Avoid check writing mistakes and wasted checks

12 ways printing helps reduce mistakes and waste

These are potential benefits, not guarantees:

• Reduce errors caused by illegible handwriting.
• Avoid wasting a check when a mistake makes it unusable.
• Review payment information before printing.
• Correct a typo before committing it to paper.
• Reduce inconsistent formatting.
• Avoid ordering too many preprinted checks.
• Reduce the need to discard obsolete preprinted checks after a business change.
• Make payment amounts easier to inspect.
• Reduce repetitive copying of payee names.
• Help staff follow a standard procedure.
• Reduce the chance of losing track of a check number, since it is recorded.
• Make it easier to identify a check that needs investigation.

What printing does not prevent

Software does not eliminate fraud, insufficient funds, the wrong payee or bank processing problems. Checks still need review, secure storage and careful handling, especially blank check stock. Read our guide to protecting your account numbers and keep unused stock locked up.

A short checklist before you sign any check

Whether you print or handwrite, check these before you sign:

• The payee name is correct and spelled the way the payee uses it.
• The number and the words match.
• The date is right and not too far in the past or future.
• The memo has an invoice or account number if the payee needs one.
• The account has enough funds when the check is likely to be cashed.
• The signature is yours, and nobody else prepares your checks unsupervised.