How to Order Business Checks Online: The Complete 2026 Guide

When you're starting or running a small business, ordering checks sounds like it should take five minutes. In reality, most people get tripped up at the routing number screen and call their bank to ask if they're doing it right. You don't have to.

This guide walks you through the whole process, from picking the right type of check for your accounting software to choosing a layout your printer can actually handle. By the end you'll know exactly what to put in your cart and what to skip.

What do you need before you can order business checks?

You need four things in front of you before you start filling out the order form. Skip any of these and you'll either order the wrong checks or hold up your own shipment.

The first is your ABA routing number. That's the nine-digit code on the bottom-left of any existing check, or you can pull it from your business online banking under account details. The second is your account number, which sits next to the routing number on existing checks.

Third is your business legal name as it appears on your bank account, not your DBA. And fourth, your business address. These four fields can't be fixed after printing. If you typo them, the bank rejects the checks.

If you've never ordered checks before and your bank account is brand new, you can usually find all of this in the welcome packet the bank emailed you or under "Account Details" in your online portal.

What type of business check should you order?

The check type depends on how you write checks, not on what's prettiest. There are four main categories:

Computer checks are designed to be fed through a laser or inkjet printer. You print them from accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage. They come in a few layouts: check on top (most common, three checks per page with stubs below), check in middle (one check with a stub above and below), check on bottom (one check at the bottom, two stubs above), and three checks per page (vouchered for high-volume payables).

Manual business checks are what most people picture when they hear "checkbook." You hand-write them. They come in three-to-a-page binder format, executive deskbook format, or pocket format. Manual checks make sense for businesses that write fewer than ten checks a month and don't run accounting software.

Voucher checks have one check at the top and two perforated stubs below it. The stubs are where you note what the payment is for. They're standard for payroll and accounts payable because both you and the vendor get a record.

Wallet checks are smaller, designed to fit in a standard wallet. They're sometimes called pocket checks. Most businesses don't use them, but sole proprietors and freelancers sometimes do.

If you run QuickBooks, the safest pick is the voucher check on top format. It matches QuickBooks' default print layout and you won't need to adjust anything in software.

What information goes on a business check?

A standard business check shows your business name, business address, check number, the MICR line at the bottom (routing number, account number, check number in magnetic ink), and your bank's name. Optionally you can add a phone number, fax, logo, or watermark.

Logos add credibility but cost more. Most printers charge $15 to $30 for one-time logo setup. After that, every reorder includes the logo at no extra cost. If you're starting a new business or just rebranded, it's worth the upfront fee.

A watermark or pantograph background is a security feature. We'll get to that in a minute.

How do you actually place the order online?

The process at most check printers, including ours, takes about eight minutes once you have the four pieces of information ready. Here's what you'll click through:

1. Pick the check format (computer, manual, voucher, etc.).
2. Choose your starting check number. If you've never had checks before, start at 1001. If you're switching printers and have an existing checkbook, continue from your last check number.
3. Enter business name, address, routing, and account number.
4. Upload your logo if you want one (PNG or JPG, 300 DPI recommended).
5. Pick a check style. Most printers show 8 to 12 background patterns. Conservative blue or gray is standard for B2B.
6. Confirm the quantity. The cheapest unit price kicks in at 500 to 1,000 checks. Most small businesses order 250 or 500 to start.
7. Pick shipping speed.
8. Review the digital proof. This is the most important step. Zoom in and check every character of the routing and account numbers. Banks won't refund checks rejected due to MICR errors that you signed off on.

After you approve the proof, print and ship happens in 3 to 7 business days for standard orders.

Why thousands of small businesses order from Checkomatic

Checkomatic has been printing business checks since 1997. We're a established check printer based in Monroe, NY, and our checks are compatible with QuickBooks (Desktop and Online), Quicken, Sage 50, Xero, and MYOB.

What separates us is the combination of price and quality control. Our voucher checks for QuickBooks run between 30 and 50 percent less than what you'd pay ordering the same checks through Intuit's marketplace. Every order ships with bank-grade MICR ink and goes through a two-step proof review before printing. We've served thousands of small businesses across the US, and we hold a 4.9-star rating across 447 verified Birdeye reviews.

If you're ordering for QuickBooks specifically, our QuickBooks-compatible check catalog shows every layout that matches QuickBooks' default print settings, so you don't have to adjust margins or test print first.

How long does the whole process take?

Standard turnaround is 3 to 7 business days from proof approval to shipment, then 2 to 5 business days for ground shipping. That puts a typical order in your hands within 5 to 12 business days. Rush printing cuts the print time to 24 to 48 hours, and overnight shipping adds $25 to $40 but gets you checks the next morning.

If you've never reordered before and you're running low, leave yourself two weeks of cushion. Banks can take an extra day or two to process the first check from a new batch through their automated systems.

What does it cost to order business checks?

A box of 250 computer voucher checks usually costs between $35 and $70 depending on customization. Adding a logo bumps the first order by $15 to $30. Manual three-to-a-page checks start around $25 for 150 checks. Pressure-seal checks for payroll cost more, usually $80 to $130 for 250.

We break the full pricing structure down in our cost of business checks guide. Short version: ordering direct from a check printer like Checkomatic is 40 to 70 percent cheaper than ordering through your bank or through Intuit Market.

How do you know if the checks will work in your printer?

Three things determine printer compatibility: paper weight, perforation placement, and accounting software margins. All our computer checks ship on 24-pound MICR-certified paper, which is the standard weight that runs through every laser and inkjet printer on the market. Perforation lines match QuickBooks, Quicken, Sage 50, and Xero default templates exactly.

The only place you'll run into trouble is with very old laser printers (pre-2010) or with continuous-feed dot matrix setups. If you're on a continuous-feed system, you need pin-feed checks, which is a separate product category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order business checks online without an existing checkbook?

Yes. You just need your business name, address, routing number, and account number. None of that requires you to have ordered checks before.

Is it safe to enter banking details on a check printer's website?

Reputable check printers use the same TLS encryption banks use, and they don't store your account or routing numbers after the order ships. Look for HTTPS, a BBB accreditation, and verified reviews before ordering.

Do I have to order through my bank?

No, and you'll pay 40 to 70 percent more if you do. Banks resell checks from the same printers. Ordering direct from the printer is cheaper and faster.

How many checks should I order the first time?

Most small businesses do fine with 250 checks. If you write more than 30 checks a month, jump to 500 for the better unit price.

What if I made a typo on my routing or account number?

You'll catch typos at the digital proof stage if you actually read the proof. If you don't catch it and the printer ships, most printers will reprint at a discount but won't refund the original order.

Ready to place your order?

The whole process is shorter than your morning coffee run if you have your routing and account numbers handy. Start with our business checks catalog to pick a format, or jump straight to QuickBooks-compatible checks if that's the software you're running. If you're still working out which format fits your business, our contact page covers the questions that come up most often.

This article was written and reviewed by the Checkomatic team. Checkomatic manufactures business checks, envelopes, and related products on-premises in Monroe, NY, and serves thousands of small businesses across the US.