Current Checks and Check Printing Services: Full Guide

What Current Checks and Current Catalog Are

Current Checks is the name used by Current Catalog (currentcatalog.com), a consumer catalog company that sells personal checks alongside home, gift, and lifestyle products. Current Catalog has operated as a general consumer catalog company for decades, offering products across multiple categories. Checks are one of its product lines, sold through its website and historically through print mail catalogs.

Current Catalog is not a check manufacturer. It is a check reseller. When a buyer orders personal checks through currentcatalog.com, those checks are produced by a third-party printing fulfillment partner and shipped to the buyer. Current Catalog's website provides the design selection and order intake interface. The actual printing and security paper handling is performed by the fulfillment partner operating behind the scenes.

The check design options available through Current Catalog cover standard personal check formats including single checks and duplicate checks, in top-tear format. The catalog includes themed designs, classic background options, and matching accessories like checkbook covers and address labels. The brand positions its check offering as part of the same shopping experience as its other catalog products, appealing to buyers who want to handle both check reordering and lifestyle shopping in one place.

For buyers searching "Current Checks" because they used to order from Current Catalog and want to compare their options, the key takeaway is that Current Catalog functions as a middleman in the check supply chain. The checks it sells are produced by a printing partner and marked up through the catalog channel.

How Current Catalog Check Ordering Works

The Current Catalog check ordering process follows the same steps used by most consumer check reseller sites. A buyer selects a design, enters bank and personal information, chooses a format and quantity, adds accessories, selects a shipping method, and completes payment. The order is transmitted to the fulfillment printer, which produces and ships the checks.

Current Catalog's processing window adds time to the standard delivery estimate. The company's own guidance notes that buyers should allow five business days for order processing in addition to shipping time. For single-box orders, the company ships via USPS, which adds further variability to the total delivery window. Two-box orders qualify for UPS shipping, which provides better tracking and more predictable delivery timing.

Current Catalog's check line is primarily a personal check offering. The site's catalog model means design selection and check accessories are presented alongside the company's broader product range, which can create a different browsing experience than a dedicated check printer's website. Buyers who want only business checks, QuickBooks-compatible checks, or blank check stock may find the Current Catalog catalog limited relative to dedicated check printing services.

How the Check Printing Services Industry Works

The check printing industry operates through several distinct channel models, each with different cost structures, quality control approaches, and turnaround times. Understanding these models helps buyers choose where to order with accurate expectations about what they are getting and what they are paying for.

Bank Reseller Model

Most US banks do not print checks themselves. When you order checks through your bank, the bank transmits your order to a contracted check printing partner, most commonly Harland Clarke or Deluxe Corporation. The printer produces the checks and ships them to you. The bank charges you at a retail markup on top of the printing partner's wholesale price. That bank markup funds the bank's check ordering administration and customer service overhead. Checks ordered through banks typically cost 50% to 100% more per check than the same product ordered directly from the manufacturer.

Catalog Reseller Model

Catalog resellers like Current Catalog, and historically many check brands sold through physical mail catalogs, operate as consumer-facing storefronts that pass orders to fulfillment printers. The reseller adds a margin between the print cost and the consumer price to cover the catalog operation, customer service, and marketing costs. Design selection may be broad, but the underlying check quality depends entirely on the fulfillment printer's standards rather than the catalog brand's own capabilities.

Direct Consumer Brand Model

Some consumer brands like Checks Unlimited, Designer Checks, and Artistic Checks (all Deluxe check brands, Deluxe Corporation brands) operate as direct-to-consumer storefronts with a wide design catalog, promotional pricing, and their own check fulfillment through Deluxe's printing infrastructure. These brands use the coupon-model pricing approach covered in our artistic checks and coupon deals guide.

In-House Direct Manufacturer Model

A direct check printer owns and operates its own check printing equipment and produce every order internally. When you order from an in-house manufacturer, your order goes directly from the order system to the production floor of that specific company. There is no outsourcing step, no fulfillment partner margin, and no reseller channel markup. In-house manufacturing gives the manufacturer direct control over paper stock quality, MICR encoding accuracy, print quality, and production speed. Checkomatic is an in-house manufacturer, producing every personal and business check order at its facility in Monroe, NY.

In-House Manufacturer vs Check Reseller: The Real Difference

The distinction between ordering from an in-house check manufacturing operation and ordering from a catalog reseller affects price, turnaround time, quality control, and accountability. These are not abstract differences; they show up in tangible ways on every order.

Price

A check reseller adds a margin above the manufacturing cost. When you order from Current Catalog, you pay the catalog's consumer price, which covers the printing partner's cost plus the catalog's margin for operating costs, marketing, and profit. An in-house manufacturer sells at manufacturing cost plus a direct-to-consumer margin without the additional layer of a catalog or reseller intermediary. The check printing cost per check is typically lower from a direct manufacturer than from a reseller handling the same security paper product.

Quality Control

An in-house manufacturer is directly responsible for every check that leaves its facility. The company's reputation depends entirely on the quality of what it ships. A reseller's quality depends on its fulfillment partner's standards, which the reseller monitors at arm's length. If a reseller's fulfillment partner makes a MICR encoding error or ships on substandard paper, the reseller's customer service team has to mediate the correction rather than the production team fixing it at the source.

Turnaround Time

A reseller order involves at least two steps before printing begins: the order is placed with the reseller, then transmitted to the fulfillment partner. Each step takes time. Current Catalog's own guidance acknowledges this with a five-business-day processing window on top of shipping. An in-house manufacturer can begin production as soon as the order is received and the digital proof is approved, with no transmission step to an external partner.

Accountability

When something goes wrong with a reseller order, the buyer deals with the reseller's customer service team, which then deals with the fulfillment printer. When something goes wrong with an in-house manufacturer's order, the buyer deals directly with the company that printed the checks. The production team and the customer service team are in the same organization. Resolution is faster and more direct.

What to Look for in a Check Printing Service

Choosing a check printing service involves evaluating several factors beyond just price and design variety. These are the criteria that determine whether checks are actually usable, secure, and delivered when needed.

CPSA Certification and ABA Compliance

The most important credential a check printing service can have is CPSA certification. CPSA certified manufacturers display the CPSA padlock icon indicating membership in the Check Payment Systems Association and produces checks on ABA-compliant check security paper with the six standard fraud deterrent features: chemically reactive paper, genuine watermarks, microprinting, heat-sensitive ink, void pantographs, and UV fluorescent fibers. A check from any CPSA-certified manufacturer is accepted at all US banks. A check from an uncertified source may lack required security features and could be rejected by financial institutions.

In-House vs Outsourced Production

As described above, in-house manufacturing gives you more direct quality control and faster turnaround than a reseller model. Look for explicit statements about where checks are produced. Terms like "ships from our Monroe, NY facility" or "manufactured in-house" indicate a direct manufacturer. Vague language about "our printing partner" or "our fulfillment network" indicates a reseller model.

MICR Encoding Verification

The MICR line printing at the bottom of every check carries your routing number, account number, and check number in magnetic ink readable by banking processing equipment. An error in the MICR line produces a check that does not process correctly and may be returned by the bank. Reliable check printing services verify MICR data against the Federal Reserve's routing directory before printing. Look for services that describe a routing number verification step in their order process. Our ABA routing numbers guide covers the verification mechanics in detail.

Digital Proof Before Production

A digital proof is an image of your check as it will be printed, generated before any paper is committed. You review the proof to confirm your name, address, routing number, account number, check number, logo placement, background color, and design before approving production. Any error caught at the proof stage costs nothing to correct. An error caught after production requires a reprint. Choose a check printing service that provides a digital proof step on every order.

Transparent Pricing

The price shown on the product page should reflect what you will pay at checkout. Hidden handling fees, pre-selected add-ons that inflate the total, and shipping charges revealed only at the final step are red flags. A trustworthy check printing service shows the full per-check or per-box cost without requiring you to enter your banking credentials just to see pricing.

Turnaround Time Disclosure

Every check printing service should state clearly how long production takes and what shipping options are available. "5-10 business days" is a meaningful window. "2 weeks" for standard shipping is common at reseller-model brands but slower than direct manufacturers can achieve.

Customer Reviews on Independent Platforms

Check reviews on Trustpilot, BBB, and third-party review sites rather than only on the printer's own website. Independent reviews surface patterns in order accuracy, customer service responsiveness, and resolution time for problems that product pages do not disclose.

Security Standards Across Check Printing Services

All CPSA-certified check printing services use the same ABA-compliant security paper, which means the security baseline is consistent across the industry for certified producers. A box of blue safety checks from Checkomatic has the same six security paper features as a box from Checks Unlimited, Bradford Exchange Checks, or Deluxe. What differs between providers is not the security paper baseline but the product range, price, customization options, and turnaround.

Where security standards diverge is in the accuracy of MICR encoding. A check with perfect security paper features but an incorrect routing number or account number will not clear at the bank. MICR encoding accuracy is a function of the printer's verification process, not the security paper. A direct in-house manufacturer with its own quality control on the MICR encoding step has more accountability for this accuracy than a reseller whose fulfillment partner handles encoding without the reseller's direct oversight.

Some check printing services offer a high-security tier above the ABA baseline that adds holographic foil, which creates an additional counterfeit deterrent. Checkomatic's standard checks ship on ABA-compliant paper with all six baseline features. For businesses that want the holographic foil tier, that is available as an upgrade; contact Checkomatic's customer service for details. For most personal and business check users, the ABA baseline is sufficient. Our full security features guide is at check stock paper.

How to Compare Per-Check Costs Accurately

A check printing comparison on price requires calculating the per-check cost from the total checkout cost, not from the listed product price. This is the only accurate comparison because different services structure their charges differently.

The total cost of a check order includes the product price, any per-order or per-box handling fees, the chosen shipping cost, and any pre-selected add-ons (like SentryShield, EZShield, or FraudArmor) that you did not actively choose. Dividing this total by the number of checks in the order gives the true per-check cost.

A representative example using publicly available data: a box of 80 single personal checks from Checks Unlimited at standard single-box pricing is listed at $23.49 plus a per-box handling fee (now folded into listed prices) and shipping starting at $9.95 for tracked delivery. Total checkout for one box with tracked shipping and no add-ons is approximately $33.44, or about 42 cents per check. A comparable box from a direct manufacturer priced at $18.00 with no handling fee and free standard shipping is $18.00 total, or 22.5 cents per check. The per-check cost comparison at total checkout reflects a meaningful difference between channel models.

Our complete per-check cost analysis with methodology is in our cheap checks online guide. That guide covers how to calculate the true cost of a check order across any service, including the impact of bulk discounts, coupon codes, and delivery option choices on per-check cost.

How the Check Order Process Works Step by Step

Whether you order from Current Catalog, a Deluxe brand, or Checkomatic, the personal check ordering process follows the same basic steps. Understanding the steps helps you complete an accurate order the first time and avoid the reprint delays that come from errors in the banking information fields.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Before opening the ordering site, have an existing check or bank statement in front of you. You need your ABA routing number (nine digits, far left of the MICR line at the bottom of your check), your account number (middle section of the MICR line), and your starting check number (the number one above your last used check). Also have your name, address, phone number, and bank name ready. For business checks, have your business name and logo file prepared.

Step 2: Select Format, Design, and Quantity

Choose the check format that matches your needs: personal checkbook (standard), top stub (record stub above each check), deskset (larger desk format), side tear (tears from the side rather than the bottom), or the relevant business check format for your accounting software. Select your color and background style. Choose single or duplicate format. Select the quantity.

Step 3: Enter Personal and Banking Information

Enter your information exactly as you want it printed. Check ordering systems are case-sensitive and reproduce your entries precisely. Verify your routing number and account number against your existing check carefully. An error in either number produces a check that will not clear, requiring a full reprint.

Step 4: Upload Your Logo (If Applicable)

For logo checks, upload your logo file at this step. Vector files produce the sharpest results. High-resolution PNG files at 300 DPI are a good raster alternative. Review the logo placement and size indication in the proof. A full guide to logo file requirements is in our custom checks guide.

Step 5: Review the Digital Proof

The digital proof shows exactly how your check will print. Review every field: your name, address, routing number, account number, check number, logo, background color, and background style. Verify the routing number digit by digit. Verify the account number digit by digit. These are the most common sources of check errors, and an error caught at the proof stage costs nothing.

Step 6: Select Shipping and Complete the Order

Choose your shipping speed based on when you need the checks. Standard options range from free non-tracked delivery (7 to 15+ business days depending on the service) to overnight or two-day options. Complete payment. Save your order confirmation number and the reference information from the digital proof.

Step 7: Verify When Received

When your checks arrive, open the first pad and verify the routing number, account number, and check number against your existing check before using any checks. A visual confirmation at receipt catches any production error before it becomes a banking problem.

Check Printing Turnaround: What Standard and Rush Mean

Check printing turnaround has two distinct components: the production step (printing your specific check order) and the shipping step (delivering from the printer to your address). Both matter for planning, and the two are often combined in a single stated delivery estimate in ways that can mislead buyers.

Production time is the time from proof approval to the check leaving the printer's facility. At reseller-model brands with a fulfillment partner, there is an additional transmission delay between when you place the order and when the fulfillment partner begins production. Current Catalog explicitly states five business days of processing time before shipping begins. At direct in-house manufacturers, production can begin immediately after proof approval with no intermediary step.

Rush check printing (in-plant rush) is an option offered by most check printing services that accelerates the production step. Adding in-plant rush typically guarantees your order is ready to ship within one to two business days of proof approval, rather than the standard production window. It costs an additional fee, usually ranging from $5 to $23 depending on the service.

Shipping time is independent of production time. Standard delivery checks via USPS can take 7 to 15 business days in transit after the checks leave the printer. Standard trackable shipping typically takes 7 to 11 business days. Expedited and overnight shipping options are available from most services at a premium.

Checkomatic's standard turnaround from proof approval is 3 to 5 business days before shipping, with rush delivery options available at checkout for buyers who need checks faster. This is meaningful faster than reseller-model brands that build in a separate processing and transmission window before production begins.

Personal Check Printing Options

Personal check printing covers all the formats that individuals use for personal account payments: rent, utilities, charitable donations, personal transactions, and everyday household expenses. The format choice determines the physical structure of the checkbook, not the security properties or the banking compatibility.

Checkomatic offers personal checkbook printing and the full range of personal check formats through its in-house manufacturing facility:

• Personal checkbooks: Standard personal checkbook in blue, burgundy, and green. Multiple background styles including safety pattern, marble, prismatic, and diamond texture. Single or duplicate format. Each order includes deposit slips and a check register.
• Personal top stub checks: Spiral-bound with a record stub above each check, the stub stays in the book after the check tears away. Four style options. Strong choice for buyers who want a built-in record without managing a separate register.
• Personal deskset checks: Larger format for desk use with an extended stub section. More writing room and more record space per check than a standard checkbook.
• Secretary deskbook checks: Extended record format for high-frequency check writers who want the most detailed per-check stub section available.
• QuickBooks wallet checks: Personal wallet-size checks formatted for QuickBooks personal check print templates. For individuals who use QuickBooks for personal financial management.

All Checkomatic personal check formats include free black and white logo printing on every order with no setup fee. Color logo printing is available for a small additional charge.

Business Check Printing Options

Business check printing covers the formats used by businesses for payroll, accounts payable, vendor payments, and any other organizational financial transaction that requires a paper check. Business check formats are categorized by how they print and how they are structured relative to the voucher stubs.

Computer Business Checks

Computer business checks are printed through accounting software. The format must match your software's print template. Checkomatic produces all standard computer check formats:

• Check on top: Check in the upper third, two voucher stubs below. Standard for QuickBooks AP and payroll.
• Check in middle: Check centered, stub above and below. Used with Sage 50 and MYOB templates.
• Check on bottom: Check at the bottom, stubs above.
• 3-on-a-page checks: Three checks per sheet for high-volume printing.

Manual Business Checks

Manual check printing produces handwritten business checks rather than software-printed ones. Checkomatic manufactures the full manual check range including accounts payable checks, payroll checks, multi-purpose checks, executive deskbook, pocket checks, and a manual starter pack for first-time buyers.

QuickBooks-Compatible Checks

QuickBooks check printing at Checkomatic produces checks formatted and tested for QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online print templates. The QuickBooks starter pack includes a sample batch for template alignment verification before a full order is committed.

Blank Check Stock

Blank check printing stock in top, middle, bottom, and 3-per-page formats is available for businesses that print checks on-demand using a MICR printer or compatible accounting software. The Z-fold pressure seal checks provide self-sealing for payroll and AP mailings without separate envelopes.

Logo Printing on Checks

Logo printing is one of the most common reasons businesses choose a direct check manufacturer over a bank or reseller. Banks do not offer logo printing on personal or business checks. Many resellers offer logo printing as a paid add-on with setup fees. Checkomatic includes free black and white logo printing on every personal and business check order.

The free logo printing applies on every order, regardless of quantity, format, or check type. Submit your logo file at checkout. Black and white prints at no charge. Color logo checks are available through color logo printing for a small per-order fee with no setup charge. A full breakdown of file formats, resolution requirements, and logo placement is in our custom checks guide.

How Check Reordering Works

Check reordering is the process of ordering a new batch of checks that continues where your last batch ended. The key elements of a reorder are your starting check number (one above the last check in your finished book), and your banking information, which stays the same unless you have changed accounts or banks.

At Checkomatic, reordering is handled by starting a new order with the same product, color, background, and banking information, and updating the starting check number. Because Checkomatic is an in-house manufacturer, reorders carry the same production standard as first orders and ship on the same 3-to-5-business-day timeline from proof approval.

One practical reorder consideration: order your next batch before you run out of checks from the current one. Allow at least two weeks from order to delivery for standard shipping. Running completely out of checks creates workflow disruptions for businesses with regular check payment needs. Many business check users set a reorder trigger when they reach the last pad of a batch rather than waiting until the final checks are written.

Check Accessories From the Same Printer

A complete check operation needs more than checks. Checkomatic produces the full range of check accessories at the same Monroe, NY facility, meaning accessories and check orders can be placed together and ship at the same time:

• Business deposit slips: Pre-printed with your account information for fast, accurate deposits. Pair with business checks for a complete deposit workflow.
• Double-window check envelopes: Display payee name and return address through the windows when a standard business check is folded correctly. No address printing needed on the envelope.
• 7-ring check binders: Store manual business check stock organized and accessible. Compatible with Checkomatic's manual check formats.
• Self-inking custom stamps: Endorsement stamps, signature stamps, and address stamps ship customized with your specific business name and account details.
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Why Choose Checkomatic for Check Printing

Checkomatic has manufactured personal and business checks in Monroe, NY since 1997. That Monroe NY in-house facility ships every order direct. The in-house manufacturing model means every check in every order is produced at Checkomatic's own facility, with direct quality control from paper selection through MICR encoding through print quality through packaging and shipping.

In-House Manufacturing, Direct Pricing

No reseller margin. No catalog overhead. No fulfillment partner transmission step. Your order moves from Checkomatic's system to Checkomatic's production floor. The per-check price reflects manufacturing cost plus a direct-to-consumer margin, without the additional layers of a bank reseller, catalog intermediary, or Deluxe-brand corporate structure.

ABA-Compliant Security Paper on Every Order

Every Checkomatic ABA-compliant check printing order ships on ABA-compliant (ABA compliant) check paper with all six standard fraud deterrent features included at the base price. Chemically reactive paper, genuine watermarks, microprinting, heat-sensitive ink, void pantographs, UV fluorescent fibers. No security tier required. No upgrade needed. The CPSA padlock icon on Checkomatic's ordering pages confirms compliance with Check Payment Systems Association standards.

Free Logo Printing Included

Free black and white logo printing is included on every Checkomatic personal and business check order. No setup fee. Color logo printing is available for a small additional charge per order. No per-order handling fee is added at checkout. The price shown is the price charged.

3-to-5-Business-Day Standard Turnaround

Standard orders at Checkomatic ship within 3 to 5 business days from digital proof approval. This is faster than most reseller-model services, which build in processing and transmission time before production begins. Rush delivery is available at checkout for buyers who need checks sooner.

Full Personal and Business Check Range

Personal checks, business computer checks, manual business checks, QuickBooks checks, blank check stock, Z-fold pressure seal checks, deposit slips, check envelopes, 7-ring binders, and endorsement stamps. Every check-related product a household or business needs from one manufacturer in one order.

Start your order at checkomatic.com. For how the ordering process works in detail, see our how to order checks online guide. For a full per-check cost comparison methodology, see our cheap checks online guide. For a review of the major check brands including Checks Unlimited and Artistic Checks, see our Checks Unlimited guide.

The Short Version on Current Checks and Check Printing Services

Current Checks is Current Catalog, a consumer catalog company that resells personal checks produced by a third-party printing partner. It is not an in-house manufacturer. The check ordering process works the same as other reseller sites with an additional five-business-day processing window before shipping begins.

Check printing services fall into four models: bank reseller, catalog reseller, direct consumer brand, and in-house direct manufacturer. In-house manufacturers give you direct quality control, faster turnaround, and lower per-check costs than the reseller models. To compare check printing services accurately, calculate the total checkout cost including handling fees and shipping, then divide by the number of checks in the order.

Checkomatic is an in-house check manufacturer in Monroe, NY producing personal checks, business checks, QuickBooks checks, blank check stock, and check accessories since 1997. Every order ships on ABA-compliant security paper with all six fraud deterrent features, free logo printing, no per-order handling fee, and a standard 3-to-5-business-day turnaround from proof approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Current Checks?

Current Checks refers to Current Catalog (currentcatalog.com), a consumer catalog company that sells personal checks alongside home, gift, and lifestyle products. Current Catalog is a check printer reseller (check reseller), not a manufacturer. Current Catalog checks are produced by that fulfillment partner. It partners with a third-party printing fulfillment vendor to produce the checks ordered through its website. The company's ordering guidance states that buyers should allow five business days of processing time in addition to shipping. Current Catalog primarily serves personal check buyers and offers standard personal check formats, themed designs, and matching accessories including checkbook covers and address labels.

How long does it take to receive checks from a check printing service?

Standard check printing turnaround varies by service type. Reseller-model brands with a fulfillment partner typically need 10 to 15 or more business days from order to delivery on standard untracked shipping. Direct in-house manufacturers can ship faster because there is no transmission step to an external partner. Checkomatic's standard turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from digital proof approval, with rush delivery available at checkout. In-plant rush printing, available from most services as a paid add-on, accelerates the production step to 1 to 2 business days before shipping.

Are checks printed by third-party services accepted by all banks?

Yes. Checks printed by any CPSA-certified manufacturer on ABA-compliant security paper are accepted at all US banks and financial institutions. The bank processes the MICR line at the bottom of the check magnetically and does not consider who printed the check. As long as the routing number, account number, and check number are correctly encoded in magnetic ink, the check clears identically to a bank-ordered check. The CPSA padlock icon on any check printer's ordering page confirms compliance with Check Payment Systems Association standards required for universal bank acceptance.

What is the difference between an in-house check manufacturer and a check reseller?

An in-house check manufacturer prints checks on its own equipment at its own facility and ships directly to you. It controls paper stock selection, MICR encoding accuracy, print quality, and turnaround time entirely within its own operation. A check reseller operates a consumer-facing website and ordering interface but outsources printing to a fulfillment partner. The reseller transmits your order to the partner, the partner produces the checks, and the checks ship to you. The reseller adds a margin above the manufacturing cost, which contributes to higher per-check prices. Checkomatic is an in-house manufacturer in Monroe, NY, with direct production accountability on every order since 1997.

What information do I need to order checks from a check printing service?

You need your ABA routing number (nine digits on the far left of the MICR line at the bottom of any existing check), your checking account number (the middle number on the MICR line), your starting check number (one above your last used check or any starting number for a new sequence), your name and address as you want them printed, and your bank name. For business checks, you also need your business name and optionally a logo file. Your routing number and account number are on any existing check or bank statement. A full explanation of how to read the MICR line is in our ABA routing numbers guide.