According to A History of the Bank of New York 1784–1884, the Bank of New York issued the first American checks around 1784, marking a key milestone in developing the country’s banking and payment systems.
Over 200 years later, business checks continue to be essential for finances. The right checks can do more than move money. They can improve the security and efficiency of your daily operations and, through branding, maintain a professional image for your business.
However, not every business check is made equally. Checks for a retail establishment or a professional services office will have different demands than those of a construction company.
Because of this, picking the best solution means taking your workflow, industry, and required level of security into close consideration.
What are the best business checks?
The best business checks depend on your needs. Voucher checks are ideal for payroll and accounts payable because they include stubs for easy recordkeeping. Wallet or manual checks are perfect for mobility and writing checks on the go. 3-on-a-page checks are designed for efficiency and speed, making them ideal for batch processing. Choose the type that fits your workflow for convenience and accuracy.
Why Business Checks Still Matter
Checks are a dependable and efficient way for businesses of all sizes to process payments. Different types of available checks offer crucial security features and sector-specific qualities. Above all, checks provide:
- A clear paper trail for accounting and potential audits
- Built-in security features that have been proven to reduce fraud risk
- A customizable option for an appearance that reflects your brand
- Compatibility with multiple accounting software
- A tried and tested form of payment that’s over two centuries old
Numerous options are available for customizable checks that can be made to meet the particular requirements of companies in various sectors. Checks remain popular because they are simple, reliable, and universally understood, making them a trusted payment method even in the digital age.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Business Checks
Ultimately, business checks still matter because they combine old-school reliability with modern security features that give companies and their clients peace of mind.
What are some universal factors every business owner should keep in mind?
1. Security Features
The threat of fraud to companies of all sizes is on the rise. There are several security features that discourage counterfeiting efforts. We’re talking about additions like holograms, watermarks, and heat-sensitive inks that can be incorporated into high-security check printing. There are many secure options to choose from:
2. Format and Compatibility
What is the purpose of your checks? Do you need manual checks for on-the-go payments or laser checks that integrate with your accounting software, such as QuickBooks or Sage? There are many styles of checks available, and the purpose is an important consideration.
3. Branding
Business checks are an extension of your company identity. Do you already use branded business cards, brochures, and other print items? So, to increase “ad value”, why not add some custom designs to your checks? Like the others, this ad will increase professionalism and ad value to every payment you send.
4. Efficiency
The correct check style can make processes more efficient. For example, 3-On-A-Page Checks are perfect for businesses that write multiple daily checks and keep everything organized in one binder for easy tracking. Portable options like Pocket Secure Kits or Compact Secure Kits are ideal for employees in the field who need to make payments on the go.
Choose the Business Checks for Your Industry
Construction and Contracting Firms
Contractors must often make payments from job sites or handle multiple subcontractors and suppliers. For this industry, here are some top suggestions:
- Business checks, in general, are perfect for writing payments on the spot.
- 3-on-a-Page Checks help contractors manage frequent transactions efficiently.
- Blank Laser Checks have high-security features to protect against fraud when dealing with large equipment or material costs.
Retail and Hospitality Businesses
In the retail and hotel industries, cash flow can move quickly due to managing several vendors and payroll cycles.
- Laser Checks are ideal for payroll because they include detailed stubs for employees.
- eChecks are a great option too! You can:
- Send instantly via email
- Use your existing checking account
- Integrate with accounting software
- Built-in fraud protection
- Save $1+ per check
- Branded checks are a must in this industry! Reinforce your store or restaurant’s professionalism with custom logos and colors.
Professional Services (Law, Accounting, Consulting)
Professional service providers must remain highly credible and trusted by their clientele. Presentation and security are crucial. For reputation-based industries.
- High-security laser checks for advanced fraud protection for sensitive financial transactions.
- Custom business checks that align with the firm’s branding to present a polished, trustworthy image.
Healthcare
Medical offices and clinics deal with sensitive information and strict compliance standards. By using checks with layered security, healthcare practices can safeguard financial and patient-related trust.
- Secure laser checks help ensure that payments to vendors and staff are processed safely.
- Software-compatible checks to integrate with accounting systems, reduce errors, and increase compliance with financial reporting.
- Deposit Slips to help clinics keep track of multiple staff roles and part-time payments.
Key Takeaways:
- Business checks are still needed. They provide a reliable paper trail and built-in security that digital payments alone can’t match.
- Security features are critical. To reduce fraud risk, look for options like holograms, thermochromatic ink, omnichannel capabilities, and chemical protection.
- Check type can impact efficiency. Small businesses benefit from manual checks, while high-volume processes can be streamlined by laser, paper, or digital cross-channel options.
- Customization increases trust with each transaction. Logos, brand colors, and customized layouts bolster your business’s legitimacy.
- Safeguard offers a comprehensive selection of configurable business checks for multiple industries.
Get Business Checks with Safeguard
Selecting the proper business checks is more than paying bills; it’s safeguarding your company. For smooth financial operations, there’s a customs check solution that fits your needs. Safeguard’s wide range of customizable business checks ensures you’ll have the tools to manage payments confidently and securely, regardless of your company’s size or sector. Get the expertise and solutions needed to help your business access a wide range of assets designed to help you grow. Partner with Safeguard and keep your business growth moving forward.