How to Print Checks at Home
Printing business checks at home is simpler than most people realize. With the right approach, you can create professional, bank-compatible checks using equipment you already own. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start printing checks today—no expensive software, no special printers, and no waiting for pre-ordered checks to arrive.
What You Need to Print Checks at Home
The good news is that printing checks requires minimal equipment. Here's what you'll need:
A Standard Printer
Most high-quality inkjet and laser printers work perfectly for check printing. You don't need a specialized check printer or MICR-enabled device. The printer you use for everyday documents will handle checks just fine. Both color and black-and-white printers work, though black ink is all that's truly necessary for the essential check elements.
Paper Options
You have two main choices for paper: plain printer paper or specialized check stock. Standard 20 to 24-pound bond paper works well for occasional checks. For a more professional appearance and added security features, consider using blank , with costs ranging from very affordable to more expensive for more premium options.
Your Banking Information
To print a valid check, you'll need your bank's routing number, your account number, and a check number. You can find the routing and account numbers on an existing check or through your bank's online portal. The routing number identifies your bank, while the account number identifies your specific account.
Step-by-Step: Printing Your First Check
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you start, collect all the information you'll need: your business name and address, bank name, routing number, account number, the payee's name, the payment amount, and any memo information. Having everything ready makes the process faster and reduces errors.
Step 2: Use a Check Printing Tool
With freecheckprint.com, you simply enter your check information into our online form. The system automatically formats everything according to banking standards, including proper MICR line positioning and standard check dimensions. Your data stays in your browser—it's never sent to or stored on our servers.
Step 3: Preview and Verify
Always preview your check before printing. Double-check that all information is correct, especially the account number, routing number, and payment amount. A mistake on these critical fields can cause your check to be rejected or deposited to the wrong account.
Step 4: Print and Sign
Print your check on your chosen paper. If using plain paper, you'll need to cut along the provided guidelines. If using perforated check stock, simply tear along the perforation. Remember: a check is not a valid negotiable instrument until you sign it. Always sign your printed checks by hand before issuing them.
Tips for Best Results
Printer Settings Matter
For the clearest MICR line (the numbers at the bottom of the check), use your printer's highest quality setting. This ensures the characters are crisp and easily readable by bank processing equipment. Also, make sure your printer is set to print at 100% scale—don't use "fit to page" options that might resize the check.
Test Print First
Before printing on your good paper or check stock, do a test print on regular paper. This lets you verify alignment and catch any errors without wasting materials. Hold the test print up to your check stock to make sure everything lines up correctly.
Keep Your Printer Clean
Dust, debris, or ink buildup can cause streaks or smudges on your checks. Clean your printer regularly and replace ink or toner cartridges when print quality starts to decline. A clean check reflects well on your business.
Common Questions About Home Check Printing
Do I Need Special Ink?
No. While magnetic ink (MICR ink) was once required for check processing, modern banks use optical scanning and digital imaging to process checks. Since the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21) went into effect in 2004, checks are processed as digital images. Standard printer ink works fine for home-printed checks.
Will Banks Accept Home-Printed Checks?
Yes, banks accept properly formatted checks regardless of whether they were pre-printed commercially or printed at home. The key is ensuring your check contains all required elements: payee name, amount, date, your signature, and a properly formatted MICR line with routing and account numbers. For more details, see our guide on whether printed checks are legal and bank-accepted.
Is Home Check Printing Secure?
When you use freecheckprint.com, your financial information never leaves your device. We don't collect, store, or transmit your bank account numbers or any check data. The entire check creation process happens locally in your browser. This is actually more secure than giving your banking information to a third-party check printing company.
Why Print Checks at Home?
Home check printing offers several advantages over ordering pre-printed checks:
- Cost savings: Pre-printed checks cost $20-50 per order, while home printing is essentially free
- Convenience: Print checks anytime you need them, even at 2 AM
- No minimums: Print one check or one hundred—whatever you need
- Privacy: Your banking information stays on your device
- Speed: No waiting for shipping; print immediately
Get Started Now
Ready to print your first check? With freecheckprint.com, you can create a professional business check in about 60 seconds. No registration, no payment information, no catch—just enter your information and print.
Have questions? Check our FAQ page for answers about check formatting, bank acceptance, and more.