Check Printing Software Alternatives Compared

When you need to print business checks, you have several options ranging from free online tools to expensive accounting software. This guide compares the major alternatives so you can choose the right solution for your needs and budget.

The Main Check Printing Options

Business check printing solutions generally fall into four categories:

1. Free online check printing tools (like freecheckprint.com)
2. Dedicated check printing software
3. Accounting software with check printing features
4. Pre-ordered checks from banks or commercial printers

Each option has distinct advantages and trade-offs. Let's examine them in detail.

Option 1: Free Online Check Printing Tools

Services like freecheckprint.com allow you to create and print business checks directly from your web browser, with no software to install and no fees to pay.

Advantages

• Cost: Completely free—no subscription fees, no per-check charges
• Convenience: Works from any computer with a browser and printer
• No installation: Nothing to download, install, or update
• Privacy: With freecheckprint.com, your data stays on your device and is never stored on servers
• Simplicity: Minimal learning curve; print a check in about 60 seconds
• Flexibility: Change business information anytime without wasting pre-printed checks

Limitations

• No integration: Doesn't connect to accounting software or bank accounts
• Manual entry: You enter information for each check individually
• No check register: You'll need to track check numbers separately
• Basic features: Focused on printing, not comprehensive financial management

Best For

Small businesses and freelancers who write occasional checks (1-20 per month) and want the simplest, most cost-effective solution. Ideal if you already use other tools for accounting and just need to print checks quickly.

Option 2: Dedicated Check Printing Software

Standalone programs designed specifically for check printing, such as VersaCheck, PrintBoss, or CheckSoft. These are installed on your computer and offer more features than online tools.

Advantages

• Feature-rich: Check registers, payee databases, recurring payments
• Integration: Some products integrate with accounting software
• Batch printing: Print multiple checks efficiently
• Templates: Multiple check formats and customization options
• Data storage: Saves payee information for reuse

Limitations

• Cost: Typically $30-150 for basic versions, $100-300+ for premium
• Subscription model: Many require annual renewals for updates
• Learning curve: More complex than simple online tools
• Platform-specific: Usually Windows-only; Mac options are limited
• Installation required: Must install and maintain software
• Overkill: Many features you may never use

Best For

Businesses that write 20-100+ checks monthly and want more features than basic online tools but don't need full accounting software. Good if you frequently pay the same vendors.

Option 3: Accounting Software with Check Printing

Full accounting packages like QuickBooks, Sage, FreshBooks, or Wave include check printing as one of many features for comprehensive business financial management.

Advantages

• Integrated: Checks tie directly to your accounting records
• Automatic tracking: Every check is recorded in your books
• Bank reconciliation: Match checks to bank statements easily
• Vendor management: Comprehensive payee and payment history
• Reporting: See check payments in context of overall finances
• Multi-user: Suitable for businesses with multiple employees

Limitations

• Cost: $15-150+ per month for subscriptions; higher for advanced versions
• Complexity: Steep learning curve; designed for accounting, not just checks
• Overkill: If you just need check printing, you're paying for features you won't use
• Setup time: Initial configuration can take hours
• Ongoing maintenance: Requires regular updates and backups

Best For

Businesses that need comprehensive accounting software anyway. If you're already using QuickBooks for invoicing and bookkeeping, using its check printing feature makes sense. Don't buy accounting software just to print checks.

Option 4: Pre-Ordered Checks from Banks or Printers

The traditional approach: order printed checks from your bank or a commercial check printer like Deluxe, Checks Unlimited, or Costco Checks.

Advantages

• Professional appearance: High-quality printing and security features
• No printer needed: Just fill in and sign
• Security features: Holograms, watermarks, microprinting built-in
• No technology required: Works even if your computer is down
• Familiar: The same checks businesses have used for decades

Limitations

• Cost: $20-50 per order (100-200 checks), plus shipping
• Lead time: 5-10 business days for delivery
• Minimums: Must order in bulk; can't print just one
• Inflexibility: Business information is pre-printed; changes require new order
• Inventory: Need to track and reorder before running out
• Waste: Unused checks become trash if information changes

Best For

Businesses with stable information that write many checks per month and prefer the traditional approach. Also useful as a backup for when technology fails.

Comparison Table

* freecheckprint.com processes all data locally in your browser; banking information is never sent to or stored on our servers.

Our Recommendation

For most small businesses writing occasional checks, start with a free online tool like freecheckprint.com. You'll save money, avoid complexity, and maintain privacy. If your needs grow and you find yourself wanting features like payee databases or accounting integration, you can always upgrade to more comprehensive software later.

Don't buy expensive software for features you don't need. A freelancer writing 5 checks a month has very different requirements than a company writing 500. Match the solution to your actual usage.