accept this specialized ink consistently. Paper weight and durability are also considerations, as check stock typically has a heavier basis weight than regular copy paper, contributing to its durability and professional appearance.

Different Forms of Check Stock

Check stock is available in various physical formats and configurations to suit diverse printing needs. Blank check stock is entirely unprinted, meaning all check details—such as the payee, amount, date, bank information, and check number—must be added during the printing process. This form offers maximum flexibility and enhanced security, as no sensitive account information is pre-printed. In contrast, pre-printed check stock comes with some information already present, typically including the bank name, logo, account holder’s name and address, and sometimes the MICR routing and account numbers. With pre-printed stock, only variable details like the payee name and payment amount need to be printed by the user.

The physical presentation of check stock also varies, categorized as continuous form or cut-sheet. Continuous form check stock is designed as a long, perforated roll or fan-folded stack, typically used with dot matrix or tractor-feed printers. Often used in high-volume printing, cut-sheet check stock consists of individual sheets compatible with laser or inkjet printers. Within these formats, various check layouts exist, such as checks-on-top, checks-in-middle, or three-checks-per-page, where multiple checks are arranged on a single sheet for efficient printing and separation.

Printing and Using Check Stock

Printing checks onto check stock requires specific tools and a precise process to ensure accuracy and security. Specialized check printing software, or accounting software with integrated check printing capabilities, is necessary. This software manages the input of transactional data, formats the check details correctly, and positions them accurately on the check stock. It includes features for managing check numbers, tracking payments, and storing payee information.

Printer compatibility is an important consideration when using check stock. Laser printers are commonly preferred for printing checks, especially for blank check stock, because they can utilize MICR toner. MICR toner contains magnetic particles essential for printing the machine-readable MICR line at the bottom of the check. While inkjet printers can print the visual elements of a check, they generally cannot print the magnetic MICR line, limiting their use to pre-printed stock where the MICR line is already present. Properly loading check stock into the printer and ensuring correct alignment are important to prevent misprints.

The printing process typically involves entering the transaction details into the software, previewing the check image to verify all information is accurate, and then sending the print command to the compatible printer. After printing, it is important to verify the accuracy and legibility of all printed information, paying particular attention to the MICR line. Ensuring the MICR line is crisp, clear, and properly formed is important for the check to be processed.

Where to Obtain Check Stock

Check stock can be acquired from various suppliers, considering printing setup needs. Common sources include office supply stores, which often carry a range of options online and in-store. Specialized check printing companies or vendors are another source, offering more security features and customization. While banks or credit unions primarily provide pre-printed checks directly to their account holders, some may offer blank stock or recommend vendors.

When purchasing check stock, consider several factors. Select stock with security features, such as chemical alteration prevention, microprinting, and watermarks. Ensuring compatibility with the intended printer type is important, verifying whether it is designed for laser or inkjet printers, and continuous form or cut-sheet. Furthermore, the layout of the check stock, such as checks-on-top or three-per-page, should align with the capabilities and settings of the check printing software. Purchase from reputable vendors to ensure quality and security.