Check Printing on Plain Paper vs. Check Stock

When printing business checks at home, one of the first decisions you'll face is what paper to use. Both plain printer paper and specialized check stock will produce valid, bank-acceptable checks—but each has distinct advantages. This guide helps you understand the differences so you can choose the right option for your situation.

Printing Checks on Plain Paper

Yes, you can absolutely print checks on regular printer paper. Banks process checks based on the information they contain—specifically the MICR line at the bottom with your routing and account numbers—not based on the type of paper used. A check printed on standard 20-24 pound bond paper is just as legally valid as one printed on expensive check stock.

When Plain Paper Works Well

• Emergency situations: When you need a check immediately and don't have check stock on hand
• Occasional use: If you only write a few checks per year
• Established relationships: When paying vendors or landlords who know and trust your business
• Test printing: Before using check stock, to verify alignment and information accuracy
• Cost sensitivity: When every dollar matters and you want zero material costs

Plain Paper Considerations

When printing on plain paper, you'll need to manually cut the check from the page. freecheckprint.com includes cut lines on the printed page to make this easier, but it does require an extra step. Plain paper checks also lack the security features that some recipients might expect, though these features are largely cosmetic in the modern banking era.

Printing Checks on Check Stock

Check stock is specialized paper designed specifically for printing checks. It typically comes in a "check on top" format with perforations that let you cleanly separate the check from the rest of the page. Blank check stock costs approximately $20-40 for 500 sheets, making each check cost just a few cents in materials.

Advantages of Check Stock

• Professional appearance: Pre-cut dimensions and clean edges look more polished
• No cutting required: Perforations let you tear checks cleanly
• Security features: Many check stocks include watermarks, colored backgrounds, or other visual elements
• Proper weight: Check stock is typically the right thickness for check handling equipment
• Recipient confidence: Some payees may feel more comfortable with professional-looking checks

Types of Check Stock Available

Basic blank check stock provides the essentials: proper dimensions, perforations, and a professional appearance. This is sufficient for most small businesses and costs around $15-25 for 500 sheets.

Security check stock adds features like watermarks, void pantographs (which cause "VOID" to appear if someone tries to photocopy the check), and colored backgrounds. While these features provide some peace of mind, their practical security value is limited in the era of digital check processing.

High-security check stock includes additional features like foil holograms, heat-sensitive ink, and microprinting. These are the most expensive option but provide visible security features that some businesses prefer.

Side-by-Side Comparison

The Truth About Security Features

Many people assume that security features on check stock are essential for fraud prevention. The reality is more nuanced. Since the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21) took effect in 2004, banks process checks as digital images rather than handling the physical paper. This means features like embedded foil, heat-sensitive ink, and microprinting have limited practical security value.

What actually makes a check secure is your signature and the accuracy of the information on it. Banks verify checks by examining the MICR line data and comparing signatures. The paper the check is printed on matters far less than most people think.

That said, security features can provide psychological confidence for both you and your payees. If you're writing checks to new vendors or for large amounts, the professional appearance of check stock may be worth the small additional cost.

Our Recommendation

For most small businesses that write occasional checks, we recommend keeping some basic check stock on hand. At roughly $0.03-0.06 per check, the cost is negligible, and the convenience of perforated paper saves time. However, don't hesitate to use plain paper when you need a check and don't have stock available—it works just as well from the bank's perspective.

If you write checks frequently or to parties who might be unfamiliar with your business, investing in basic security check stock is reasonable. Skip the premium high-security options unless you specifically need them for compliance or peace of mind—the extra features rarely provide proportional value.

Where to Buy Check Stock

Blank check stock is available from office supply stores, Amazon, and specialty check suppliers. Look for "check on top" format for compatibility with freecheckprint.com. A good starting option is this check stock on Amazon, which includes basic security features at a reasonable price.